Dinsmore & Shohl LLP has once again been recognized by World Trademark Review, receiving a Gold ranking in Ohio and a Bronze ranking in Illinois in the 2026 WTR 1000. The rankings reflect the depth of Dinsmore’s trademark team and the trust clients place in the Firm to protect and advance their brands with smart, business‑driven strategies, locally and around the world.
The WTR 1000 research committee praised Dinsmore’s trademark team for its client‑centric approach and breadth of experience, noting the Firm’s ability to support some of the world’s most recognizable brands with sophisticated, end‑to‑end trademark counsel.
Several of the Firm’s attorneys also earned individual recognition for their excellence in trademark law, including:
- April Besl
- Karen Gaunt
- Grant Monachino
- James (Jim) Dimitrijevs
- James (Jimmy) Theo
- Tamara Head
Ohio: Gold Ranking
In Ohio, WTR commended Dinsmore for delivering a “platinum‑level service” coast to coast, highlighting the Firm’s comprehensive trademark capabilities and collaborative client relationships.
The publication noted that the practice thrives under the leadership of April Besl, who was individually recognized for her ability to partner with clients to build robust trademark portfolios that position assets for long‑term success.
Karen Gaunt, Chair of IP Litigation, was also singled out for praise, with WTR emphasizing her more than two decades of experience and her seamless integration of litigation and transactional insight. One client shared:
“Karen and April are fantastic attorneys. They are the nicest human beings and really care about their clients. They truly are extensions of their clients’ teams and are very responsive and service orientated.”
Grant Monachino earned recognition for his strategic, top‑shelf portfolio management and his facility with TTAB proceedings, while James Dimitrijevs was noted as a trusted advisor with more than three decades of experience and a deep strategic playbook that allows him to develop practical solutions to even the most complex trademark challenges.
Illinois: Bronze Ranking
Dinsmore also maintained its Bronze ranking in Illinois, with WTR describing the Firm as an authority in the trademark space that pairs top‑tier intellectual property capabilities with the versatility of a full‑service firm.
The Chicago practice is led by Tamara Head and James Theo, both of whom received individual recognition. Tamara was praised for her responsiveness, thoroughness and ability to guide clients through matters ranging from filings to complex global trademark issues. James was recognized for his thoughtful, creative approach to trademark portfolio management and brand strategy, frequently serving as a trusted extension of in‑house legal teams and advising on enforcement and expansion across jurisdictions worldwide.