THE FIRM This magic circle firm maintains a formidable reputation for its highly sophisticated patent litigation practice, and regularly represents major international pharmaceutical companies. It also assists clients across other sectors and is highly regarded for its contentious and non-contentious skills in trade marks and copyrights. In a key instruction, the team is currently representing Honda Motor in various proceedings involving infringement of its community trade marks, as well as in several border seizure cases.
Sources say: "Excellence is guaranteed; the team is innovative, finds solutions, is dedicated and provides outstanding client service."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Miquel Montañá is undoubtedly the market leader for complex patent litigation, and is equally admired by peers and clients for his technical and litigation skills. Isabel Carulla handles patent litigation work and is a vital contributor to the firm's practice. Montserrat López-Bellosta is a young partner who has had a busy year representing DuPont in several proceedings involving its patent rights. She advises clients on the full range of IP matters, and has considerable experience in dispute resolution.
THE FIRM This long-standing boutique offers a one-stop IP service to clients, including prosecution, litigation and transactional advice. The team comprises lawyers, engineers and consultants, and provides advice on the full range of IP matters.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Litigation partner Antonio Castán is esteemed equally by peers and clients, and is highlighted by sources for his "client-oriented approach and extreme professionalism." Javier Fernández-Lasquetty is a talented lawyer with "strong litigation skills," according to clients. Doris Bandin handles trade mark and design work for high-profile clients. IP litigator Enrique Armijo is "knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with," say clients. He counts Goodyear, Dunlop, Formula 1 and McDonald's among his clients. Former vice president of the European Patent Office, Manuel Desantes, recently joined the firm as of counsel.
THE FIRM This major Iberian player has a sizeable team comprised of 19 lawyers devoted full-time to IP. The group mainly focuses on contentious work and represents clients in the full range of IP matters. Key clients include Novartis, Sanofi, Apple, Columbia Pictures and Universal Music.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Juan José Marín López is the leading copyright lawyer at the firm and has a splendid reputation in the market. IP and IT department head Gonzalo Ulloa y Suelves is "a commercially aware lawyer who easily translates complex legal issues into commercial and business language," according to clients. Eduardo Castillo works alongside Ulloa in several patent litigation cases and is regarded by clients as "simply outstanding and a pleasure to work with." Sofia Martínez-Almeida is making a name for herself in the trade mark arena and "is technically sound and has a great attitude," according to sources. Jesús Muñoz-Delgado is involved in several complex patent and trade mark litigation cases. Sources highlight his responsiveness, diligence and technical knowledge, adding: "He provides sound legal advice."
THE FIRM This IP department acts for international clients as diverse as BMW, Burberry, adidas and Nokia. The group advises on the full range of IP matters but has earned its reputation thanks to excellent patent litigation skills. The team is currently representing Teva, Ratiopharm, Sandoz, Actavis, Stada, Cinfa, Normon and Kern in a case involving an alleged imminent infringement of a European patent concerning a leading pharmaceutical blockbuster.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Jorge Grau is an esteemed practitioner and is considered a "prominent lawyer in this field" by market commentators. Experienced trade mark litigation partner Alejandro Angulo is "knowledgeable and creative," according to clients. He recently acted on behalf of BMW in several cases involving trade mark enforcement. Sonia Santos focuses on trade mark and design litigation. Javier Huarte heads the life sciences department at the firm, and is the lawyer to go to for complex patent litigation cases.
THE FIRM This widely admired Spanish firm receives a great deal of client praise for its IP practice and is firmly rooted in Band 1. It handles the full range of IP needs, including contentious and non-contentious matters.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources highlight Agustín González as one of the best copyright lawyers in the country: "The best among the best, he is rigorous, with great common sense and commercial awareness," clients say. With over 20 years of experience under his belt, José Massaguer is extremely well versed in patent litigation and represents several high-profile multinational corporations, such as Acciona, Sanofi, Pfizer and Janssen. Younger partner Ingrid Pi is already making a name for herself in patent litigation. Montiano Monteagudo is highlighted by market commentators as a solid IP practitioner. He regularly advises Procter & Gamble, Danone and Microsoft.
THE FIRM This international heavyweight has cultivated a strong profile in IP. The team covers the full range of IP matters and is praised by clients and peers alike.
Sources say: "Outstanding multi-jurisdictional capabilities, excellent client service and sound business judgement."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Manuel Lobato is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the market for patents, and clients highlight his "sophisticated, integral analysis and thorough understanding of the underlying technical issues." Antonio Cueto joined the firm from Gómez-Acebo y Pombo in May 2010 and enters the rankings having earned warm praise from clients for his "outstanding dedication to each assignment." Senior associate Beatriz Diaz de Escauriaza impresses market commentators with her litigation skills and is highlighted by clients as "the perfect complement to Manuel Lobato." Teresa Mercadal is a "dedicated and responsive young lawyer," according to clients. Highly regarded copyright specialist Miguel Ángel Rodriguez recently left the firm, but will continue to work with the group on a case-by-case basis.
THE FIRM With highly skilled specialists and a long-standing reputation in the field, this gifted group displays genuine IP expertise. It provides advice on the full range of contentious and non-contentious IP matters, and is particularly highly regarded for the latter. It recently represented Bulgari Parfum in litigation proceedings for violation of trade marks and unfair competition.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Team leader Jorge Llevat is an experienced practitioner with strong links with academia. Enrique Sánchez-Quiñones González is both a lawyer and an intellectual property agent, and has ample experience in piracy, as well as co-ordinating and designing anti-fraud campaigns. Ana Soto Pino is the head of the firm’s intellectual property procedural group in Barcelona and has a wide practice that encompasses intellectual property, unfair competition, advertising, pharmaceutical law and information technology. Alejandro Negro is a senior associate with an excellent reputation among clients, and is noted for his excellent copyright advice. Cristina Vendrell is an extremely active associate who works alongside Soto and Llevat.
THE FIRM This Iberian giant is committed to providing high-quality services in IP matters and covers the complete range of IP issues, including entertainment law and IT. The group is currently acting on behalf of Procter & Gamble in litigation proceedings concerning the infringement of three-dimensional community trade marks. Other high-profile clients include Telefónica, Google, FIFA and Samsung Electronics Iberia.
Sources say: "I appreciate the responsiveness and well- documented advice."
KEY INDIVIDUALS João Miranda de Sousa leads the IP practice in Spain and Portugal. "He provides sound advice, looks out for clients and is constantly looking for ways to improve the firm's services," according to interviewees. Carolina Pina enjoys the full confidence of her clients and stands out for her "good timing, commercial awareness and ability to thoroughly understand her clients' business and products." Dulce Miranda Naranjo is a reliable choice for IP litigation.
THE FIRM This firm has substantial international capacity in the IP field and regularly assists clients with cross-border transactions, as well as dispute resolution. The firm's offering includes prosecution, non-contentious advice and litigation. The team had a busy year acting on an IT/IP case before the European Court of Justice on behalf of a major client.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Burkhart Goebel is the head of the firm's IP practice group in Europe and Asia. He is an experienced IP litigator and handles multi-jurisdictional trade mark, unfair competition, design, copyright and geographical indication litigation cases. Though not a Spanish attorney, Verena von Bomhard heads the Alicante office and focuses on international community trade marks and designs. She is recognised by market commentators for her vast cross-border experience. Ana Castedo enjoys a growing reputation across the market and has extensive experience in the field. She is highlighted by clients as "a good lawyer, with excellent customer service." Gonzalo Gallego works on non-contentious IP/IT matters. He specialises in licensing, transfers and new technologies, data protection, and e-commerce. "He is problem-solving oriented, practical, efficient and knowledgeable," according to clients.
THE FIRM With offices in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Vigo and Murcia, this boutique offers expertise in every aspect of IP law, including prosecution, litigation and transactional assistance. The group includes 24 lawyers and six engineers, and advises an impressive portfolio of international clients. The team recently obtained an injunction in favour of publishers Hearst and Condé Nast, involving the unauthorised online use of their intellectual property by a Belize-based company.
KEY INDIVIDUALS The all-round IP expertise of Ignacio Temiño makes him a strong asset for this thriving department. He has extensive experience in prosecution and patent and trade marks litigation, new technologies and software law. Founder and managing partner Carlos González Valdés focuses mainly on trade marks and patents, and has comprehensive knowledge of EU and Latin American IP regulation.
THE FIRM This group is best known for its particular skill in IT, entertainment and media matters. The team is comprised of six partners and 32 lawyers, and is further sub-divided into patents, trade marks and designs, copyrights, e-commerce, online fraud, brand protection and information security. Key mandates of late include advising Tuenti on the exploitation rights of content from TV operators on the internet, data protection and software licensing.
Sources say: "Quality of work is delivered by the group. The partners are responsive and available."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The IP practice at this firm is led by Hugo Ecija Bernal, who has recently been appointed a WIPO arbitrator and is commended by clients for his "outstanding work throughout the years." Álvaro Écija and Alejandro Touriño further boost the team.
THE FIRM Even though the full effects of the new Eversheds-Nicea alliance are yet to be fully appreciated, the group has had an exciting year and already boasts an impressive volume of IP work. The team engages in the full range of IP matters, but it is particularly active in patent litigation and copyrights, media and entertainment. Key mandates of late include representing Merck, Sharp & Dohme de España in infringement patent litigation proceedings, and representing EMI in several copyright infringement proceedings.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Vicente Arias Máiz receives glowing praise from sources, who highlight his skills in copyright, media and entertainment. Kiko Carrión is one of Spain's most prominent IP litigators. Clients say he is "a gifted strategist, able to foresee the counterparty's next move every time."
THE FIRM With offices in Spain, Portugal, Brazil and Mexico, this top-notch Spanish firm is aggressively expanding its reach to the Latin American and Portuguese-speaking markets. The group provides prosecution, contentious and non-contentious advice, and has been extremely active with contentious administrative matters.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Patricia Koch is a "talented patent litigator," according to peers. Juan Casulá has extensive experience as a trade mark litigator. Founding partner José Antonio Hernández is an industrial property agent and a European trade mark and patent attorney with over 40 years of experience.
THE FIRM Still new to the market, the Spanish branch of this European IP boutique has already earned the trust of an impressive list of high-profile international clients, such as Procter & Gamble and Phillips. The team is representing Seiko Epson in several patent and design infringement proceedings.
Sources say: "Excellent service, quick response times, clear advice and commercial awareness."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Luis Fernández-Novoa is widely respected for his patent litigation skills and is a "reference in the market," according to peers. Laura Alonso specialises in brand protection and her practice is focused on trade marks, designs and domain names. She is currently assisting Coca-Cola with the design and enforcement of its brand protection strategies, as well as management of the company’s EU and Spanish trade marks portfolio. Senior associate Álvaro Velázquez has considerable experience in contentious and non-contentious IP matters involving patents, designs, trade marks, copyrights and domain names. He is "quick to understand clients' needs and deliver results," according to sources.
THE FIRM The expertise and quality of service on offer at CMS are unanimously recognised by the group's clients. The team focuses on copyrights, internet, data protection and information technology, and counts Ferrovial, Telefónica and Antena 3 as clients.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Javier Torre de Silva is an experienced practitioner whose practice encompasses IP, public law and TMT. Senior associate Blanca Cortés is extremely active and a vital contributor to the firm's IP practice.
THE FIRM This compact firm rises in the rankings following enthusiastic praise from clients, who agree that the IP service on offer is of the highest standard. This boutique is particularly strong in contentious and non-contentious copyrights, media and entertainment issues, and has strong ties with the art and media industries.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Leading partner Pedro Alemán Laín is an experienced copyright lawyer, widely recognised by market sources. Clients highlight Javier Martínez Bavière's "flexibility, commitment and sound commercial awareness."
THE FIRM This classical Barcelona boutique has been in the market for over 25 years and offers advice on the full range of IP matters, including distribution and franchising. The group is representing retail giant Best Buy in trade mark litigation proceedings.
Sources say: "The team has a practical and goal-oriented approach."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Mario Sol leads the firm and has profound knowledge of copyrights. Francisco Javier Marquéz Martín is head of the firm's litigation department and recently succeeded in establishing the infringement of EMI's rights over the recording of one of its portfolio songs.
THE FIRM This international firm provides contentious and non-contentious advice. The team is particularly strong in anti-piracy matters and regularly advises major international clients in this area.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Diego Ramos enjoys the full trust of his clients due to his "commitment, responsiveness and great attitude." Jason Flint, a dual-qualified Spanish-English solicitor, further boosts the team with his expertise in IP software licensing and data protection.
THE FIRM Founded in 2003, with lawyers coming from high-profile Spanish and international firms, the team at this compact Catalan boutique has vast experience in litigation. The group undertakes work relating to IP, pharma, publicity, domain names, IT and competition, and provides highly personalised services. It is currently advising a US client on the validity and infringement of a European patent being challenged before several jurisdictions in the EU.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Carlos Valls leads the firm and is an experienced litigator.
THE FIRM The team at this IP agency provides advice on the full scope of IP matters and is equally comfortable advising on consultancy, litigation and prosecution. Recent work highlights include assisting Repsol in the drafting of agreements and worldwide registration of copyrights and trade marks, as well as advertising, merchandising and audiovisual contracts.
Sources say: "We appreciate the team's commitment to every task, multidisciplinary approach and 24/7 availability."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Jean Devaureix recently joined the team as partner. Mariano Santos is the key contact at this firm.
THE FIRM This Catalan firm offers advice throughout Spain and is developing a highly specialised niche in the convergence of IP, IT and new technologies. The group assists clients with non-traditional IP areas such as software, open source licences, and technology transfer agreements. Clients say they feel truly comfortable with the team.
Sources say: "Excellent and affordable IP practice."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients champion Ignasi Costas as an excellent lawyer with impeccable transactional skills for domestic and cross-border deals. He has also recently taken part in the drafting and development of legislation relating to science. Associate Oscar Alegre is praised by clients for his dedication and accurate advice.
THE FIRM New to the rankings, this full-service Spanish firm has offices in Madrid and Barcelona. The team is particularly active in trade marks and copyrights, and is currently representing Mattel in several copyright, patent and trade marks proceedings.
Sources say: "The group is quick, detail-oriented and knowledgeable, which is complemented by the firm's excellent client service."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrea Garcés is the key contact at the firm.
THE FIRM This compact outfit enters the rankings following enthusiastic praise from clients. The team specialises in audiovisual, entertainment and media matters, with copyright at the centre of its practice. The group regularly advises Spanish and international film producers and large publishing companies. Clients highlight the partners' practical, problem-solving approach and say their audiovisual and media knowledge is second to none.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Fernando Fernández Aransay has an enviable background, having worked for the government, media companies and law firms. Clients praise his hands-on approach and profound knowledge of the media and entertainment industry. Borja Vidaurre is an experienced litigator for television production and broadcasting, music, publishing and audiovisual matters.
Enric Enrich of Enrich Advocats specialises in copyright and personal image rights, and is the former chairman of the Copyright and Image Rights Committee of the Barcelona Bar Association, and of the Committee of Copyright and Entertainment Law of the International Bar Association.
Andy Ramos Gil de la Haza of Bardají & Honrado Abogados is making a name for himself in the market:
"He represents a generation that is working hard and innovating in the market," according to commentators.
Miguel Angel Rodríguez is a sole practitioner and a widely respected copyrights lawyer. He recently left Bird & Bird to work independently, but will continue to assist the firm on a case-by-case basis.
Alberto Bercovitz Rodríguez-Cano of Alberto Bercovitz Abogados is one of the most revered lawyers in the Spanish IP market, with a prestigious reputation and a glittering track record. After leaving a Spanish heavyweight firm,
Carlos Navarro established Carlos Navarro Abogados. He specialises in copyrights but handles the full range of IP matters, and is currently representing Alfacs Vacances in litigation against Google, involving the company's reputation rights over the internet.
Salvador Ferrandis of Salvador Ferrandis & Partners is a
"talented litigator," according to peers. Former president of the Spanish Patent and Trade Mark Office,
Carlos González-Bueno of González-Bueno Illescas is also a specialist in new technologies and has published many articles on the subject. Senior associate
Carmen Perete leads the IP practice at Ashurst. Sources predict a bright future for her.