Intellectual Property: Denmark

Kromann Reumert is undoubtedly a leading firm within IP, and continues to be seen by sources as "head and shoulders above almost everyone else – this is a large group of responsive, commercially thinking,  dedicated IP lawyers." The practice boasts an excellent client base featuring such diverse names as telecoms giant TDC, Carlsberg and the Danish Football Players' Association. Practice leader Nicolai Lindgreen is well established at the forefront of Danish patent law. Clients praise him as "a highly talented lawyer, good analytical thinker and a delight to deal with." Frank Bøggild specialises in IP litigation, particularly related to marketing practices. Clients say: "It is always possible to get a quick answer and he comes up with excellent practical solutions." The vastly experienced Erling Borcher leads the firm's litigation and arbitration group and has particular expertise in product counterfeiting and piracy. Martin Dahl Pedersen specialises in copyright, while Dorte Wahl is an eminent figure within trade mark law. Pia Kirstine Voldmester is a rising star of the department and impresses clients with her knowledge and responsiveness.

Plesner's IP practice is one of the largest and most highly respected in Denmark, with a total of 22 lawyers, including eight partners, involved in the area. Clients appreciate that the team is "very knowledgeable and has a very pragmatic approach as well as excellent relationships with the judicial system." Peter-Ulrik Plesner is considered a giant in IP circles, and is among the most experienced patent litigators in the country. He recently represented Guldager in a Supreme Court case against Dansk Elektrolyse regarding a method for corrosion-proofing water pipes. Practice head Per Håkon Schmidt "is definitely one of the reasons why the firm is doing so well," say sources. He advises on a broad spectrum of IP matters including trade marks, patents and copyrights. Michael Hopp is a growing presence on the Danish IP scene. He recently advised Telenor in a copyright case over the responsibility of an ISP for the file-sharing activities of its customers. Clients highlight his highly ambitious and determined approach. Life sciences and patents specialist Sture Rygaard wins praise for his comprehensiveness: "When you have a case, he will look at it from a 360-degree perspective so you can be sure everything is covered." Sources also picked out Jakob Krag Nielsen and Nina Ringen as bright emerging talents among the team's associates.  

Bech-Bruun's practice advises on the full range of IP law and acts in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The firm represents such high-profile clients as Johnson & Johnson, Mars, Microsoft, and Procter & Gamble. Århus-based Claus Barrett Christiansen advises on everything from copyrights and trade marks to marketing practices and designs. Peers acknowledge that "he has a very high degree of specialism within this field and fights very hard for his clients." Klaus Madsen heads the department and is a renowned patent litigator. Clients praise his meticulous approach, saying: "He is highly skilled and understands every detail of any case he runs." Leading TMT specialist Niels Andersen also has significant experience in IP work.

Gorrissen Federspiel is an increasingly important player within Danish IP. It has an enviable list of clients including Hewlett-Packard, HSBC, Lundbeck and Nestlé. Case highlights include representing Czech brewer Budejovicky Mestansky Pivovar against Anheuser-Busch over the right to use the Budweiser name. The "extremely skilled" Janne Glæsel has over 20 years' experience within IP and advises on all aspects of trade mark, data protection and media law. Jakob Ørndrup has particular expertise in patent law and regulatory life sciences. Clients say: "He is extremely good at clear communication in court, never gets sidetracked or intimidated by the opposition and remains focused on the case at all times –that really paid off for us." Also highly recommended is the "very professional, elegant and to-the-point" Lasse Arffmann Søndergaard Christensen, who primarily advises on copyright law and marketing practices.

Horten's six-partner, eight-associate IP practice is an expanding presence in this area and offers assistance on the full range of IP matters. The firm is especially renowned for its expertise in life sciences and patents, with clients lauding the team's "excellent grasp of complex chemistry and ability to apply that knowledge to patent law." Highlights include representing pharmaceutical importer Orifarm in two disputes with Merck at the Supreme Court. In the copyright and design field the group acted for La Cafetière in a dispute over exhaustion and transfer of rights to its coffee maker design. The vastly experienced Ole Damsbo is one of Denmark's leading IP litigators and has established a powerful reputation for his work in patents, life sciences and trade marks. Practice head Anders Valentin specialises in patents and patent litigation, representing clients in the chemical and mechanical industries, as well as universities and research institutes. "He has an understanding of the dynamics of a complex market and a unique insight into the commercial side of things," say sources. Jens Jakob Bugge also comes highly recommended for his responsiveness and advice on various aspects of IP law. In the words of one client: "I have an excellent contact with him, we can discuss problems together and I can call him whenever I want."

This specialist firm has a long-established reputation for excellence in copyright law, where the team represents a number of associations of film and music producers and distributors. It also provides assistance to Danish and overseas companies in trade marks, patents and design rights. Johan Schlüter has long been seen as one of the leading figures in copyright law, and his name continues to command respect in IP circles. 

Lassen Ricard is acclaimed by peers for its considerable expertise and deserved high standing in copyright law in particular. The team advises Danish and European broadcasters on the acquisition and exploitation of copyrights, and assisted the Irish government on the introduction into Irish law of new copyright collective licensing schemes. The eminence of Steen Lassen, for many years a key figure in Danish IP, contributes considerably to the practice's reputation. Henrik Schütze's stock also continues to rise among market experts. He has notable experience in representing broadcasters before the Danish Copyright Licence Tribunal.

Accura's IP team advises on all aspects of IP including administrative handling and patent, trade mark and design disputes, representing a mix of Danish and international clients. The firm's strength in M&A also makes it well placed to perform complex IP due diligence in M&A transactions. Its impressive client list includes the likes of Merck & Co, Three Doctors AB and Samsøe & Samsøe Holding. René Thornfeldt heads the department and earns significant praise for his knowledge and responsiveness. Clients say he is  "tenacious and really understands the workings of the Danish medical agencies."

Lett provides advice to both domestic and international companies on a wide range of IP law. The team assists a broad portfolio of clients including eBay and its Danish subsidiary Den Blå Avis, as well as Pharma Medico International and Hugo Boss. The lawyers recently advised LOTTO 24 in a case before the Supreme Court. Susanne Mark is an experienced figure and acts for trade mark owners in cases on counterfeit products and trade mark infringements. Clients comment favourably on her responsiveness and attention to detail.

Nordia Law is well known for its work in the life sciences area, with leading clients in the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and food industries. It recently helped German pharmaceutical company Medice Arzneimittel Pütter set up a brand-new marketing entity in Denmark. Morten Bruus, Rasmus Lund and Christian Vinding Thomsen head the practice. "Together they form a very dynamic and efficient trio ensuring a constant high level of service," say clients. The "hard-working and highly skilled" Thomsen enters the rankings this year after clients picked him out as a rising star in the sector.

Rønne & Lundgren's IP practice services an impressive portfolio of clients including such household names as Puma, Hewlett-Packard and MasterCard. Jeppe Brinck-Jensen has particular expertise in patent litigation, and recently acted for Sandoz in its attempt to invalidate Lundbeck's Cipralex patent. Clients are impressed with his "effectiveness and accuracy when it comes to understanding specialised issues and addressing them in a very timely manner." 

Sandel, Løje & Wallberg is a specialised IP firm with particular expertise in trade mark and design prosecution. Clients of the firm have included GlaxoSmithKline and Bang & Olufsen. Johan Løje is an experienced and respected name within IP circles. "He is extremely responsive and pragmatic," commented one satisfied client.