Intellectual Property: Italy

THE FIRM This market-leading boutique receives resounding praise for its excellent IP litigation work. The team also covers trade marks, patents, designs, copyright and antitrust law, and the firm has been especially active in the field of pharmaceuticals IP. Clients particularly note the ease with which the firm works with international clients thanks to its cultural understanding and the foreign language abilities of its staff.

Sources say: "The firm has a solid network with quality international contacts; it always takes care of things globally." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS The well-known Adriano Vanzetti is "a guru of our time," say sources. As well as being a leading IP lawyer, he is also a prominent academic. Clients laud Giulio Sironi's quality IP work and highlight his flexible approach. Stefania Bergia is appreciated for her long-standing experience and adept handling of foreign clients, thanks to her proficiency in English and French.

THE FIRM This firm has an outstanding IP litigation practice and a notable presence in both the Italian and international markets. The team's long-standing expertise covers patents, trade mark transfers and licences, copyright, advertising, unfair competition and industrial design.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mario Franzosi is universally praised as "one of the best players in the country." Although less active than in recent years, he maintains a leading reputation for IP litigation and antitrust work and acts for high-profile domestic and international clients. "An expert in patent law," Federica Santonocito covers myriad IP issues, including trade marks, inventions, models and copyright.

THE FIRM Undisputed market leaders, this stellar group remains at the top of the IP field. The 27-strong team covers all aspects of IP work, including licensing, technology transfer, patents and copyrights, and has been particularly active in patent litigation of late. The firm counts major European and Fortune 100 companies amongst its clients and a recent highlight saw the group successfully represent the European Central Bank in cross-border patent revocation proceedings. 

Sources say: "The lawyers take the initiative and provide practical advice with plenty of solutions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Massimiliano Mostardini wins praise for his IP prowess and proactive approach: "one of the best of the younger generation - he's always available and makes time for everyone." He has particular expertise in the regulatory aspects of patents, and also has standout experience in domestic and international life science litigation. Giovanni Galimberti receives tremendous peer feedback, particularly for his strength in litigation cases. He specialises in patent and trade mark litigation.  

THE FIRM This international powerhouse continues to be at the forefront of the IP market. It recently gained two new lawyers and trainees, further strengthening its leading practice, and has seen a notable increase in workload. Highly adept at multi-jurisdictional transactions, the team regularly assists leading international clients including Sony, MTV and Deutsche Telekom. A recent mandate saw the team assist Austrian fashion company Labelux with its acquisition of the Belstaff trade mark portfolio.

Sources say: "The team is supportive, works hard and always delivers on time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources describe Luigi Mansani as "pragmatic, effective and easily reachable at all times." Clients appreciate his useful updates and excellent strategic advice. "An extraordinary IP lawyer," Giovanni Ghirardi is lauded for his technical expertise, which covers patents, trade marks, unfair competition law and litigation.

THE FIRM This Italian boutique enjoys a remarkable reputation thanks to its superb IP work and outstanding individuals. It is most active in trade mark, patent and copyright litigation, covering the chemical, biotechnology, electronics and software sectors. The team represents many leading Italian companies and also attracts a substantial international clientele, thanks to its bases in France and Luxembourg.

Sources say: "The big names of the IP world."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Giancarlo Del Corno maintains prolific activity in this sector and earns plaudits for his robust negotiation style. Paola Tarchini remains an important player in the pharmaceutical sector and comes highly recommended for copyright issues. Peers regard Giuseppe Sena as "a remarkable professor and one of the fathers of IP." He provides invaluable insights thanks to his long career in this sector.

THE FIRM This Italian powerhouse has an impressive IP practice covering a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. It attracts major foreign and domestic clients from a variety of sectors, including retail, pharmaceuticals, media, telecoms and food and beverages. A recent highlight saw the team represent a major international consulting and technology firm in a case involving the alleged infringement of its copyright on a piece of software.

Sources say: "There is a high level of partner involvement, which means the work is always consistent."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients appreciate Giovanni Guglielmetti's responsiveness and quality practice. He recently advised a multinational food and drinks company on the negotiation of a trade mark agreement.  

THE FIRM This leading Italian boutique has a significant domestic presence thanks to its spread of offices in the north of the country. The team handles all aspects of IP law, attracting clients from a range of sectors including food, chemicals, design and fashion. It has also been especially active in pharmaceutical cases during the past year. A recent highlight saw the group represent pharmaceutical generics manufacturer EG in a patent dispute against AstraZeneca.

Sources say: "The firm provides highly specialised advice and is very business-oriented."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly esteemed Cesare Galli receives superb praise for both his academic credentials and legal activity. Clients highlight his technical skill, dedication and commercial awareness, saying: "He always keeps us up to date on developments and is a fantastic negotiator." Based in the Brescia office, Mariangela Bogni has assisted with numerous notable patent litigation cases. She also has considerable experience in trade secrets, design, copyright and trade mark infringement issues. 

THE FIRM This specialist firm has a leading IP practice and has been extremely successful over the past year. The team has an impressive domestic and international client base and has particular expertise in litigation cases related to medical devices and pharmaceutical patents. It also handles trade marks, patents, designs, copyright, new plant varieties and art law.

Sources say: "A very important firm for patents."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources enthuse about Fabrizio Jacobacci, saying: "He is an impressive litigator, proactive and incredibly effective." He is especially active in the field of trade marks.

THE FIRM This quality Milanese boutique offers a full-service practice and comes highly recommended for patent work. The four-strong team is also noted for its expertise in trade mark, advertising and internet-related matters, and advises a largely domestic clientele.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Legendary professor Giorgio Floridia is a leading light for all patent-related issues, and his wealth of experience continues to be an invaluable asset to clients.

THE FIRM This superb full-service boutique covers a broad scope of IP issues and remains a robust player in patent litigation work. It has a considerable domestic reach and also wins praise for its strong international capabilities. It wins numerous instructions from clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The team recently advised Twentieth Century Fox on a case relating to a well-known trade mark used for merchandising purposes and as a film name.

Sources say: "The team has a very market-oriented approach and handles a number of key mandates." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gabriele Cuonzo is highly regarded for litigation work and combines technical depth with commercial acumen. He frequently represents multinational clients, who praise how "he fully understands the idiosyncrasies of the Italian system." The much-admired Luca Trevisan has almost three decades of experience in IP, with particular expertise in the areas of patent and technology. He is also a leading light in litigation.

THE FIRM This enterprising domestic boutique covers all aspects of patents, trade marks, copyright and design. It attracts a growing number of high-profile clients such as Prada, Timberland, Sony and other companies in the entertainment sector. It has raised its profile in recent years thanks in part to its involvement in the EU-China Project on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, for which it has undertaken notable work on IP rights enforcement.

Sources say: "The work is tailor-made."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients appreciate Giovanni Casucci's "creative and business-oriented" litigation style. He recently represented Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in a copyright protection case.

THE FIRM This international player has significantly strengthened its group with the addition of Gualtiero Dragotti and a team of five lawyers from his former IP boutique. The full-service practice assists major companies in the pharmaceutical, media, technology and sport sectors, and it has recently won a new client in Illy, which it assists with its franchising agreement in various European countries. The team also works with major energy firms and recently represented GDF SUEZ in the rebranding of several of its Italian affiliates following its acquisition of ACEA.

Sources say: "The team has an impressive business understanding and the work is always done in a timely manner. The experts are well prepared and provide solid support."

KEY INDIVIDUALS An expert in anti-counterfeiting work, Gualtiero Dragotti also has substantial experience in pharmaceutical patent litigation. Clients describe him as "knowledgeable, reactive and trustworthy" and highlight his strong negotiation skills. Leading the life sciences team, Roberto Valenti is highlighted for his quality IP work in contentious matters. "He is very good at co-ordinating the team and actively participates in every meeting. He is proactive, polite and respectful, and finds solutions to any problem," enthuse clients.

THE FIRM This boutique shines for its work on copyright issues and advises an impressive number of figures in the media sector, including Nintendo, Ferrero and Lottomatica. A recent highlight was successfully representing Warner Bros. in injunction proceedings brought by Italian DVD producer A&R Production. The case involved other notable parties, including Paramount Home Entertainment Italy, SIAE (the Italian Society of Authors & Publishers) and ANICA (the Italian Association of Cinematographic, Audiovisual & Multimedia Industries).  

Sources say: "The firm provides a quality service and the partners are always available to respond quickly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Giorgio Mondini is extolled for his work in copyright law, and wins praise for his excellent client care. "He is pragmatic, reliable and always accessible. He understands the issues quickly and has a very practical mind," say sources.

THE FIRM This firm's expertise covers trade marks, patents and copyright, as well as biotechnology, advertising, domain names and antitrust. It enjoys a long-standing reputation as a leader in IP, thanks in part to the solid reputation of its founding member.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers regard Gustavo Ghidini as "an IP expert." He has extensive expertise in IP issues relating to antitrust, advertising and biotechnology.

THE FIRM This Italian boutique centres around its founding partner and enjoys an impressive reputation thanks to the team's work in trade marks, copyright, advertising and patents.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS One of the most important copyright professors in Italy, Luigi Carlo Ubertazzi enjoys a long-standing reputation. Sources say he has an impressive breadth of experience and is extremely active: "He'll be in Milan in the morning and in Paris by the afternoon." 

THE FIRM This Milanese boutique focuses on patents, trade marks and advertising. The group predominantly represents domestic clients, with many coming from the luxury goods sector.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Long-standing practitioner Alfio Rapisardi is the linchpin of the firm's IP practice and comes highly recommended for patent litigation.

THE FIRM This firm maintains an impressive international reputation thanks to its offices in Milan, Rome, Brussels and Moscow. The practice encompasses all aspects of patents and trade marks, domain names, designs, copyright and domestic and cross-border litigation. The team also has particular expertise in the sectors of energy, fashion and luxury goods, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and telecoms.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The main contact is founding partner Roberto Jacchia, who leads the practice.

THE FIRM This leading domestic firm covers a broad range of IP matters including advertising, copyright, patents, trade marks, design and unfair competition. The team recently assisted adidas with its sponsorship and licence agreement with A.C. Milan and the Italian Rugby Federation. Other notable clients include Sky Italia, Philip Morris and Utet - De Agostini

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Always prepared and incredibly efficient" is how sources describe Nino Di Bella. Clients also highlight his business sense and excellent analytical skills. Of counsel Vanessa Franchini represents clients before the Italian and European courts for a range of issues, focusing on unfair competition litigation, patents, trade marks and design.  

THE FIRM Pavia e Ansaldo maintains its long-standing reputation in IP, representing clients across a broad range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, fashion, manufacturing and engineering. The firm focuses on IP litigation covering copyright, patents and trade marks.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "outstanding" Gian Paolo Di Santo wins praise for his "fair and calm manner" in litigation. He focuses on IP rights, copyright, unfair competition and product liability. Up-and-coming partner Francesca Ferrari continues to be active on many of the firm's IP and IT mandates.

THE FIRM This firm covers a broad range of domestic and international IP issues, including litigation, trade marks and patents, software and data protection. The team has solid experience managing IP rights in the sectors of pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, energy, entertainment and publishing.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Luigi Fontanesi has a broad commercial and IP practice, covering licensing, copyright, counterfeiting and privacy issues. 

THE FIRM Sources praise this Milan-based boutique's expertise in trade marks, patents, domain names and antitrust. It has a particular strength in copyright issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The well-known Paolo Auteri combines his expertise in arbitration and technology to form a solid IP practice.

THE FIRM This Turin-based firm enjoys an excellent reputation for its high-quality IP and IT work. It is highly regarded for its litigation experience in property, copyright, digital technology, trade marks and advertising.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Outstanding lawyer and professor Marco Ricolfi wins tremendous peer praise, with one saying: "If I had a complicated IP case I would go to him because he knows practically everything."

THE FIRM This global powerhouse has a strong international network that complements its tight-knit Italian practice. Split between Milan and Rome, the six-member team covers a variety of matters including trade marks and patents.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Milan-based Lorenzo de Martinis is the key contact here. He also heads the firm's TMT practice.

THE FIRM This established Italian firm offers a wide array of IP services covering trade marks, design, licensing, litigation, technology transfer and domain names. The team is made up of patent and trade mark specialists and it works for major brands, both from Italy and abroad.

Sources say: "One of the best firms for both trade marks and patents across a range of fields including electronics and life sciences."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The main contact for the practice is Alessandro Masetti Zannini de Concina.

THE FIRM This domestic firm has had a successful year, handling a number of significant trade mark and patent-related cases. The team's expertise spans all aspects of intellectual and industrial property law, including trade mark transfer and licensing, advertising, protection of trade secrets, copyright and software. A recent highlight saw the team advise Honda on design rights, patent infringement, copyright violation and unfair competition.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Well versed in litigation, Margherita Barié recently assisted Italian design company Casamania in forming a new strategy to protect its trade marks. She also has experience in unfair competition, copyright and commercial law issues. 

THE FIRM This Rome-based firm covers the full spectrum of IP issues and particularly stands out for its work in patents and trade marks. The team assists a roster of domestic and international clients with patent, design, internet and copyright issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Domenico De Simone is a well-respected figure in the Italian IP market. He represents clients from a range of industries, including biotechnology, electronics, food and luxury goods.

THE FIRM This IP team has considerable experience in contentious and non-contentious IP work and has been active in copyright issues related to literature, music and art in recent months. As well as this, the team advises on patents, trade marks, design and utility models, trade secrets and domain names. It attracts numerous high-profile clients such as Facebook, Jil Sander, Red Bull and Vodafone.

Sources say: "The firm provides clever, creative solutions and is ready to respond at any time. It's a boutique providing high-quality legal advice while still having the capability to support large corporations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Enrico Zattoni's excellent communication skills, describing him as "intelligent and pragmatic, with impressive experience." He has particular knowledge of the pharmaceutical field. Mattia Odescalchi "shows great understanding of clients' needs" and provides quality and timely work. He has notable experience in a range of IP matters including misleading advertising, product liability, and environment-related issues covering recycling, air emissions and water treatment. Alberto Spangaro "can really help you through any problem you have," say sources. Clients also laud his business sense, practicality and dedication.

THE FIRM Newly added to this year's rankings as a result of superb feedback, this enterprising domestic firm is recognised for its high-profile international client base in the retail, beverages, fashion and electronics sectors. The team covers trade marks, advertising, copyright and software, and earns praise for its efficient and organised service. A recent highlight was assisting a major international software company with a multiparty litigation case.

Sources say: "The firm is extremely responsive and reliable and the partners are easy to reach even in the busiest periods."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources enthuse about Antonella Barbieri, lauding her commercial awareness and excellent client care: "She is a hard worker, always available and offers very strong practical advice."

THE FIRM This firm has a number of significant clients from the music and entertainment industry, including several Italian singers whom it advises on copyright, anti-counterfeiting and trade mark issues. The firm has its main offices in Milan, Turin and Rome, and it provides a full service to international and domestic clients. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Lorenzo Attolico specialises in intellectual and industrial property, with a noteworthy reputation for copyright work. He also has expertise in patents and new technologies. 

THE FIRM This IP and IT firm has a commendable reputation, most notably for its anti-counterfeiting work, serving clients from the fashion, luxury goods, entertainment, IT and pharmaceutical industries. It handles all matters relating to domain names, trade marks, patents, design and copyright law.

Sources say: "A substantial force in IP litigation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Highly regarded for his work defending luxury fashion labels, Pier Luigi Roncaglia stands out for his background in both civil and criminal law.