Dehns is pleased to announce that the firm achieved significant success at the Managing Intellectual Property Awards 2026, winning three prestigious awards at a ceremony held at the InterContinental London, attended by approximately 750 intellectual property professionals from around the world during the International Trademark Association Annual Conference.
The firm received the following awards:
- United Kingdom Prosecution Firm of the Year (International including Europe)
- Impact Case of the Year
- United Kingdom Rising Star of the Year – Adam Kellett
The Managing Intellectual Property Awards recognise the most notable intellectual property achievements and developments from the past year, celebrating leading firms and practitioners across the global intellectual property community.
The award for United Kingdom Prosecution Firm of the Year (International), which includes European Patent Office prosecution, is particularly meaningful, as EPO prosecution work is the mainstay for the majority of UK attorneys. The award also recognises the strength and global reach of Dehns’ prosecution practice both in Europe and further afield and its success in supporting clients across multiple jurisdictions.
Dehns was also recognised for Impact Case of the Year in relation to the landmark European Patent Office decision G1/23. This decision clarified the law on the prior art status of products placed on the market, confirming that such products and their analysable features form part of the state of the art, even where they cannot be exactly reproduced.
Dehns Partner Neil Campbell played a central role in this case, representing the opponent and successfully advancing the arguments that were ultimately reflected in the Enlarged Board of Appeal’s decision. The ruling has had a significant impact on European patent practice, providing greater clarity in how prior art is assessed.
In addition, Dehns Trade Mark Senior Associate, Adam Kellett was named United Kingdom Rising Star of the Year, highlighting the depth of emerging talent within the firm.
Adrian Samuels, Dehns’ Managing Partner, commented:
“We are delighted to have achieved this recognition on an international stage. These awards reflect the expertise and commitment of our people, and the strong relationships we have built with clients around the world.”
This success reinforces Dehns’ position as a leading intellectual property firm, recognised for excellence in prosecution, high-impact case work, and the strength of its people.
