Next Generation Partners

Intellectual property in Malta

Fenech & Fenech Advocates

Fenech & Fenech Advocates is a strong choice for handling the gamut of IP and TMT transactional matters and contentious work. The team's workload includes data protection issues, outsourcing agreements, and remote gaming matters, to name a few key areas of instruction. Practice head Antonio Ghiohas the credibility and deep-rooted understanding of the law that sets him leagues apart from competitors’. Associate Deo Falzon handles a broad range of contentious work, including multijurisdictional cases involving copyright licenses and agreements.

Practice head(s):

Antonio Ghio


Other key lawyers:

Deo Falzon


Testimonials

‘The uniqueness of Fenech & Fenech Advocates lies in its seamless integration of traditional legal expertise with cutting-edge technology, creating an ecosystem of legal service delivery that is both efficient and effective. This is a firm that understands the evolving landscape of legal challenges, and continually adapts to stay ahead of the curve.’

‘Their multi-disciplinary approach allows them to view issues from a comprehensive perspective, offering solutions that are holistic rather than piecemeal. Firm has a global reach but maintains a granular understanding of local laws and regulations.’

‘Dr. Antonio Ghio is a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience, which is an extremely rare find in the legal industry. His contributions to the firm go beyond mere legal expertise; he brings an analytical mindset shaped by years of academic and field research. Dr. Ghio has the credibility and deep-rooted understanding of the law that sets him leagues apart from competitors.’

‘Dr. Ghio ensures he is accessible to all clients and takes the time to understand their specific needs. His approach is always client-first, making him exceptionally easy to work with. Having worked on a multitude of international cases, Dr. Ghio has a nuanced understanding of how legal frameworks operate across different jurisdictions. This is invaluable for clients with global interests.’

‘Antonio Ghio has been at the forefront of the IP sector since its inception in Malta and an excellent lawyer. He has built a practice at Fenech and Fenech that focuses on IP & IT and is capable of providing solutions to sophisticated situations. There is depth in their advice.’

Key clients

Dassault Systemes


AITO


The Performing Right Society Limited


Binderr Limited


KPMG Crimsonwing


KRKA d.d.


Nomad Jewels Ltd


AX Group


Mediarex Enterprises Limited (Socios.com)


E.J. Busuttil


Chapter 4 dba. Supreme


Work highlights


  • Acting for Dassault Systèmes in litigation concerning the enforcement of software intellectual property rights.
  • Advising the Performing Right Society Limited on multiple matters regarding music rights and royalties.
  • Acting as counsel to Mediarex Enterprises on trade mark matters.

Ganado Advocates

Ganado Advocates' team has an excellent track record in handling the full spectrum of IP work, ranging from contractual matters and licensing agreements to trade mark, patent and copyright disputes. The group is highly recommended for advising on pan-European registration of trade marks and patents, and is equally strong in assisting with anti-counterfeiting actions. Practice head Paul Micallef Grimaud regularly advises on the registration and enforcement of IP rights, IP infringement cases, anti-counterfeit measures, and trade mark and design oppositions. Senior associate Philip Formosa brings expertise in assisting with agreements involving the exploitation of IP rights, and data protection and compliance matters.

Practice head(s):

Paul Micallef Grimaud


Other key lawyers:

Philip Formosa


Testimonials

‘The legal team at Ganado Advocates has a professional outreach, is highly experienced and dedicated in the area of law on which legal advice or opinions are sought. ’

‘The individuals with whom we have engaged place a lot of emphasis on establishing a personalised relationship which leads to the better understanding of the client’s issues and therefore delivers the best result in terms of legal advice and support. ’

‘I have been working with Dr Philip Formosa for the past few years, and I can honestly say that I value his work ethic, availability, honesty, and knowledge in his field. ’

‘Always thinking outside the box.’

Mamo TCV Advocates

Mamo TCV Advocates has seen an uptick in instructions relating to patent prosecution cases and Maltese and EU trade mark filings. Antoine Camilleri has expertise in advising on IP prosecution work, software and hardware contract agreements, licensing issues and data protection matters. Claude Micallef Grimaud acts for leading retail companies and brand owners in trade mark and copyright infringement cases, as well as anti-counterfeiting actions.

Practice head(s):

Antoine Camilleri; Claude Micallef Grimaud


Testimonials

‘Small but strong team. Very much on top of cases. Good communication.’

‘The team is excellent. The service provided is highly qualified and managed to deliver very satisfactory work results even in the case of low budget constraints.Uncomplicated and more goal-oriented work than others. The billing team is very organized. ’

‘Claude Grimaud is a very pleasant contact who, in addition to his legal knowledge, also keeps an eye on the business challenges of his clients. He is extremely well connected throughout the region.’

Key clients

GO plc


Liquigas Malta Limited


BNF Bank (Malta) plc


Work highlights


  • Defending a leading software company in a copyright infringement claim.
  • Assisting an Asian chocolate and confectionery manufacturer with ongoing trade mark matters.
  • Assisting a film and media production company with contract negotiations, location permits, and negotiating with distributors, concerning locations for filming in Malta.

Camilleri Preziosi

Steve Decesare leads the 'very talented' team at Camilleri Preziosi. The IP practice has a solid track record in handling registration, enforcement and regulatory IP matters in Malta. Senior associate Sharon Xuereb garners praise for her 'impressive depth of legal knowledge', and is well versed in handling transactional IP mandates for clients in the telecoms, food and beverage, aviation, financial services and gaming sectors. Associate Alexia Valenzia is 'a skilled professional with a wealth of positive attributes'.

Practice head(s):

Steve Decesare


Other key lawyers:

Sharon Xuereb; Alexia Valenzia


Testimonials

‘The team is very talented. They are very efficient yet diligent and within a short time-span they could find a solution to our IP dispute.’

‘Sharon Xuereb is particularly talented and professional. She is very thoughtful and also a good listener who delivered on time and on budget.’

‘Top-tier commercial law firm in Malta. Definitely recommended.’

‘Steve Decesare – leads a very efficient team delivering timely, practical and cost-effective responses to complex national and international IP issues.’

‘Alexia Valenzia is an upcoming associate within Camilleri Preziosi’s IP department. One to watch.’

‘Their team’s knowledge and expertise were evident throughout our engagement. They demonstrated a deep understanding of trade mark law. This level of expertise not only instilled confidence but also ensured that we were making informed decisions every step of the way.’

‘Steve, Sharon, and Alexia from Camilleri Preziosi collectively made an outstanding team in guiding us through the trademark registration process. Their expertise and commitment were truly commendable, and they played an instrumental role in addressing the objections we encountered.’

‘They stand out because they are so trustworthy in all the legal advice provided and work that they performed. We never have to worry that the work is not being done at the highest standard. Alexia Valenzia was extremely knowledgeable and always fast to respond and take action on all tasks and queries we posed. I am certain she has a bright future ahead of her and would recommend her and Camilleri Preziosi to other potential clients. ’

GTG Advocates

GTG Advocates‘ IP practice is well versed in advising on technology, online gaming and betting matters, and often acts for Maltese public authorities, agencies, and public bodies in mandates. Ian Gauci is very experienced in handling data protection, e-commerce and fintech matters, and co-leads the team with Terence Cassar, a key contact for IP protection and registration issues. Cassar is also well known for assisting with contentious and non-contentious copyright, trade mark, patent, trade secrets and franchising matters.

Practice head(s):

Terence Cassar; Ian Gauci


Testimonials

‘GTG are always readily available at short notice, and are able to align the legal requirements of the company with the commercial interests of the company. They are very pleasant people to work with, and continue to provide support services for any matter that may arise, as minor or major as the case may be.’

‘GTG are extremely knowledgeable in the applicable legal fields, and maintain strong relationships with third-parties, in multiple jurisdictions. They readily make any introductions as may be required where the matter at hand is cross-border in nature. Terence Cassar provided an excellent, well tailored, service to the needs of the company.’

Key clients

Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA)


BMIT Plc


Golden Race Group


Hacksaw Gaming Group


Double Down


Tech.MT


Government of Malta


ComeOn! Gaming Group


Hero Gaming


Apollo Games Group


Quinel Ltd


Spinmatic Entertainment


ForumPay


Ethernity Cloud Ltd


Bojoko


Gain Changer


RS2 Plc


Work highlights


  • Acted for Hacksaw Gaming in a trade mark opposition case.
  • Advised Apollo Games on a major games distribution licensing deal.

GVZH Advocates

GVZH Advocates handles the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious IP issues. The practice has established expertise in handling trade mark filings, patent applications, infringement issues, and technology and software work. Michael Grech is ‘very knowledgeable in his field', and counts copyright, software, trade mark and trade secret matters as key areas of instruction.

Practice head(s):

Michael Grech


Testimonials

‘The team is highly skilled and extremely approachable. ’

‘Michael Grech is very knowledgeable in his field and able to provide reasoned explanations along with his recommendations and advice. Work that involves foreign counsel is also handled in a seamless manner.’

‘Outstanding diligence in representing the interest of our company with our IP registrations.’

Key clients

Entain/Cashcade Limited


Netflix


Michelin


Corinthia Hotels International


Malta Gaming Authority


Heritage Malta


Malta Government Investments


HSBC


Swarovski


Unilever plc/ Unilever NV


Shell


Abbott


General Motors


Work highlights


  • Acted for Entain/Cashcade Limited in an infringement case.
  • Acting as counsel to Netflix on an infringement matter in Malta, concerning trade mark and copyright issues pertaining to the ‘Money Heist’ series.

Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates

The team at Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates is 'very knowledgeable' on a broad range of IP matters. Maria Chetcuti Cauchi and associate Susanna Grech Deguara are well known for handling franchising and licensing agreements, as well as brands, patents and trade mark work. Corporate expert Charlene Mifsud is a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Maria Chetcuti Cauchi; Charlene Mifsud


Other key lawyers:

Susanna Grech Deguara


Testimonials

‘It was very important for us to have an experienced team by our side. They have helped us very much and have always delivered.’

‘Susanna Grech Deguara has led the project and has helped us invaluably. She knows the industry and the law well and has always guided us well. ’

‘Very knowledgeable team, able to assist and coordinate several jurisdictions.’

‘Susanna – very helpful and practical. Maria – very available and attentive and extremely technical.’

‘The team was very helpful in all the stages of the patent filing.’

‘Highly approachable and knowledgeable about the timelines involved.’

Key clients

General Gas Ltd


University of Malta


Ing. Sean Agius


Betting Games Network Ltd.


Azure Holding Limited


Aqua Group Ltd


Camel Brand Co Ltd


Cabinet Chaillot


Polinno Group


Altern Limited


General Supreme Ltd


Arcus Management Ltd


Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (S.O.S.J.)


KováriPatent and Trademark Attorneys’ LLC


Actio IP


D Young & Co LLP- U.K.


Cooley (UK) LLP


Beyond Attorneys at


Epic 88 Ltd.


Cutajar Lighting Ltd.


Bird & Bird


Daa Daa Daa Holding Ltd. (Iniala)


Form Matters


Pinreel


Calleja Ltd


Croce Bonaci Caterers


Premium Accounting


Work highlights


  • Advised General Gas Ltd on a rebranding process.
  • Assisting University of Malta with obtaining an international patent.
  • Assisting Croce Bonaci Caterers with trade mark protection matters.