Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Industry focus: Luxury goods

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP has a strong showing in luxury retail - it provides comprehensive support to its clients, advising on M&A, compliance, IP, ESG and dispute resolution.
Gianni & Origoni is well-accustomed to the corporate and M&A activities of its clients spanning the automotive, fashion and the fragrance industries.

Industry focus: Luxury goods in Italy

BonelliErede

BonelliErede's clients read as a roll call of pre-eminent, global, fashion design houses and its '360 coverage of the legal service industry is unmatched’. The group is led by Francesco Anglani, who is especially adept in all areas of anti-trust, often acting in cases with the Italian Competition Authority and the European Commission. He also regularly assists clients with disputes involving distribution systems or negotiations with franchises and distributors. Brand protection (including anti-counterfeiting) is another key specialism in this sector which is provided by IP expert Giovanni Guglielmetti . The corporate and acquisitions side is covered by Nicola Marchioro whose expertise includes advising on strategic partnerships or joint ventures - he is also the country partner for the United States. Marco Maniscalco provides the employment advice, particularly Italian and cross-border business and employee transfers.

Practice head(s):

Francesco Anglani


Other key lawyers:

Nicola Marchioro; Giovanni Guglielmetti; Marco Maniscalco


Testimonials

‘BonelliErede is the most important Italian firm. Their 360 coverage of the legal service industry is unmatched.’

‘Franesco Anglani is a leading individual in the luxury goods industry (with emphasis on antitrust).’

‘BonelliErede is top tier firm in many practices and traditionally corporate and M&A.’

‘Amongst its multi-practice Focus Teams BonelliErede features one dedicated to the luxury sector that is very highly qualified.’

‘The team counts on M&A, corporate, IP, antitrust, litigation, tax, administrative and criminal high-profile lawyers and thanks to the cross-practice cooperation it can assist clients from a 360 perspective.’

Key clients

TOD’S S.p.A.


EssilorLuxottica S.p.A.


Herno S.p.A.


Liu Jo S.p.A.


Loro Piana S.p.A.


LVMH


Max Mara S.r.l


Moncler S.p.A.


Prada S.p.A.


Work highlights


  • Assisting several luxury companies to ensure an efficient management of their distribution systems in full compliance with the specific conditions and limitations imposed by antitrust law.
  • Assisting EssilorLuxottica S.p.A., Loro Piana S.p.A., Max Mara S.r.l. and Prada S.p.A. in reviewing franchising agreements entered into by the companies to grant compliance with the recent practice of the Italian Competition Authority on the abuse of economic dependence.

Chiomenti

Chiomenti spreads its luxury goods practice across the sector, advising on matters concerning transactions, private equity and employment. In addition, it retains expertise on IP, tax, contractual and litigation issues relating to the luxury goods industry. Its clients include luxury companies in the beauty, automotive, hospitality and gourmet sectors. Emanuele Barberis, a specialist in employment law as it affects the fashion and retail sectors, is the co-head of the luxury practice alongside Simone Bernard de la Gatinais, who focuses her advice on commercial contracts, private equity joint ventures, stock listing and capital increases.

Testimonials

‘Strong knowledge and practices of the luxury goods industry.’

‘Prompt reactions and fast advice on everyday issues and legal cases.’

‘The team is very professional and effective.’

‘Individuals have skills and expertise in the Luxury industry.’

‘They are very skilled at helping businesses find effective legal solutions.’

‘Emanuele Barberis is very supportive and is able to find legal solutions that are always business-oriented.’

‘Emanuele Barberis is without any doubt a legal point of reference in the fashion industry.’

Key clients

Gianni Versace


Michael Kors


Missoni


Ralph Lauren


Swarovski


Dolce & Gabbana


Roberto Cavalli


Ermenegildo Zegna


Pomellato


Prada


Loro Piana


Sergio Rossi


Trussardi


Breitling Italia


Pinko


Salvatore Ferragamo


Etro


Work highlights


DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a one-stop-shop for all fashion and retail matters, whether they involve domestic or international elements. The firm fields a strong commercial litigation and arbitration practice, that advises on distribution, agency, sub-contracting and sponsorship agreements disputes. It also advises on disputes over abuse of economic dependence. Additionally, the firm is well versed in IP and regulatory assistance. Elena Varese, who is experienced in contentious and non-contentious IP, fashion law, unfair competition and consumer law, co-heads the luxury goods practice alongside Davide Rossetti, who has deep knowledge of the fashion industry, advising famous high fashion and casualwear brands.

Practice head(s):

Davide Rossetti; Elena Varese


Testimonials

‘The firm is a market leader in the field of IP and advertising in Italy. They know how to handle complex matters and ensure consistency in all jurisdictions.’

‘Elena Varese is the go to person for litigation over non traditional trademarks and trade dress especially in the fashion field.’

‘They are top litigators and outstanding negotiators with great business acumen and knowledge of the new trends.’

‘Elena Varese stands out for the quality of her advice and her capacity to deliver tailored solutions to complex matters in an efficient way.’

 

Key clients

Valentino


Tecnica


Prada


Nike


Hugo Boss


Golden Goose


Dolce & Gabbana


Loro Piana


Ermenegildo Zegna


Poltrona Frau


Manolo Blahnik


Henry Cotton’s


Marina Yachting


MCS


Zanotti


Bally


Calzedonia


Missoni


Percassi Retail


Burberry


Converse


Lamborghini


Agnona


Conbipel


Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma


Comité Champagne


INAO


Ducati


Off-White


Givenchy


Kiko


Work highlights


  • Assisting Ermenegildo Zegna in the overall strategy of protection of the iconic triple-stitch motif (a non traditional trademark) included in their men shoes.
  • Assisted NGGH in drafting the Group Policy for all the brands within the NGGH portfolio (Off-White, Palm Angels, etc.) for the management of cash in the stores worldwide.
  • Successfully assisted Nike in multijurisdictional litigation against Geox regarding alleged infringement of a device mark and defence of prior use and ornamental use by Nike.

Pavia e Ansaldo

Pavia e Ansaldo assists major, domestic and international luxury labels and retailers. The firm’s luxury goods practice is broad, advising all along the industry’s supply chain, from manufacturing to advertising to consumer protection. It is also experienced in advising clients on regulatory, licencing, employment and real estate matters as well as on issues arising in the e-commerce space. Gian Paolo Di Santo, who has expertise in IP matters for major fashion labels including trademark enforcement, heads the luxury and fashion department with Mia Rinetti, whose focus is on corporate and commercial matters within the industry. Corporate specialist, Adriano Villa , who is admitted as a foreign lawyer in Japan, assists clients looking to do business/enter the market in Japan.

Practice head(s):

Gian Paolo Di Santo; Mia Rinetti


Other key lawyers:

Adriano Villa


Testimonials

‘The biggest advantage of P&A is that they are the specialist for Italian and Japanese law. For a company like mine that works a lot with Italian company as a distributor such a law office is really helpful.’

‘Strong skill in commercial contract reviews.’

Mia Rinetti is very competent and has a very open approach as a true service to the client. In addition, a brilliant mind, out of the box thinker and a great worker. Her availability is legendary.’

Key clients

Alice & Olivia Inc.


Calvin Klein Inc.


Calzedonia S.p.A.


Christie’s


E. Marinella S.r.l.


Fast Retailing USA, Inc.


GGR S.r.l.


Herno SpA


IKOI S.r.l.


Polo Ralph Lauren


The Sonnabend Collection Foundation


Cosmei srl


Omnicos Group srl


REGI Laboratories srl


YNH Srl


Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo


Giammetti


Work highlights


ADVANT Nctm

ADVANT Nctm’s dedicated luxury and fashion team assists major fashion labels and luxury hospitality companies. It offers a full coverage of services connected to the issues, with experience in M&A, listing, trademark, litigation, financing and tax matters at a national and international level. Michele Bignami leads the luxury goods practice with expertise in employment issues affecting the industry, along with experience in restructurings, trade union relations and dismissals. Within the practice, Luca Guidobaldi advises on IP law, particularly copyright, design and trademark law.

Practice head(s):

Michele Bignami


Other key lawyers:

Luca Guidobaldi


Testimonials

‘Luca Guidobaldi has exemplary availability and a solution-focused approach to matters under pressure.’

‘Their performance significantly exceeds my expectations. They have a truly rare “business acumen”.’

Key clients

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.


Gucci


Brunello Cucinelli


Mou Limited


Etro S.p.A.


Pandora Italia S.r.l.


Perfect Moment Limited


Vilebrequin


Belmond UK (LVMH)


Ferretti Group


Work highlights


  • Providing legal assistance to Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. in relation to a complex cross-border action against Jorge Antonio Fernandez Garcia and his company Automoviles Lamborghini SA (ALSA) who claims since the ‘90s to be the exclusive licensee of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.’s registered trademarks (also for the production of vehicles) in Latin America, as well as being a non-exclusive license for the rest of the world.
  • Advising Gucci in relation to undisclosed copyright clearance matters in relation to the use and/or elaboration of images of cultural heritage landmarks, works of art and designs for the purpose of reproduction on such images on clothing items and jewels or in the context of Gucci’s fashion shows.
  • Providing assistance to Etro S.p.A. in relation to the compliance with competition law of its distribution system, including guidelines and sales criteria that Etro will share with its customers.

Deloitte Legal Italy -Società tra Avvocati a r.l.

Deloitte Legal Italy -Società tra Avvocati a r.l.  has great familiarity with the fashion and luxury industry, advising many fashion brands, designers, promoters, agents and design companies. Many of its clients include household names. It has particular strength in supporting clients through IP matters and M&A transactions, be they domestic or international. ‘An extremely well-prepared professional’Ida Palombella leads the firm’s fashion and luxury practice and is experienced in managing the commercialisation of brands throughout Europe and Asia as well as data protection matters.

Practice head(s):

Ida Palombella


Testimonials

‘The team consists of very competent, capable people who are able to meet the needs of every customer.’

‘The presence of an in-house creative agency makes the Deloitte team particularly well suited to the needs of the fashion and luxury sector.’

‘Compared to the other firms, Deloitte is certainly the one that stands out for innovation, modernity and being open to progress.’

‘Ida Palombella is an extremely well-prepared professional and I believe she is the best lawyer in Milan in the fashion and luxury sector. Ida has great legal skills for everything related to the luxury sector.’

‘Good knowledge of the sector and ability to easily explain to the client the technical issues involved.’

‘Ida Palombella is a very qualified professional and also has great ability in managing the team and conducting the relation with the client.’

‘The team is widely known for its expertise in the fashion industry. They have an in depth knowledge of all things pertaining to fashion law and industry, and they collaborate also with academic institutions.’

‘Ida Palombella is an absolute star in the fashion law panorama in Italy. She has received many recognitions and accolades, and she partners with a lot of academic and other institutions promoting fashion and luxury law.’

Key clients

Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana


Pierre Balmain S.A.S.


Camera Moda Fashion Trust


Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A.


PFCH Luxe S.A.


Vitale Barberis Canonico S.p.A.


Drapers


EssilorLuxotticaa


NETHIVE S.P.A. (ALCEDO SGR)


Work highlights


  • Advising Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A. with the rationalization of its trademark and design portfolio.
  • Supporting the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana on a number of matters that spread from drafting and negotiation of commercial contracts, to advise on protection of the well-known trademarks, to provide strategic support on how to deal with legal issues on an every-day and ongoing basis.
  • Assisted Vitale Barberis Canonico S.p.A. (high-end textiles) with the legal aspects related to its digital transformation towards e-commerce.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

Hogan Lovells International LLP advises clients on all aspects of the luxury goods sector, from restructuring to compliance to distribution. Giovanni Ghirardi is an expert in IP matters, particularly as regards patents. Andrea Atteritano further complements the practice with his experience in litigation, arbitration and other contentious matters. Marco Rota Candiani and Luca Picone assist in M&A matters affecting the luxury goods industry. Luigi Mansani is also of note. Maria Luce Pittatelli completes the practice with a focus on anti-counterfeit actions, IP transactions and strategic brand counselling.

Practice head(s):

Andrea Atteritano; Marco Rota Candiani; Giovanni Ghirardi; Luigi Mansani; Luca Picone


Other key lawyers:

Maria Luce Pittatelli


Testimonials

‘What makes this practice unique is of course their ability to provide precise and super quick advice on extremely complex matters.’

Key clients

Richard Ginori


Etro


Marni


Effebi


ABC Ricami


Work highlights


Withers Studio Legale

Withers Studio Legale advises all manner of clients in the luxury goods sector but with a particular focus on prominent, private individuals and families. Managing partner Roberta Crivellaro focuses her practice on corporate and commercial matters for notable families and companies in the luxury sector. Jacopo Liguori specialises in IP, technology and privacy assistance. Carlo Alberto Demichelis advises clients on IP litigation and anti-counterfeiting at a domestic and international level. Giulia Cipollini’s strength in the luxury goods field is tax advice.

Practice head(s):

Roberta Crivellaro; Jacopo Liguori; Carlo Alberto Demichelis; Giulia Cipollini


Key clients

Poltrona Frau


Zanotta


Interni Design


Tory Burch


Raquel Diniz


Borsalino


Work highlights


  • Assisting Poltrona Frau with data protection and a new whistleblowing procedure.
  • Assisting Tory Burch with data protection issues.
  • Assisting Borsalino with worldwide trademark filing strategy and any prosecutions involved.

Bird & Bird

The luxury goods-focused team at Bird & Bird assists a broad array of organisations in the luxury, fashion and retail space. The team leverages its connections with the firm’s international offices to provide expertise on multi-jurisdictional matters. Massimiliano Mostardini maintains a focus on IP litigation connected to trademarks, copyright and advertising for its luxury goods clients. Rita Tardiolo has a particular strength in advising clients on advertising campaigns in the digital and non-digital spaces. Giovanni Galimberti further complements the practice with experience in domestic and international litigation.

Practice head(s):

Massimiliano Mostardini; Rita Tardiolo; Giovanni Galimberti


Key clients

BMW Group


La Rinascente


Ralph Lauren


Renè Caovilla


Solgar – Hino


Tomorrow London


VF International SAGL


VF Italia S.r.l.


Work highlights


  • Assisting VF International SAGL and VF Italia S.r.l. in a complex cross-border litigation involving the protection of the distinctive shapes and characteristics of the Napapijri brand’s garments and acts of unfair competition carried out to the detriment of the VF Group.
  • Assisting BMW Group on antitrust aspects with particular reference to the planning and implementation of new business projects, the development of business relationships with partners and suppliers in Italy.
  • Assisting Solgar – Hino in setting a new, online & offline, selective distribution system for its top end well-being products, taking advantages of the new VBER.

LCA Studio Legale

LCA Studio Legale advises across the luxury goods sector, though with a particular focus on the fashion industry, advising prominent fashion houses and brands. Gianluca De Cristofaro, who advises on IP, data protection and advertising law matters, leads the practice alongside Edoardo Calcaterra  , whose speciality is corporate and commercial law with a particular focus on M&A, private equity and cross-border investments. In January 2023, Simona Passarelli joined the firm from Plusiders Studio Legale e Tributario.

Practice head(s):

Gianluca De Cristofaro; Edoardo Calcaterra


Other key lawyers:

Simona Passarelli


Testimonials

‘Great availability, strict confidentiality and wide skills.’

‘High flexibility, strong competences in new technologies, IP and litigation.’

Key clients

Baltimora Studio S.r.l


BTX Italian Retail and Brands Srl


Coccinelle S.p.A.


ES World Italy S.r.l.


Furla S.p.A.


Kering Eyewear S.p.A.


Loro Piana S.p.A.


Max Mara S.r.l.


New Guards Group


Paris Texas S.r.l.


Prada


Slowear


Valentino S.p.A.


Zagato


Work highlights


  • Advised Baltimora S.r.l. and its shareholders on the sale of their interests in Paris Texas S.r.l., an Italian company in women’s luxury footwear field, to Arezzo & Co.
  • Representing Valentino S.p.A. in a critical dispute with its former contractor, Mrinalini, over the misappropriation and replication of certain embroidery designs, under both the perspectives of trade secrets’ theft and copyright violations and use of Valentino trademarks in the swatches.
  • Advising fashion retailer BTX on the sale of the logistics business of Conbipel to DHL, from which it will then insource the logistics needs to support its continuing Conbipel retail operations.

Orsingher Ortu – Avvocati Associati

Orsingher Ortu – Avvocati Associati covers all sectors of the luxury goods industry, such as clothing, jewellery, cosmetics, perfumery and automotive. Within the practice, Pierfrancesco Giustiniani has extensive knowledge of corporate and M&A matters including extraordinary transactions. Domenico Colella further adds expertise in the M&A field in addition to experience advising on IT and project outsourcing matters. Fabrizio Sanna is of note also for advising clients on IP matters as well as data protection and e-commerce legislation.

Practice head(s):

Pierfrancesco Giustiniani; Domenico Colella; Fabrizio Sanna


Key clients

Ferrari


Michael Kors


Farfetch


LVMH


Giorgio Armani


Diesel


Davide Oldani


Moschino


Alberta Ferretti


Pollini


Condé Nast


Zagato


Work highlights


  • Advised Ferrari on the enforcement of copyright on the shape of Ferrari’s cars before Italian courts.
  • Advised Valentino on the enforcement of their registered designs in relation to the sale of counterfeit shoes before Italian courts.
  • Assisted the international publishing company Condé Nast on the protection of “VOGUE” trademark.

Portolano Cavallo

Portolano Cavallo advises fashion houses as well as jewellery, cosmetic and automotive companies on any issues that may arise in the course of their business. Manuela Cavallo assists clients on M&A transactions, joint ventures and private equity matters in the fashion sector. Irene Picciano acts in regulatory, compliance, EU and competition matters. In addition, Lydia Mendola supports the firm’s luxury goods clients through IP disputes over trademark, patent or copyright violations. Barbara Corsetti is also noted for experience in commercial contracts and corporate law.

 

Practice head(s):

Manuela Cavallo; Irene Picciano; Lydia Mendola; Barbara Corsetti


Work highlights


Trevisan & Cuonzo

Trevisan & Cuonzo assists clients in contentious and non-contentious activities across the luxury goods sectors, with a particular specialty in IP protection matters. It is well acquainted with counterfeiting cases as well as trademark and design litigation. Daniela Ampollini, advises on all aspects of IP law for domestic and international clients, while Francesca Ferrero focuses on judicial and extrajudicial matters relating to IP rights.

Practice head(s):

Daniela Ampollini; Francesca Ferrero


Work highlights


  • Assisted Chanel against one of the largest Italian drugstores, to stop marketing, promoting and advertising products bearing the Chanel trademark outside the Chanel selective distribution system.
  • Assisted Tessilform SpA (Patrizia Pepe) with several issues, including trade mark protection, advertisement, copyright, licensing, distribution and agency, as well as pre-litigation and litigation work.
  • Assisted and advised a renowned fashion designer with respect to a designer agreement with a well-known historical brand of haute couture.