Next Generation Partners

IP, IT and telecoms in Estonia

Ellex

Ellex‘s team is well established in the IP sphere, often appearing in precedent-setting IP matters and working on complex IP prosecution projects. The practice is led by Ants Nõmper, who is ‘highly experienced in patent matters and has worked on some of the leading enforcement cases in Estonia’. His strong track record in IP, IT and telecoms ‘enables him to advise clients creatively and commercially’. Supporting Nomper at the associate level is Mari Must, one of ‘a trusted team of associates who are intelligent, responsive and helpful'.

Practice head(s):

Ants Nõmper


Other key lawyers:

Mari Must


Testimonials

‘Ants Nomper is highly experienced in patent matters and has worked on some of the leading enforcement cases in Estonia. His experience enables him to advise clients creatively and commercially. He has a trusted team of associates who are intelligent, responsive and helpful.’

Key clients

JCDecaux Eesti OÜ


Telia Eesti AS


Bayer Pharma AG


Daiichi Sankyo Europe


The Estonian Authors’ Society


AstraZeneca


Sandoz


Eesti Pandipakend


Orkla


Estonian National Broadcasting


Work highlights


Sorainen

According to one client, Sorainen is a ‘go-to legal partner in complex IP matters as it is able to offer full-service support and well-rounded, strategic advice on IP and general brand matters’. Kaupo Lepasepp, who is ‘extremely useful for IP topics and copyright matters‘, runs the team alongside ICT expert Mihkel Miidla. The group also has a good reputation for portfolio management and is lauded for its ‘pan-Baltic coverage, responsiveness, expertise and speed.’

Practice head(s):

Kaupo Lepasepp; Mihkel Miidla


Other key lawyers:

Lise-Lotte Lääne; Olivia Kranich


Testimonials

‘What sets Sorainen apart from the competition is their unique approach to legal representation. They combine years of experience with innovative thinking to deliver outstanding results for their clients. Their team of attorneys is not only well-versed in the intricacies of the law, but they also possess a deep understanding of various industries, allowing them to provide tailored solutions that other firms might overlook.

‘At Sorainen, clients aren’t just cases; they are partners in the legal process. The firm’s dedication to client satisfaction is evident in every interaction. Their attorneys take the time to listen, explain complex legal concepts in simple terms, and provide regular updates, ensuring that clients are well-informed and confident in their legal decisions.’

‘We have worked the most with Kaupo Lepasepp and Olivia Kranich. They have been extremely useful for IP topics and copyright matters.

‘Sorainen has a competent, fast and flexible team, interested in new developments in the healthcare sector and data privacy arena, willing to participate and partner to drive innovation in country and region. Took the lead in preparing an innovative private-public partnership consortium contract in healthcare in Estonia and represented our company in negotiations with partners.’

‘Counsel Lise-Lotte Lääne is a very well informed and future innovation-oriented professional, clear in communication, accessible, engaging team and partners to deliver in time and quality.’

‘A wide variety of capabilities and expertise under one roof. Pan-Baltic coverage, responsiveness, expertise and speed.’

‘Lise-Lotte Lääne is a great support on all matters we have encountered. Timely advice, expert in her area, available and helpful.’

‘For us, Sorainen remains the go-to legal partner in complex IP matters as they are able to offer full-service support and well-rounded, strategic advice on IP and general brand matters. They were very efficient and kept a good line of communication throughout the project, working well in cooperation with our in-house team.’

Key clients

Estonian Film Industry Cluster


Google


Allfilm


Fairmus


Eesti 200


AstraZeneca


Cuba Films


Veriff


SA Kunstihoone


CARIAD Estonia


Work highlights


  • Advised Allfilm on various intellectual property matters related to the production of the feature film Last Sentinel.
  • Advised Elering on risk identification and mitigation measures in relation to constructing and maintaining its internal ICT communications systems.
  • Advised Synbase on tackling various data protection matters and launching its revolutionary web portal that offers access to various evidence-based medicine databases.

Cobalt

Cobalt fields a deep bench of eight full-time IP lawyers, and is equipped to assist clients in a range of IP, IT and regulatory matters. Among these practitioners is practice head Egon Talur, who is pivotal in the team’s work in IP asset restructuring. Litigation forms another key part of the group’s work, particularly patent litigation for which Viive Kaur is highly experienced. Patent attorney Anna Kosar has extensive experience and knowledge in the field of IP protection and data protection.

Practice head(s):

Egon Talur


Other key lawyers:

Viive Kaur; Liina Jents; Anna Kosar


Testimonials

‘Good understanding from Liina Jents and Liis Leedo. They are a good law firm with super smart people.’

Key clients

3Commas Technologies


Change Ventures


Salv Technologies


SmartCap


Dexatel OÜ


Mindvalley Inc / Mindvalley OÜ


BaltCap Private Equity Fund III


Change Ventures


CybExer Technologies OÜ


Ready Player Me OÜ


Fleetguru OÜ


Binalyze OÜ


Work highlights


  • Advised BaltCap Private Equity Fund III on acquiring a minority stake in Eesti Digiraamatute Keskus (EDRK).
  • Advised venture capital fund Change Ventures on its investment in Formaloo, an Estonia-based company founded in 2020.
  • Advised SmartCap on its investment in eAgronom, a start-up which helps farmers adopt more sustainable farming methods with digital tools and technology-based strategies.

Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co

Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co's lawyers are ‘certainly experts in their field’ of intellectual property and telecoms, as well as data protection. Practice head Tambet Toomela, a ‘top-notch expert in his field in Estonia‘, is lauded for his ‘expertise and foresight‘, which have been gained from a long track record in offering IP and IT law advice in Estonia. Elsewhere, associate Erika Tuvike is noted for her international work; she is experienced in IP, particularly trademark disputes.

Practice head(s):

Tambet Toomela


Other key lawyers:

Ädu Arvisto; Erika Tuvike


Testimonials

‘The lawyers we work with are certainly experts in their field. They are easy to communicate with and they explain complex topics in easy-to-understand language. They respond quickly and always offer help.’

Erika Tuvike and Ädu Arvisto offer most valuable know-how and expertise I could wish for. They have already been involved with different international projects which have given them a wide view of the IP landscape and different perspectives. Also they have full support from partner Tambet Toomela, who is a real top-notch expert in his field in Estonia. Quick responses, relevant questions, quick and smooth solutions.’

‘Tambet Toomela and Ädu Arvisto know the subject and give very clear instructions. The speed of their feedback is a great help, and regardless of the speed, the advice is of high quality.’

‘Eversheds Sutherland has consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise in providing legal counsel to our company. Their ability to navigate complex scenarios, some of which are almost uncharted territory in our industry, truly stands out. The team combines in-depth know-how with responsiveness, dedication, and exceptional clarity. The value they bring to our operations is unmistakable, making our partnership not only beneficial but also essential.’

‘Ädu Arvisto has expertly guided us through intricate licensing agreements, ensuring we understood every nuance, and providing actionable recommendations tailored to our needs. Her clarity, responsiveness, professionalism, and commitment set her apart. We are sincerely thankful, and we feel at ease knowing she is supporting us.’

‘Tambet Toomela’s guidance has been pivotal in both saving us significant costs and shielding us from potential risks. His strategic and prudent advice has safeguarded our operations. We’re immensely grateful for his expertise and foresight.’

‘The team is always readily available to discuss any legal issues we have had. Mostly regarding different agreements and patent applications. They have always provided final drafts in a very timely manner, and when necessary, organised a call to align on important details. Most final drafts prepared have been accepted by the other party with minor or no changes, making their execution simple and fast.’

Key clients

Hansab AS


AB Kreditex AS


Creative Mobile OÜ


Mishura Games OÜ


TextMagic AS


Verita Solutions OÜ


Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ


Nanordica Medical OÜ


Eesti Keskkonnateenused AS


Work highlights


  • Advised long-term client Hansab on public procurement proceedings concerning the purchase of forms for identity documents in ID-1 format.
  • Assisted Creative Mobile in drafting a solid template license agreement and NFT clauses.
  • Assisted Icosagen Cell Factory in negotiations for a consortium agreement for the preclinical development of a third-generation interleukin-2 targeted to inflammatory sites funded by the EU through the Horizon Europe programme.

LEXTAL

LEXTAL ‘distinguishes itself as a truly unique law firm with a remarkable range of strengths‘. Among these strengths is its ability to work both domestically and internationally, throughout the Baltic region. Practice head Rauno Kinkar‘s ‘quick-witted and thorough approach to his work truly stands out’. The multidisciplinary team ‘includes a wide variety of specialists across numerous fields of law’, including Henri Ratnik, who is experienced in IP and IT law, as well as data protection issues and Web3 matters.

Practice head(s):

Rauno Kinkar


Other key lawyers:

Henri Ratnik


Testimonials

‘Lextal stands out due to its extensive expertise, commitment to exceptional client service, and innovative approach. Lextal differentiates itself by embracing technology, fostering collaboration, and promoting diversity and inclusion. The firm has introduced advanced technology tools and values diverse perspectives and experiences.’

‘At Lextal, the team of individuals, including standout partner Henri Ratnik, stands out due to their exceptional expertise, dedication, and client-centric approach. What sets them apart from competitors is their ability to think innovatively, provide strategic guidance, and deliver favourable outcomes for our clients. We value their strong work ethic, meticulous research, analytical skills, and proactive approach in meeting client needs.’

‘I believe their strength is their client relationships and keeping clients happy.’

Key clients

Eesti Üliõpilaskondade Liit


BlocktradeOperations OÜ


Ready Player Me OÜ


Starship Technologies OÜ


Bolt Technology OÜ and Bolt Operations OÜ


Sidekik OÜ (NFTPort)


Foxway OÜ


GenNet Laboratories AS


Kaur Kender, Chromed Investing OÜ


Decathlon Lietuva UAB


HeyDigital OÜ


Work highlights


  • Advised EÜL (Eesti Üliõpilaskondade Liit) on negotiations and contractual matters in changing software service provider.
  • Advised Decathlon Lietuva on various legal questions relevant to entering the Estonian market, including IP, data protection (GDPR) and consumer protection matters.
  • Advised Chromed Investing on an IP ownership dispute between the owners of the successful computer game Disco Elysium.

Magnusson

Magnusson often works across the Baltics and Scandinavia, leveraging a strong technology law practice assisting local companies in addition to international clients investing in Estonia. Its varied workload includes cyber fraud disputes and the enforcement of rulings on cyber assets. Elvira Tulvik runs the team and is especially knowledgeable about existing and future technology due to her engineering knowledge. On the IP side, senior associate Mirjam Trisberg is a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Ellen Elvira Tulvik


Other key lawyers:

Mirjam Trisberg


Key clients

Creditors of CoinLoan


Inter Cars S.A.


Inter Cars Estonia OÜ


Elers Medical Finland Oy


FlixMobility GmbH


Omnimatrix OÜ


BVKI OÜ


KTZL Action Group


Envst United Action


Filmimees OÜ


Baltania OÜ


MyLook OÜ


Optimus Enterprise OÜ


Dream Finance OÜ


SEG Management PIY Ltd


P.H. Primary OÜ


Caruma S.p Z.O.O.


Lozmi OÜ


Work highlights


  • Advises OmniMatrix on token qualification under Estonian law, licensing requirements and compliance.
  • Representing over 7,000 local and international investors in large class action bankruptcy and criminal proceedings regarding crowdfunding fraud.
  • Assisting a group of creditors of CoinLoan in bringing claims against the platform and representing the creditors’ interests in insolvency proceedings before the Estonian court and trustee.

NJORD Law Firm

NJORD Law Firm is particularly strong in IP, where it assists a wide range of clients including government organisations and large corporations with matters both inside and outside of court. The growing team is led by Karolina Ullman alongside Liisi Jürgen, who is an expert in IT law and data protection. Ullman is a key contact in the group for Swedish-Estonian matters and Nordic businesses in Estonia.

Practice head(s):

Karolina Ullman; Liisi Jürgen


Key clients

Fruit Xpress OÜ


Nortal AS


Digital Mind OÜ


Creditinfo AS


Projekt Kuubis OÜ


BKSbackstage OÜ


Fandango Ventures OÜ


Promoty Marketing OÜ


Atomic Protocol Systems OÜ


Heathmont OÜ / YOLO Group


Sunbeam Productions OÜ


Premier Restaurants Eesti OÜ


Work highlights


  • Assisted Digiotouch in drafting cooperation agreements, terms and conditions for services, solving employment issues and compliance with data protection laws.
  • Advising the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications on the TALTECH Legal Lab project.
  • Advising Estonian company Fandango Ventures (Fandango Fire Tools) on an IP strategy.

WALLESS

WALLESS, whose ‘team is very competent and easy to work with‘, stands out for regularly acting in disputes regarding trade names and unfair competition. Toomas Taube ‘is an experienced and well-established IP lawyer’ who is heavily active on the transactional side of the group’s IP work, often advising on trademark and copyright licensing transactions. Other key team members include Hannes Vallikivi, who has deep knowledge of technology law and its impact on a range of industries. In early 2024, the practice gained the expertise of Merit Lind and her team following the firm’s merger with FORT.

Practice head(s):

Toomas Taube


Other key lawyers:

Hannes Vallikivi; Merit Lind


Testimonials

‘The IP/IT team of WALLESS Estonia has been our cooperation partner for many years, and we have developed a very good working relationship. The team is very competent and easy to work with. They are responsive and we have received from them clear answers and useful advice.’

‘Our main contact in IP matters is partner Toomas Taube. Toomas is an experienced and well-established IP lawyer, having been active on the legal market for over 20 years. He is always personally involved in the matters and provides quick and clear advice.’

Key clients

City of Tartu


Turnit OÜ


Ampler Bikes OÜ


AS Liviko


ELEKS group


Nordic Label Oy Ab


Tilgmann Oy Ab


Work highlights


  • Advised the City of Tartu on the organisation of an international architecture competition for the Tartu downtown cultural centre.
  • Advised a client on the purchase of a large portfolio of copyright-protected video footage and photos.
  • Advised Turnit on intellectual property matters pertaining to the software which Turnit develops and licenses to clients under its SaaS agreements with various counterparties around the world.

NOVE

NOVE‘s group has expertise across the spectrum of IP, IT and telecoms matters, covering a range of industries including healthcare. Sten Tikerpe is head of IT and cybersecurity; Mari Past leads the data protection practice; and Mart Parind is head of intellectual property within the firm. As a group, ‘what sets it apart is its extraordinary flexibility, prompt responses and ability to explain complex legal matters in a simple and understandable manner’. Arsi Pavelts is a key lawyer for contentious issues.

Practice head(s):

Sten Tikerpe; Mari Past; Mart Parind


Other key lawyers:

Arsi Pavelts


Testimonials

‘From my perspective, they have shown remarkable professionalism and an impressive dedication to delivering precise and valid assessments.’

‘What truly stands out about this team is their approach to analysis. They don’t seem to prioritise pleasing the client for the sake of it. Instead, they focus on providing accurate and insightful evaluations, which I find highly valuable. Their commitment to maintaining high standards and integrity in their work is truly commendable.’

‘What sets them apart is their extraordinary flexibility, prompt responses, and their ability to explain complex legal matters in a simple and understandable manner. They are quick to respond to enquiries and provide clear and concise explanations. Their approach is refreshingly straightforward and devoid of unnecessary complexity, making it much easier to grasp legal intricacies.’

Key clients

Bank of Estonia


Tartu University


ValueSpace


Värska Vesi


Estonian Reform Party


Medicum Tervishoiuteenused


ADM Interactive


Medemis


HansaFilm


West Tallinn Central Hospital


Estonian Internet Foundation


Estonian IT Centre


COOP Põlva


CIVITTA Estonia


Innopolis Engineering


Esvika Elekter


Ernst & Young Baltic


LEI Register


LEI Register


Work highlights


  • Advising Estonian IT Centre on its competencies, rights and obligations towards other governmental agencies.
  • Represented Bank of Estonia, a procurer, in a dispute on a tender for developing a new IT system against an unsuccessful tenderer’s complaint.
  • Assisted the Estonian Reform Party with conducting an extensive data protection analysis and providing recommendations.

RASK

At RASK Attorneys-at-Law, Timo Kullerkupp and Karl Erik Esko head up the team, which is highlighted for its 'international experience' and its ability to 'provide tailored solutions’. Its varied workload includes IP-related regulatory matters, due diligence and sector-specific IT advice. Technology specialist Kai Villemson is highly regarded.

Practice head(s):

Timo Kullerkupp; Karl Erik Esko


Other key lawyers:

Kai Villemson; Andrei Svištš


Testimonials

‘The team is professional and has international experience, responding quickly and providing tailored solutions.’

Kai Villemson is probably the best IP and technology sector related lawyer in Estonia. She and her team have provided quick and outstanding legal frameworks for us in different areas.’

‘Personal approach, great availability, and quick response times. Willingness to improve their knowledge about our specific sector.’

Key clients

Hepta Group Airborne OÜ


OÜ Flaperon


Net Group OÜ


Optigon OÜ


Modera AS


HotelBuddy Technology OÜ


Co-one OÜ


Digital Sputnik Lighting OÜ


SPAN d.d.


Vok Bikes


Elsavie OÜ


Depowise OÜ


Tikupoiss OÜ


TGS Baltic

TGS Baltic ‘always delivers the result quickly‘. The firm has a particular focus on data protection, and also fields a team of ‘excellent IP law specialists‘ including senior associate Silvia Urgas, who is often involved in IP disputes. Peeter Viirsalu is also well versed in disputes, in addition to working with clients on matters connected to distressed assets. Priit Lätt joined as head of the IP and IT department in early 2024 following the firm’s merger with PwC Legal. Mari-Liis Orav left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Priit Lätt


Other key lawyers:

Peeter Viirsalu; Silvia Urgas


Testimonials

‘Cooperation and commitment.’

‘TGS Baltic always quickly finds a professional person to work with us and delivers the result quickly.’

‘I find it very useful and important that before digging into the task they first make sure they understand the challenge and then offer the most reasonable solution. If needed, they communicate directly with our counterparties.’

‘Great at IP, easy to contact, take their duty seriously.’

‘The team is truly specialist in their respective fields and work extremely well together. You receive excellent quality.’

‘We mainly work with Peeter Viirsalu, who knows our field of business very well and can therefore deliver quality. We have also worked with Silvia Urgas and Mari-Liis Orav who are excellent IP law specialists.’

‘Absolute top specialists with very good understanding of commercial aspects and needs of a specific client. Highly efficient (the speed of getting feedback and answers is incredible) and flexible approach, focused on a client and a specific solution. Interested in and contributing into the general development of the sector as such, not only oriented in providing legal consulting.’

‘Priit Lätt is an outstanding attorney.’

Key clients

Merck Sharp & Dohme OÜ


Circle K Eesti Aktsiaselts


MTÜ Eesti Muuseumiühing


Aktsiaselts Eesti Post (Omniva)


Eesti Autorite Ühing (Estonian Authors’ Society)


Fujitsu Estonia AS


Veriff OÜ


The City of Tartu and Tartu 2024 Foundation


Auto-Bon Baltic OÜ and AutoHalle Aktsiaselts


Inchcape Motors Estonia OÜ


CityBee and MyBee


ERGO Insurance SE


Adcash OÜ


Better Medicine OÜ


Mooncascade OÜ


AS Eesti Loots


Eesti Tudengisatelliidi Sihtasutus (Estonian Student Satellite Foundation)


Timbeco Woodhouse OÜ


Bondora Group AS


Volta1 OÜ


FitSphere OÜ


Steven Micallef


Francorp Baltic


Fairown Finance OÜ


Estonian E-residency team


Estonian Actors Union


Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF)


SK ID Solutions


GuardTime


Tietoevry Estonia


Nortal


Estonian Railways


Solid World


LimeWire


The European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA)


Rush Street Interactive


Vichy Catalan


Delfi Meedia


North Estonia Medical Centre Foundation (Põhja-Eesti Regionaalhaigla)


Ülemiste Center


NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence


teledisko DAO OÜ


Work highlights


  • Advised venture capital fund NFT.VC on making an investment into FoodTech startup äio tech OÜ.
  • Advised an IT specialist based in Switzerland on the sale of his Estonian company SM7 Software to Intel 471.

Triniti

The group at Triniti is an ‘experienced cross-border team with high-level professionals in various legal matters’ and is noted for its knowledge of media and telecoms services and the related legal framework. Maarja Pild, a versatile practitioner in these fields, leads the team, which includes Karmen Turk, who is experienced in representing clients in both national and European courts.

Practice head(s):

Maarja Pild


Other key lawyers:

Karmen Turk


Testimonials

‘The team is quick and has very good knowledge of media and telecoms services and the legal framework.’

‘In my opinion Karmen Turk is the best legal professional in Estonia.’

‘In my experience, TRINITI has the most experience in Estonia in the field of data protection, they are the go-to law firm in this domain.’

Key clients

Postimees Grupp AS


Äripäev AS


TV Play Baltics


Human Rights Center of Estonia


REACT


Duo Media Networks AS


Montonio Finance OÜ


Utilitas OÜ


Julianus Inkasso OÜ


Zone Media OÜ


Work highlights


  • Advising Postimees Grupp on a daily basis on intellectual property, media and data protection.
  • Advising Zone Media on matters pertaining to different legal questions arising from a heavily regulated electronic communications market.
  • Advising Julianus Inkasso on day-to day complex data protection cases, including analysis concerning processing debt personal data, data subject notification requirements and more.

KPMG Law in Estonia

KPMG Law in Estonia has a strong track record in IT law and also has a sizeable cybersecurity practice. Practice head Karin Oras leads on corporate M&A, employment and immigration matters at the firm, and is able to advise on multidisciplinary IP, IT and telecoms matters.

Practice head(s):

Karin Oras


Key clients

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication


Ministry of Social Affairs


The Health Insurance Fund


Gardest OÜ


Barrus AS


Toyota Motor Europe NV


Bourse OÜ


Work highlights


  • Assisted Barrus with an assessment of compliance with GDPR concerning personal data processing.
  • Assisted Toyota Motor Europe with the auditing of personal data processing based on consent.
  • Assisted Bourse with the drafting of a software license agreement.

LINKLaw

The team at LINKLaw ‘knows the IT sector inside out’. Its varied client base includes large and prestigious companies in the IP and IT fields as well as film and cinema clients. Overseeing the practice is Kairi Kurisoo-Pärn, whose M&A expertise makes the group well placed to handle clients’ specific IT and IP needs as well as commercial and corporate matters.

Practice head(s):

Kairi Kurisoo-Pärn


Testimonials

‘Professional team which knows the IT sector inside out.’

‘Quick responsiveness, ability to find suitable legal frameworks, always protecting the client.’

‘Fast solution to any topic related, not looking for problems but solutions.’

Key clients

Sterotek OÜ


Energiasäästu Invest OÜ (Netikino)


Asymmetric Studios OÜ


GENIUS SPORTS SERVICES EESTI OÜ


Q-step logiciel OÜ


ASA Quality Services OÜ


Feeport OÜ


Loadmon OÜ


Viru Keemia Grupp AS


Work highlights


  • Advising Asymmetric Studios on the theatrical motion picture project entitled Pinocchio and the Water Of Life.
  • Advising Sterotek on the documentary movie Legend of Winding Roads about the LADA VFTS’ and rally drivers in the 1980s.
  • Advised Loadmon on the acquisition of Deskis, which produces and provides forestry and harvest industry software, data processing and geo-information systems.