Intellectual Property: Sweden

THE FIRM The outstanding IP department at Lindahl is made up of 40 dedicated lawyers, and is particularly respected for its patent litigation expertise. The group's clients include H&M, Merck Sharp & Dohme and BMW. Recent work highlights include representing a multinational plastic toy manufacturer in a patent infringement matter, and acting for Arla Foods on product design litigation.

Sources say: "Lindahl really wants to go that extra mile for clients. It is viewed as one of the top players in the Swedish market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS IP department head Håkan Borgenhäll is renowned for his prowess in patent litigation. One impressed client comments: "Borgenhäll is by far the best IP lawyer that I have worked with, and his expertise has many times proved essential to achieving a successful result." Clients greatly value "skilled senior lawyer" Ulf Dahlgren, highlighting his considerable international experience. He focuses on patent litigation in the life sciences sector. The "impressive" Jonas Westerberg receives widespread admiration for his legal knowledge. He is well recognised for his patent and copyright work in the pharma industry. IP expert Henrik Wistam is "clear, to the point and innovative," say interviewees.

THE FIRM This long-established IP boutique maintains its formidable reputation and track record in the field. The group's clientele includes large and mid-sized European and US companies as well as individual artists, with the life sciences and TMT areas being particularly well represented. The team has been impressively active recently on matters relating to patent litigation, copyright, trade marks and trade secrets.

Sources say: "This group of IP specialists is dedicated, thorough and up to date." "We feel that we are in safe hands." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dag Sandart enjoys a glowing reputation, with interviewees commenting that "he really stands out as a patent litigator." Celebrated IP litigator Peter Sande is "the type of lawyer that you want: he is always there when you need him and offers excellent judgement." Highly praised Karin Cederlund is an expert on copyright issues and a seasoned litigator. Peers and clients hold prestigious academic and experienced litigator Anders Kylhammar in high regard. "Kylhammar is knowledgeable, thorough, responsive and an expert in his field. It is a pleasure to work with such a talented individual," enthuse sources. Peter Adamsson is well known for his expertise in copyright issues. Clients say that "Adamsson is a confident and dedicated lawyer, who creates a productive dialogue." 

THE FIRM This full-service firm conducts IP work from its Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö offices. The practice consists of three partners and 12 associates who collaborate closely with the firm's transactional groups. Recent mandates include defending Blocket in an alleged copyright infringement case, and advising Bain Capital and Hellman & Friedman on IP matters arising from their acquisition of Securitas Direct.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Per Eric Alvsing recently successfully represented Hittapunktse in litigation against Scandinavian Media Solutions regarding misleading advertising.

THE FIRM The IP group at this international firm handles all related matters, covering copyright, trade marks, design and patents. It is regularly active in IT, telecoms, media, life sciences and aviation. Recent mandates include representing Swedish horse racing betting board ATG in a copyright infringement dispute.

Sources say: "The international capacity of this firm is outstanding."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Staffan Boström leads the media practice in Stockholm. He enjoys an excellent reputation for his trade mark and copyright work. Senior consultant Walo von Greyerz impresses peers with his long experience in IP, especially as regards patent infringement cases.

THE FIRM This six-lawyer IP practice is well known for its expertise in media and IT-related matters. It has been busy on court litigation involving copyright infringement through illegal file sharing. The group also advised five book publishers on allowing for IP disclosure in piracy cases. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter Danowsky is "a guru" in the media industry, with an impressive track record in copyright issues. Sources say that "he is extremely professional and easy to work with." Media expert Ulf Isaksson is highly regarded for his work as a copyright litigator.

THE FIRM The large and respected IP group at this international firm handles contentious and non-contentious copyright, trade mark and patent matters. New technologies companies comprise a sizeable part of the team's client base. It has been acting on disputes in the motion picture industry for a number of years. Amongst recent highlights, the group acted for Andritz Hydro on a misappropriation of trade secrets case.

Sources say: "Pragmatic, skilled and responsive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients and peers thoroughly recommend seasoned litigator Henrik Bengtsson, who has noteworthy expertise in trade secrets matters. Media expert Peter Skoglund is well respected for his litigation, regulatory and transactional work. He has in-depth knowledge of the film distribution industry. 

THE FIRM This large Swedish firm provides the full range of IP services, often working closely with its international offices to provide cross-border advice. The team's clients include Novartis, Novamedia, Sony Pictures and iTunes. Amongst recent mandates, it assisted Ford with IP issues arising from its sale of Volvo.

Sources say: "Never leaves work half-done - we can trust the team always to be on our side and to look out for us." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Per Josefson is admired for his patent litigation expertise and valuable contacts. Clients note that he "understands our business and can quickly analyse any situation and offer useful advice." Stefan Widmark impresses clients and peers with attentive service and considerable knowledge of IP and media law issues. 

THE FIRM This highly praised IP group often works alongside patent firm Ström & Gulliksson, meaning that it is able to offer the full spectrum of IP services. The team's clients include ratiopharm, Teva, DORO and Inter IKEA. 

Sources say: "The team combines excellent business sense with high integrity to provide sound advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients value Jonas Gulliksson as a long-experienced and successful IP litigator. Sources are greatly impressed by Mattias Malmstedt, describing him as "a fantastic litigator" who is "extremely business-oriented - he always sees the commercial point of view." He wins praise for his copyright and competition expertise.

THE FIRM This IP group has particular expertise in media and trade mark issues. Recent mandates include advising Lasse Hallström on his agreement to direct the film 'The Hypnotist'; and assisting MTG Productions with various IP-related matters.  

Sources say: "Focused and experienced in the areas of TV and film production." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Experienced media lawyer Mathias Berggren is the main point of contact.

THE FIRM This large IP department works across the full-service firm's Malmö, Stockholm and Gothenburg offices. It has strong expertise in the areas of pharma and biotech patent litigation, and in trade mark issues. Recent mandates include advising ex-ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus on his IP rights; and representing Teva in a patentability dispute with AstraZeneca.

Sources say: "The lawyers are always available and easy to talk to, and their advice makes perfect sense."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lennart Arvidson impresses clients with his "excellent analytical skills and detailed knowledge of all relevant legislation, case law and procedural matters." Malmö-based Martin Levinsohn leads the department. His recent work includes representing Sandoz and Novartis in a patent litigation case against Leo Pharmaceutical Products. Hugo Wernbro is a key member of the IP team. He recently acted for Orifarm Generics on a patent infringement matter. 

THE FIRM This four-partner IP department works from the firm's Stockholm and Gothenburg offices. It handles all types of IP and marketing law matters, with a special focus on litigation and contract drafting. It collaborates with law firms abroad to resolve cross-border trade mark disputes and patent infringement cases.

Sources say: "Provides an extremely professional and timely service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Michael Plogell wins praise for his analytical skills and huge experience. "He is an excellent litigator with an impressive ability to grasp foreign law concepts," say sources. He receives special mention for his knowledge of Australian legal issues.

Well-respected Håkan Sjöström of Advokatfirman Glimstedt advises clients such as Vagabond, Nudie, Volvo and Saltkråkan on copyright and trade mark matters. Peers recognise Peter von Heidenstam of Heidenstam Legal Advokat AB as a strong name in the IP field, particularly for advice on trade mark, counterfeit and piracy issues. Gabriel Lidman of Hamilton Advokatbyrå is an active and well-recognised figure in the IP arena, advising on contentious and non-contentious patent and trade mark issues. Peers hold Monique Wadsted of MAQS Law Firm in high regard, especially for her copyright work on behalf of media companies. Fredrik Ahlqvist of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton Advokat KB is a well-established name in the IP field, particularly for patent litigation. Lena Frånstedt Lofalk of Nord & Co Advokatbyrå KB is well recognised for her expertise in trade mark and copyright issues. Ragnar Lundgren of Gozzo Advokater impresses competitors with his wide IP knowledge. His practice involves technology-related patent litigation in the pharma, biotech, electronics and mechanical engineering sectors. At the same firm, Ann-Charlotte Söderlund enjoys an excellent reputation among peers. Currently, she is the Swedish representative on the European Commission Best Practice Project to strengthen IP rights enforcement in the EU. Clients commend the "exceptional" Richard Wessman of Von Lode Advokat AB for his "vast IP knowledge, proactive approach and understanding of our business." He is an academic counsel for the firm.

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