Intellectual Property: Norway

One of the largest in Norway, this team of “highly competent" IP specialists has a broad range of expertise and is greatly respected by observers. It advises on the full spectrum of IP issues, including patents, trade mark, copyright and e-commerce, and impresses clients with its high-quality service. “They are always available and offer good value for money,” said a satisfied interviewee. The group covers the offshore, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, acting for clients such as Biomar, Sandoz, AstraZeneca and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Amund Brede Svendsen is considered an outstanding patents litigator and also handles trade mark litigation and unfair competition work. “He quickly gained an insight into our business and the issue at hand – I would use him again in a heartbeat,” said one client. Head of department Svein Ruud Johansen is "highly experienced” in patent litigation. With regards to copyright, the firm advises a number of Norwegian rights owners’ organisations, including Kopinor and Norwaco. Astri Lund is considered an expert in copyright and is praised for her great theoretical skills. Øystein Flagstad is also recommended for copyright and IT matters. Ida Gjessing is described as “a clever and experienced lawyer.” She has expertise in trade marks, patents, design law and unfair competition work.

This IP group numbers 12 lawyers and remains a leading player in the market. “The ability to foresee and plan for different scenarios is what sets Schjødt apart,” satisfied clients said. It has the expertise to handle a wide range of IP rights and advises national and international entities, including BMW, Cappelen Damm and VG. Recent highlights include representing various organisations within the technology and media and offshore sectors. The team acted for Aker MH in the high-profile, international Transocean patent case. It advised several newspapers and Internet services on matters such as the use of IP content, contract negotiations and disputes about publication of pictures and articles. Recent trade mark work has included representing Friis/Moxtex in a dispute over mass-scale reproductions. Halvor Manshaus continues to lead the team and is commended for his expertise and advice. He is “client-oriented and extremely knowledgeable, and the quality of his advice is excellent,” said one source.

“An outstanding firm for IP work,” this Oslo and Bergen-based team continues to attract high praise. Clients especially appreciate the high level of partner involvement of the group, which is led by Arne Ringnes. He is “an absolute star – extremely intelligent and cuts to the core quickly. You know you are in very good hands,” say clients. His clients include TONO, YKK and Orkla. Jan Morten Evertsen is well regarded for his strength in copyright and media work. Clients go to him for his “practical advice and solutions.” He recently acted for Metronome Film Spartacus in trade mark litigation over the TV series 'Hotel Caesar' and advised Rubicon TV on formats and production. Together with Ringnes, he also offers general IP advice to Microsoft. Kristine Schei focuses on patents, trade marks and marketing, and represents Deer & Co in an ongoing trade mark and parallel import issue. Camilla Vislie is highlighted for her work in IP, marketing law and, in particular, freedom of speech. She recently assisted Softnyx Corporation USA with obtaining an injunction against pirate copying of an Internet game.

This team of 15 lawyers continues to impress with its vast expertise and capacity, and is pushing towards the top of the market. Sources were particularly appreciative of its patent litigation work and note its growing strength in biotech and pharmaceutical mandates. Other strong areas are trade marks, copyright and media matters. Anne Marie Sejersted is forging a strong presence in the field and is highlighted for her strength in patents. She represented Heerema Group in an offshore patent case against Seadrill. Håkon Bleken is recognised for his skill in patent litigation, having recently acted for Krka Novo Mesto in a case before the Supreme Court. Helge Olav Bergan focuses on media, entertainment and copyright law and is an experienced litigator. He is “knowledgeable and creative – a true pleasure to work with,” said one source. Bergan's clients include RiksTV, SBS Radio Norge and Meltwater News. He also has substantial experience with anti-piracy and counterfeiting work. Geir Steinberg focuses on the food and pharmaceutical sectors, both nationally and internationally.

Much of the strength of this well-respected team stems from the lawyers’ expertise in life sciences and pharmaceutical patent litigation. Acting for Merck & Co in a case against Mylan is one of several examples of standout work. Other important clients include Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Bristol-Myers Squibb. In offshore work, the firm represented Seadrill in patent litigation against Transocean. Department head Gunnar Sørlie led the case and is “one of the top patent lawyers in Norway.” The team also handles design rights, trade marks, copyright, passing-off and anti-piracy matters. It represents major Norwegian and international media companies, such as Viasat and MTG. Lars Guttorm Norheim focuses on licensing, franchising and the retail industry, as well as IP-related transactions. He is “fast, to the point and has a good commercial approach,” said one source.

“Well reputed in the IP area,” Bull & Co is a small but prominent player in the Norwegian market. With expertise that covers all stages of the protection and management of rights, the team is well equipped to deal with a wide range of IP questions. Described as a “clever and brilliant practitioner with a strong presence,” Amund Grimstad advises and litigates on a broad range of IP rights, including copyright, patent licensing and trade marks. Bente Holmvang is “very pleasant to work with,” observers remark, highlighting her performance in trade mark and marketing law. Kristine Madsen has broad experience in the IP field, and is recognised for her IT and media work.

This firm advises prominent businesses on regulatory, strategic and commercial IP issues. Clients are satisfied with the service, saying the lawyers “understand the scope of the help that we need, and deliver good value for money.” The team advises ABC Startsiden on various IP matters. It recently successfully defended the Champagneria restaurant against a claim that its name was an infringement of Champagne as a protected geographical indication. The group's strength on copyright matters is demonstrated by its recent instruction by Telenor, Canal Digital and Mediebedriftenes Klareringstjeneste. Respected litigator John Gulbrandsen handled this case, with peers describing his work as “excellent.” Head of department Hans Erik Johnsen has “broad and overarching knowledge of the telecoms industry” and impresses clients with his practical IP advice. Kyrre Eggen specialises in IP, media and privacy law. He gains recognition for his work on freedom of speech issues. Making his debut in the rankings, Rune Opdahl is praised for his expertise in licensing. Further clients include Hi3G and Open Ad Exchange.

“Among the best in Norway for infringement cases,” Wikborg Rein is famous for its patent litigation and advisory work. The small but dedicated team advises generic pharmaceutical companies and clients such as Pharmaq. It represents ratiopharm and Actavis in all their Norwegian patent litigation, and acted for Transocean in an extensive patent case about dual activity drilling. Head of the team Gunnar Meyer is “at the very top of the patent litigation business,” sources say. He is “highly competent, detail-oriented and never gives up.” Ingvild Hanssen-Bauer has extensive knowledge of case law and is “extremely thorough,” say sources. Clients appreciate her ability to understand the technical aspects of patents. The group was recently strengthened by the arrival of two new associates. Described as a “rising star,” Kaja Veel Midtbø impressed sources with the quality of her advice.

This Oslo-based firm assists clients with the protection of IP rights and advises on research and development. It continues to serve long-standing clients such as the Norwegian Research Council, Samlerhuset, Natre Holding and REC. The team is noted for its quality litigation work. It recently acted for the University of Oslo in a dispute over trade mark rights to Ida, a 47-million-year-old fossil known as the 'missing link'. “Clever, competent and skilled,” Rolf Trolle Andersen's main areas of expertise are trade marks, patents and design rights. Monica Syrdal is highlighted for her proficiency in copyright and also handles media and competition matters.

This firm's international network is a major strength, with a wide range of Norwegian and international clients instructing the IP team. The lawyers “produce high-quality work and it’s always delivered on time,” clients say. Cadbury Schweppes recently chose the firm as sole legal counsel for all trade mark work in Norway. Other recent highlights include acting for Meltwater in a copyright dispute against Klareringstjenesten and advising Norønna on trade mark infringement issues in China. Partner attention is another factor that attracts clients, who observe that "the level of partner contact and international expertise really adds value." Nils Arne Grønlie is praised for his “fantastic” service. His “ability to understand our business quickly is his greatest asset,” remarked one source. Bard Racin Meltvedt is described as a “solid IP lawyer.” He advises advertising, design and events agencies, and also has considerable expertise in sports law.

This team is experienced in providing strategic IP advice, especially in transactions, and observers say it is developing fast. It advised Polaris Media on its acquisition of two newspapers from Edda Media, reviewing the production, licensing and marketing agreements. On the patents side, the lawyers assisted Aqua Bio Technology with commercialising a patented cosmetic ingredient. Technology is another field of expertise; the group advised the Norwegian Ministry of Transport & Communication on a nationwide ticketing system for public personal transport. Nils Kristian Einstabland heads the team and concentrates on IP rights relating to technology and media. “He is responsive, flexible and delivers within our timeframe,” commentators say.

With offices across Norway, this firm offers comprehensive legal and strategic advice on IP rights to a variety of clients. It provided assistance to Scanmar in two disputes over patent infringements. Head of the team Fredny Bade handled these cases and is highlighted for her skill and experience in trade marks. Mette Borchgrevink is recognised for her personal data and privacy work.

These “rock-solid” lawyers are praised for their responsiveness. The team acts for local, mid-sized firms as well as listed companies, public authorities and foreign clients. Torstein Arendt is described as a “very constructive” IP and IT lawyer. His clients include the Central Bank of Norway and the Norwegian Agricultural Authority. Ingvild Mestad is a “knowledgeable, solid practitioner” who advises on a broad range of IP and technology matters.

IP and TMT are closely knit together at this firm, and this is reflected in its client base: the team represents IFPI, the US Motion Picture Association, the Norwegian Publishers Association, TONO and the Norwegian Video Federation. Content protection has been a major priority for the lawyers of late. “They work strategically and are good at looking at different angles to try and reach a goal,” say observers about the group's approach. Oslo-based Espen Tøndel has great experience in licence and distribution agreements for software, technology and content.