Intellectual Property: Denmark

THE FIRM This market-leading firm attracts considerable praise for its outstanding IP practice. It offers expertise in a vast array of matters, ranging from patents and trade marks to marketing law and data protection. Clients include domestic and international players looking to protect their IP portfolios in Denmark and abroad. A recent highlight saw the group successfully represent DuPont in a landmark patent enforcement dispute with Novozymes. 

Sources say: "Well prepared and proactive. You can sense that the lawyers really know what they're talking about." "A talented team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients praise Nicolai Lindgreen as being "fantastic to work with, organised and meticulous." He excels in patent and trade mark disputes, particularly within the life science and pharmaceutical sectors.

Interviewees describe Frank Bøggild as a "brilliant litigator and highly reputed legal theorist." Sources credit him with a profound knowledge of marketing law, saying: "He is excellent at dealing with issues at the interface between IP and marketing." 

Martin Dahl Pedersen is highly regarded for his work in copyright and media law. Clients say: "He is an absolute joy to work with – extremely pleasant, professional and proactive."

Clients commend Dorte Wahl for her "keen ability to resolve conflicts and deep understanding of complex IP matters." She has a broad practice but is particularly recognised for her expertise in trade marks.

Kolja Staunstrup enters the rankings this year following effusive praise from market sources: "He does extremely high-quality work, acting in our best interests from day one," said one client. 

THE FIRM This outstanding team continues to attract high praise for its IP offering. It is able to cover the full range of issues, including copyright and patent disputes, and demonstrates a particularly strong focus on the life sciences industry. This sector-specific knowledge is greatly appreciated by clients seeking lawyers who can act as real partners to their business. Recent work highlights include advising Pfizer on a number of counterfeiting matters.

Sources say: "All the partners and associates are at the top of their game."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peter-Ulrik Plesner is "absolutely one of the best patent litigators in Denmark," according to sources. He is widely regarded as one of the stars of the Danish IP scene, commanding respect for his long-standing experience and technical capabilities. 

Clients praise Sture Rygaard for his innovative approach to IP law. One states: "He always looks at the bigger picture, finding solutions that others have missed." 

Sources view Per Håkon Schmidt as a "calm and meticulous lawyer" who "makes his point well." He is particularly renowned for his knowledge of IP issues relating to the pharmaceutical industry.

Michael Hopp continues to build his reputation in copyright matters with a "tough, resolute" approach. He frequently advises major telecoms companies on marketing law matters.

Mikkel Vittrup "provides practical and useful advice, paying due consideration to client needs," say observers. He comes highly recommended for his expertise in patent litigation.

THE FIRM This highly regarded firm houses a strong team that is able to handle the full spectrum of IP matters. It offers expertise in a number of niche areas, such as data protection and music copyright, in addition to more traditional IP disciplines. The firm has an admirable global reach, assisting both domestic and international companies with complex, cross-border matters. Clients include household names from the IT, technology and entertainment sectors.

Sources say: "A great commercial law firm with excellent business acumen." "Extremely quick to respond to us."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Claus Barrett Christiansen is held in high regard as a "fair-minded and intelligent litigator who gets results." He runs a broad practice encompassing trade mark and copyright work.

Klaus Madsen is renowned for his expertise in patent disputes, where he frequently represents generic pharmaceutical companies. Clients value his strong work ethic and in-depth experience of the field.

Lisbet Andersen enters the rankings this year thanks to a raft of enthusiastic client feedback. Sources say: "She is really good – if you give her a case, she will resolve it to your satisfaction. She has excellent customer focus." 

THE FIRM This full-service practice maintains an impressive market presence, representing big-ticket clients and regional companies alike. It focuses on patent issues but also provides advice on trade mark and design matters. The team is equally at home with contentious and non-contentious mandates. In a recent highlight, it assisted Warner Bros. with a major copyright infringement case.

Sources say: "Working with the team is an enjoyable experience – it is extremely user-friendly, delivers really well thought-out work, and is highly efficient."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Lasse Arffmann Søndergaard Christensen runs the team from the Aarhus office and is commended for his even-handed approach to litigation. He is an established market figure with substantial experience and a broad knowledge of IP law.

Sources describe Janne Glæsel as "a strong character, capable of getting her message across." She is a highly active member of the team, present on many of the firm's key cases.

Jacob Ørndrup is best known for his work in the life sciences sector, specialising in patents work for large pharmaceutical companies.

THE FIRM This firm receives excellent feedback for the high quality of work it produces, combined with its availability and responsiveness. It has built up a commendable IP practice capable of handling standalone matters across a broad range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, TMT and retail. The team recently represented Actavis in patent litigation relating to production of the drug Escitalopram.

Sources say: "An excellent team – I can't recommend it highly enough." "The lawyers are particularly specialised in IP relating to the TMT sector, especially gaming."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ole Damsbo is an undisputed star of the Danish IP scene, with a great deal of experience to his name. "He is extremely sharp, astute and always in tune with his clients' requirements," says a source.

Clients highlight patent litigator Anders Valentin's business acumen and solution-focused approach: "From my perspective he is one of the more pragmatic lawyers in the field. He takes a commercial angle on the issues at hand." 

Commentators describe Jens Jakob Bugge as "a personable, extremely creative" IP practitioner. His practice focuses on trade mark litigation.

Martin Dræbye Gantzhorn is recognised as an up-and-coming lawyer, steadily building a reputation in IP matters relating to life sciences. Clients praise his "clarity of analysis and impeccable written work."

THE FIRM Whilst this firm is primarily known for its M&A activity, it continues to develop a successful IP practice. Patent litigation is the team's key focus, but it also handles outsourcing and IP contract issues. The group is active in a variety of sectors, including IT, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare. It recently represented Merck Sharpe & Dohme in a dispute with Orifarm relating to rebranding matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeppe Brinck-Jensen leads the department and receives praise for his in-depth knowledge of the life sciences sector. Sources describe him as "an open-minded and collaborative lawyer."

René Thornfeldt is singled out for his expertise in the IT field. Clients praise his business-oriented approach and remarkable communication skills.

Interviewees recognise Christina Type Jardorf as an up-and-coming lawyer. She is establishing a solid reputation for trade mark work.

THE FIRM This highly regarded boutique mainly handles copyright matters in the media and entertainment industries. Clients appreciate its sector-specific knowledge and long-standing experience.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Seasoned practitioner Johan Schlüter commands respect for his detailed knowledge of copyright law. Sources say he is an excellent legal adviser with sound commercial awareness.

THE FIRM This respected firm is renowned for its expertise in copyright and media law, and counts a number of high-profile radio and television broadcasters amongst its clients. The team is particularly strong in IP litigation, regularly representing Danish broadcasting organisations in disputes with collecting societies KODA and Gramex.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees regard Steen Lassen as a "knowledgeable and pragmatic lawyer" with a considerable amount of experience to his name.

Managing partner Peter Lambert "is very thorough and covers all aspects of a case," state clients. His practice focuses on copyright law.

Clients praise Henrik Schütze for his formidable litigation skills and solution-driven approach. He remains a popular choice for media-related matters.

THE FIRM On January 1st 2013 MAQS and Bang + Regnarsen merged. The merged firm remains known as MAQS Law Firm. This IP team maintains a solid reputation in the market. It caters to a largely international clientele, including prominent high fashion brands such as Gucci and Christian Louboutin. It is also notably present in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. Recent highlights include advising Coca-Cola on the IP aspects of its involvement in the 2012 Olympic Games.

Sources say: "An enthusiastic and hard-working team, reactive and available."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jeppe Brogaard Clausen comes highly recommended by clients, who appreciate his commercial outlook and collaborative approach. One states: "He is extremely proactive and has a vast knowledge of the subject matter."

THE FIRM This firm covers patent, trade mark and copyright issues across a broad range of industries. The team represents both domestic and international clients in numerous litigations relating to counterfeiting and domain names. 

Sources say: "I would recommend this firm to anyone who needs a real fighter."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Susanne Mark receives praise for her in-depth knowledge of food law and her excellent international network. Her practice centres on trade mark matters.

THE FIRM This specialist firm maintains a significant market presence, covering the full range of IP matters. In recent times it has handled an increasing amount of litigation but is also at home advising on non-contentious issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees regard Johan Løje as an experienced practitioner with a client-focused approach.