Intellectual Property: Norway

Renowned patent litigator Amund Brede Svendsen is hailed as "one of the best IP lawyers in the country. He leaves no stone unturned." Astri Lund has advised on copyright for decades, and continues to be recognised as a leader in this area. Highly-praised younger partner Ida Gjessing covers a range of IP issues, including patents, trade marks and designs, and also receives mention for her marketing law expertise. Managing partner Svein Ruud Johansen has a strong reputation for patent litigation, with a particular focus on the pharma and life sciences sectors. Younger partner Øystein Flagstad is well reputed for his IT and copyright work.

"Very strong and active" IP litigator Halvor Manshaus receives particular mention for his work on freedom of speech cases. Interviewees are impressed by Sigurd Holter Torp's work on IP disputes. He is especially active in the information and communication technology sectors.

Peers are united in their praise for the "outstanding" Arne Ringnes, hailing him as "a star in all areas of IP." Well known copyright expert Jan Morten Evertsen has extensive experience in the film and media industry, representing clients such as Metronome. Long-standing partner Kristine Schei leads the team's trade mark activity. Younger lawyer Camilla Vislie has built up a robust reputation for her IP work. She focuses on contentious matters relating to copyright, trade marks, media and marketing.

Gunnar Sørlie is a "truly marvellous patent litigator," agree peers. He is especially active and renowned in the pharmaceuticals sector. "Extremely knowledgeable and business-minded" Lars Guttorm Norheim has wide IP experience. He is particularly well known for his expertise in licensing, franchising and the retail industry.

The highly respected Kyrre Eggen's IP practice relates mainly to media and privacy law. He receives special recommendation for his work on freedom of speech cases. "Very solid and hugely experienced," Hans Erik Johnsen wins widespread praise from sources. He handles contentious and non-contentious IP matters, and is particularly highlighted for his expertise in the media, telecoms and IT sectors. Peers are extremely impressed by senior associate Rune Opdahl, declaring him "the name to watch." He has been busy in the media and entertainment industry sector representing clients including Bonnier Media and Monster Entertainment.

Sources applaud "very solid, knowledgeable and wise" Gunnar Meyer for his prowess in patent litigation, describing him as one of the most astute and skilled lawyers in Norway in this field. Clients appreciate his in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry. Patent litigator Ingvild Hanssen-Bauer is "technically extremely sound and a safe pair of hands. You can trust her to do a good job and she is up to date with all patent developments," remark clients. Younger lawyer Kaja Veel Midtbø receives praise for her patent litigation skills, with peers commenting that "she is definitely an up-and-coming lawyer in this area." 

The well-reputed Bård Racin Meltvedt has a broad practice, including strong patent litigation activity. Clients commend his responsiveness and understanding of their business. Clients are impressed by IP group head Nils Arne Grønlie's service. He provides IP and general commercial advice to players from a variety of sectors including financial, retail, media, life sciences, pharmaceuticals and technology.

The standout name on the team is Håkon Bleken, who receives enthusiastic praise for his patent litigation work. Clients appreciate that patent and trade mark specialist Anne Marie Sejersted is "very responsive" and "really gets down to business." Helge Olav Bergan is a well established copyright expert, particularly in the media sector. Long experienced partner Geir Steinberg has a broad corporate practice, with ample IP experience. He leads the firm's industry, media and technology group.

"Solution-oriented and knowledgeable" Rolf Trolle Andersen focuses on litigation involving patents, trade marks and designs. Copyright cases in the film, music and publishing sectors form the bulk of Monica Syrdal's workload, although she is also active on trade mark and marketing law matters. She handles more advisory than contentious files.

IP department head Nils Kristian Einstabland is "direct, quick and treats his clients very well." He is best known for his activity in the technology and telecoms sectors. He recently led advice to Via Travel on the outsourcing of all its travel-related IT solutions to Amadeus IT, and provided counsel to TDC on a variety of IP issues.