Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Studio Legale advises domestic and international clients on complex patent and regulatory matters. Led by Laura Orlando, the team handles patent disputes, proceedings before the IP Courts of Milan and Rome, and infringement cases at the Unified Patent Court in Munich, particularly involving generics drug manufacturers and digital health projects. Martina Maffei is experienced in landmark patent litigation and IP regulatory matters, including protecting rights over blockbuster products. Enrico Maria Mancuso focuses on criminal investigations, including corruption and bid-rigging, while Sara Balice defends against patent invalidity claims. Maffei also provides pre-litigation guidance and regulatory support for innovative technologies, including compliance with telemedicine regulations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Herbert Smith is no doubt the best life sciences firm in Italy. They have a unique depth and breadth of practice, from contentious and non-contentious IP/patent to regulatory and compliance, including competition and commercial/corporate work. What sets them apart is that their knowledge of the sector is genuine. They are business partners who really know the industry and its very peculiar dynamics.’
- ‘Laura Orlando is an absolute superstar. There is no other lawyer in Italy having the same knowledge of the life sciences industry; her grasp of the issues and the business implications is unrivalled. This, combined with her formidable litigation and advocacy skills, really makes Laura stand out. Another very impressive lawyer in this team is Sara Balice, who is an amazing advisor on technology transfer as well as a very smart IP litigator. ’
- ‘Herberth Smith Freehills Kramer is, in my opinion, the top Italian law firm for intellectual property, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. Their lawyers are exceptionally knowledgeable, punctual, and provide clients with clear, strategic guidance. What sets the firm apart is its deep sector expertise, client-focused approach, and ability to handle complex IP matters with professionalism and efficiency.'
- 'The team is also recognised for its collaborative culture, ensuring tailored solutions and excellent client service. Compared to other firms, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer combines technical excellence with a practical, business-oriented mindset, making them a standout choice for IP matters in Italy.’
- ‘Laura Orlando stands out for her deep expertise in IP and life sciences, especially in complex pharmaceutical matters. What makes Laura different from competitors is her ability to combine legal excellence with a practical and effective approach. She is highly valued for her strategic vision, clarity in communication, responsiveness, and her talent for building strong client relationships. Laura also has strong leadership in cross-border cases.’
Key clients
- Abbvie
- CSL Behring
- Elekta
- Eli Lilly
- Gilead
- Halozyme
- Janssen
- Lionhealth
- Lundbeck
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals
- Otsuka Pharmaceutical
- Roche
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Laura Orlando
Other key lawyers
Enrico Mancuso; Martina Maffei; Sara Balice