The WTR 1000 focuses exclusively on trademark practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive 'go-to' resource for those seeking world-class legal trademark expertise.
Gold - Firms: enforcement and litigation
Silver - Firms: prosecution and strategy
In trademark practice, MLL Meyerlustenberger Lachenal Froriep (MLL Legal) has eight partners and ten other fee earners who power the firm to gold and silver-tiered rankings on the enforcement and litigation, and prosecution and strategy tables, respectively. The outfit’s name reverberates in the Swiss market thanks, among other things, to precedent-setting performances in geographical indication and other matters, enduring success in the anti-counterfeiting field and elite pharmaceutical industry knowledge. Looking at high-profile recent work, the team has handled matters of strategic importance for Lindt & Sprüngli, including German Federal Court of Justice proceedings concerning trademark protection of the gold colour of the chocolatier’s famous Lindt Gold Bunny, which resulted in a successful outcome. MLL Legal has also advised Adecco, Haribo, Vitra, Supreme and Lego with respect to trademark and design prosecution and portfolio matters, and enforced the rights of Porsche, Levi Strauss and many others. Taking the lead with respect to the Lindt & Sprüngli work are Peter Schramm and Simon Holzer, both of whom earn loud applause from the market: “Peter is an extremely knowledgeable and dynamic lawyer, who is brilliant to work with on all kinds of disputes related to trademarks, copyright and designs.” “Simon is unbelievably client-oriented and a friendly, reliable professional, who is very prompt in his responses. He thinks outside the box and has exceptionally strong analytical and strategic skills.” Others garnering positive attention include IP head Michael Ritscher and Guillaume Fournier, both of whom are handling international enforcement work for Vitra. “Michael is undoubtedly a thought leader in Switzerland and a go-to for household-name brands requiring clear, concise and trustworthy advice and accurate work.” “Partnering with Guillaume is always constructive; he is pragmatic, extremely quick to react and has an incredibly detailed knowledge of Swiss case law and Swiss IP office practice.” Giving the set a presence on the WTR 1000 transactions table, Nicola Benz is a top commercial IP lawyer; she has a patent and technology focus, but is adept at handling deals involving all kinds of intellectual property.
MLL Legal is one of the largest and most reputable international law firms in Switzerland. Its 100 experienced and dynamic lawyers form a strong team of specialists. The firm has offices in Zurich, Geneva, Zug and Lausanne as well as Madrid and London. The firm’s name stands for innovative and solution-focused services. The firm’s strength also lies in its size; it is in a position to offer clients the full range of services associated with a large law firm, while providing a high degree of individualised service and creative thinking, along with a reasonable cost structure. MLL Legal advises discerning clients on all issues relating to national and international commercial law and represents their interests before the Swiss courts and authorities, as well as in arbitration proceedings.
Specialist IP and technology practice
Headed by one of the most recognised Swiss IP litigators and advisers, Michael Ritscher, the top-ranked IP and technology practice is renowned for the following:
- Precedent-setting trademark and design matters – led by Peter Schramm and Guillaume Fournier, the team frequently establishes first-of-a-kind trademark registration proceedings and decisions (eg, colours, shapes and letters).
- Exceptional experience in patent litigation – the firm’s patent team, led by Simon Holzer, handles over 30% of all cases brought before the Swiss Patent Court. The firm has by far the largest and most experienced patent practice group of any Swiss law firm.
- Unequalled expertise in handling complex counterfeit cases – for decades, the team has advised a high-end innovative design furniture manufacturer in defending its interests in worldwide copyright, design and trademark infringement cases, and is also an adviser to many companies in related sectors.
- Significant pharma/life sciences component – headed by Simon Holzer, the pharma/life sciences practice group frequently represents and advises major pharmaceutical companies on all IP aspects relating to their businesses (eg, joint venture agreements, research agreements, clinical trial agreements, licence agreements, supply agreements, pricing and regulatory issues). Most of the major players in this sector appear on the firm’s client list.
- Leading role in the new ‘Swissness’ statute – the team is known for its unmatched expertise in the protection of geographical indications and has played a key role in shaping and implementing the ‘Swissness’ legislation, a hotly anticipated law that came into effect in 2017. Our firm advises and represents the Swiss Cosmetic Association and Chocosuisse, the Swiss chocolate manufacturer association, in law-making procedure before the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, the Swiss Federal Office of Agriculture, the Swiss Institute of Intellectual Property and the Swiss Federal Council concerning the requirements and labelling obligations for cosmetic products and chocolate products with a Swiss origin.
- Strong capabilities in assisting clients in EU and international matters – with four offices in Switzerland, one in Madrid and one in London, the IP lawyers routinely assist clients across Europe, particularly with regard to EU legal issues, often working alongside the firm’s competition experts.
- Enlarged experience in IT and copyright matters – headed by new partner Lukas Bühlmann and Reinhard Oertli, the IT and copyright group represents both industry representatives and artists in copyright disputes regarding photography, software and television programmes, including cases involving collecting societies.
- Experience with advertising, retail and brand name companies – the IP and technology team also has expert knowledge in unfair competition and advertising law matters, and the firm is the Swiss member of Adlaw, a top-ranked worldwide network of advertising lawyers.
- Strong collegial spirit – the IP and technology lawyers form a strong team; their in-depth knowledge of each other’s competencies and working methods means that they can efficiently bring together the needed skills to provide innovative solutions and effectively serve clients.
Languages
MLL’s working languages are German, English, French and Spanish; some of the firm’s professionals are also fluent in Italian and Portuguese.
Jurisdiction