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'.
IP, IT and telecoms in Estonia
Ellex
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
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.
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.
WIDEN
WIDEN ‘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.
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.
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.