Intellectual Property: Ukraine

This firm is an authority on local IP legislation and has also captured a large portion of the cross-border deal traffic. The practice revolves around the core areas of patents and trade marks, including filings, prosecutions and infringement cases. Clients appreciate the team’s tenacious performance in IP litigation. It represented R&A Baileys in a trade marks infringement dispute with a local confectionery producer, and acted for Nissan in several trade mark prosecutions. The team is also successfully developing the pharmaceutical sector expertise. Leading IP partner Ruslan Drobyazko is “always very professional and well informed,” confirmed a satisfied customer. 

This pioneer in IP law offers a range of specialist knowledge, but defending its clients' IP rights is the team's major suit, with trade marks and patents particularly active areas. Having advised on IP legislation in Ukraine, the firm leads the domestic market, but it has also attracted a cluster of international names such as Coca-Cola and Danone. Michael Doubinsky is a hit with clients who see him as “a very knowledgeable, amicable and patient lawyer," while peers also qualify him as “one of the best in litigation.” Name partner Irina Osharova stands out equally for her competent approach.

Founded in 1992 in Kyiv, this boutique has long been at the forefront of the IP developments in Ukraine. It is particularly noted for its strength in contentious matters. The firm is a safe pair of hands for patents, trade marks, domain names, copyright, piracy and unfair competition matters. The multilingual team also has a solid pharmaceuticals practice. Antonina Pakharenko-Anderson was among the first patent attorneys in Ukraine. She is an academically accomplished lawyer with sound knowledge of life sciences. Sources also recommend Alexander Pakharenko as a strong all-rounder in IP.

Maya Lgova put Grischenko & Partners on the IP map when she joined the firm in 1993. She is a highly experienced patent attorney with enviable insight in the IP market, and is academically proficient in manufacturing and engineering. “I would recommend her for inventions above all else,” one peer said. While the team offers a varied range of IP skills, patent law stands out as an especially strong area of expertise. The firm’s  disputes lawyers also support the IP team. 

This team has long maintained strong relationships with the country’s television and broadcasting scene and continues to lead the market in copyright cases. The lawyers are useful allies in all core IP areas as both strategic advisers and litigators. The team recently successfully represented the Ferrero Group in an anti-counterfeiting case against a local competitor. Managing partner Tatiana Gluhovskaya is an active and respected voice of the IP community. Although more of a corporate generalist, Sergei Konnov is a noted and reliable presence on IP-related deals.

Interviewees say this major firm is “quick to react and provides accurate advice."  The firm is fast gaining ground in IP, notably in TMT and pharmaceuticals. With the backing of a sturdy litigation team, it is a popular choice for trade marks and copyright disputes for both local and multinational investors. A big-ticket case is protecting the UEFA’s rights ahead of the EURO 2012 events in Ukraine. Senior associate Taras Kyslyy leads the IP deals and commentators expect him to make a great impact on the market. 

This disputes heavyweight "has the resources required for complex IP litigation,” say interviewees. It leads the way in IP litigation, and leaves “no stone unturned” in its advisory work on trade marks and copyrights. Recent mandates include defending Eurosport over anti-piracy matters. Clients unanimously agree that IP partner Oleksiy Filatov is “very sharp in court,” adding: “He has a phenomenal amount of knowledge about the Ukrainian courts and laws.” 

This M&A powerhouse has expanded into IP  to meet the demand from its corporate clientele. The core of its work consists of trade mark usage, registration and copyright protection. The quality of service is in keeping with the firm-wide reputation and helps the team land big-ticket mandates, such as advising Coca-Cola on IP rights, advertising and sponsorship. Other international clients include New Line Cinema, which it help obtain the copyright of novels. The team has also proved its worth with pharmaceuticals by acting for top clients such as Sopharma AD on licensing and trade marks. The key contact is Oleksandr Padalka.

Patent and trade mark attorney Irina Fedorova launched this IP boutique in 1992. Its experienced team offers a broad array of advanced technical and scientific qualifications as well as legal rigour, which sets the firm apart in patent filing. The firm combines its technical knowledge with commercial sense and courtroom clout when protecting rights, trade marks and patents. 

This IP team is particularly renowned for its work in the pharmaceutical sector. Backed by the firm's strength in disputes, the lawyers handle a considerable volume of patent litigation, such as the recent representation of the pharmaceuticals giant Eli Lilly. The group also advises the Association of Pharmaceutical Research & Development on legislative matters and lobbying. Mikhail Ilyashev is the primary contact.

Paritet’s trump card is its ability to provide an "in-depth analysis of Ukrainian pharmaceutical legislation,” say clients. With its long experience in life sciences, the firm attracts major clients such as Bayer Schering Pharma, which it assists with patents, licensing and copyright issues. The team is also recommended for media advice and litigation counsel. Recent highlights include advising Euromedia Company on the participating nations’ IP rights for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. Borys Danevych is noted for his sound knowledge of both pharmaceuticals and media, as well as client-friendly approach. He is assisted by Maksym Sysoiev.