Intellectual Property: Estonia

THE FIRM This four-lawyer team is one of the largest dedicated to intellectual property law in the country, and offers a complete service in contentious and non-contentious matters. Peers and clients appreciate the team's depth of knowledge and huge experience in everything from patents to trade marks. The group is also highly esteemed for its drafting and negotiation skills, and attracts clients from across the Baltic and Scandinavian regions.

Sources say: "Top-class service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Viive Kaur is regarded as one of the most prominent IP lawyers in Estonia, with one client stating: "She has the edge over her competitors, with unrivalled negotiation skills." Kaur has a broad practice, offering expertise in transactional and litigation work.

THE FIRM This IP team retains a considerable share of the Estonian IP market, in spite of the firm's relatively compact size. In addition to regular transactional work it is particularly active in commercial contracts and licensing matters. Clients highlight the group's pan-Baltic reach and capacity for cross-border transactions. Recent highlights include representing Estonian subsidiaries of Sanoma in a dispute relating to database protection and copyright.

Sources say: "An excellent team that is quick and straight to the point but also provides service with a personal touch."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Although not a full-time IP lawyer, managing partner Priit Lätt is considerably experienced in the field and has a good deal of market knowledge. Clients value his "great flexibility and expertise." Hele Karja specialises in handling IP matters in the IT industry, and earns praise for her technical ability and practical approach. 

THE FIRM This firm is noted for its pan-Baltic prowess in corporate and general business law, and also stands out for its comparable strength in IP. The team's expertise covers a variety of matters, including trade mark and patent litigation. It is also renowned for its work in the IT sector, with several lawyers focusing on this area. The team recently represented Astra Zeneca in a dispute with a generic pharmaceutical manufacturer regarding a patent infringement.

Sources say: "The firm understands the technical aspects of a transaction and always delivers on time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Ants Nõmper draws comprehensive praise for his strong academic background and solid transactional experience. He specialises in privacy and data protection-related IP matters, and is also known for his work in copyrights. Mari Must is another key member of the team. Formerly a patent agent, she is well versed in the technical and procedural aspects of patents and licensing.

THE FIRM This full-service practice remains a market leader, attracting mandates from a wide range of clients across the Baltics. It is active in a variety of sectors, including telecoms, entertainment and the automotive industry. Market commentators commend the depth of the practice, which also offers expertise in domain names, data protection and wider IT issues.

Sources say: "The team is adaptable and available, and performs to the highest standard."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Carri Ginter is an active player in IP litigation, with a notable specialism in trade marks and licensing matters. Clients praise his deep knowledge of IP law and his top-notch analytical skills. Indrek Eelmets is "excellent at identifying problems and quickly coming up with solutions," say sources. His broad practice covers both contentious and non-contentious work.

THE FIRM This practice maintains a superb market reputation, offering expertise in a wide range of IP matters. It is also noted for its IT capabilities, with the team including several specialists in this area. It advises both domestic and regional clients on patents, licensing and trade marks, in addition to copyright and domain name matters. Recent highlights include assisting Hewlett-Packard with a trade mark infringement and customs interception matter.

Sources say: "A high-quality team well versed in all aspects of Estonian IP law." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Undeniably a top-flight IP lawyer, Toomas Taube attracts plaudits for his expertise in the field: "He is an exceptional practitioner – knowledgeable, effective and a pleasure to work with." He is active in both transactional and litigious matters.

THE FIRM This well-regarded practice specialises in trade marks, domain names, trade names and copyright matters. It stands out particularly for its litigation capabilities, and handles a large number of infringement cases. The team recently represented Estonian Public Broadcasting in a dispute with tabloid Õhtuleht relating to damage to the organisation's reputation; the case attracted much local media attention and cemented VARUL's reputation as a go-to IP firm.

Sources say: "The team has proved itself an invaluable asset in litigations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ants Mailend divides his time amongst several practice areas but has notable expertise in IP law. Clients praise his depth of knowledge and remarkable negotiation skills.

THE FIRM This patent agency retains a significant share of the market in patent and trade mark registration. It also handles some contentious matters, where peers recognise its expertise and experience.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Almar Sehver leads the patent activity at the agency and has the most interaction with broader IP firms. Sources praise his detailed knowledge of all patent-related matters.

THE FIRM This small team handles patent litigation and remains a noteworthy player in the market. It is also active in trade mark infringements, and serves a largely domestic client base.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Market sources regard Madis Päts as "a great negotiator and effective litigator" with considerable market visibility. He specialises in contentious matters relating to trade marks.

THE FIRM The IP practice at this standout firm advises on the full range of matters, including patents, trade marks and domain names. It is active in a variety of sectors but has developed particular expertise in the IT and telecoms industries. The group also represents domestic and international companies in IP-related litigation. It recently advised Statoil on trade mark filing matters. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Senior associate Viive Näslund leads the firm's IP practice and is highly rated by clients for her down-to-earth approach and sharp litigation skills. She focuses on trade marks and licensing agreements.

THE FIRM This patent agency debuts in the rankings this year having earned significant positive feedback for its full service in patent and trade mark matters. Sources acknowledge the group's pedigree and long-standing market reputation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Enn Urgas is the main contact.