Bird & Bird remains a top choice for multinationals and large domestic companies from an assortment of sectors seeking assistance with contentious and non-contentious intellectual property rights matters. The flexible practice handles cross-border patent matters for innovation-heavy industries like tech and pharma, as well as brand protection, trade mark portfolio management and copyright advice for clients in the gaming, media, sports, luxury goods, and other consumer spaces, and has developed a strong reputation for its work protecting geographical indications for iconic foodstuffs like Prosecco. The sizeable team, which houses its own trade mark and patent filing practice, is led by two highly experienced IP practitioners: the ‘extremely skilled’ Giovanni Galimberti, and the ’business-oriented’ Massimiliano Mostardini. Other key individuals include patent attorney Antonella De Gregori, whose work covers non-contentious IP matters in the pharma and chemicals sectors; trade secrets, patents, trade marks and designs specialist Edoardo Bàrbera; Fulvio Mellucci, whose broad practice touches issues relating to 3D trade marks; and Rita Tardiolo, who is a key contact for trademark issues and work concerning Protected Designations of Origin (PDO). Claudia Ricciardi is active in transactional IP assistance, particularly in the life sciences space, Elisabetta Bandera is experienced across a variety of IP issues, and Arturo Leone leads on copyright matters, an area where associate Daniele De Angelis is also appreciated.
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Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Multi-practice firm with strong expertise across the whole IP landscape.’
‘Massimiliano Mostardini is business-oriented and thinks outside the box. Antonella De Gregori has a practical and proactive approach and strong patent prosecution experience.’
‘Overall, great support.’
‘The team is exceptionally strong in copyright and trademark-related advice and has a keen understanding of the interplay between IP law and (new) technologies. The team at Bird & Bird is our go-to for all our Italian matters, as well as advice on pan-European matters.’
‘Mr. Galimberti is an extremely experienced and skilled IP lawyer, and this shines through in every comment he makes or advice he gives. He has worked with us for a long time and continuously keeps an eye out for our cases, which is much appreciated. Mr. Barbera is our current primary contact, and similar to Mr. Galimberti, he is very experienced and has shown a deep understanding of the IP law matters which are relevant to us. Mr. Barbera takes the lead in the majority of our cases, and knows how to find a suitable balance between academic and practical advice, which is very valuable to our business.'
‘It may well be the strongest intellectual property team in Italy. All its professionals are highly skilled, covering every facet of intellectual property. Their understanding of diverse industrial sectors enables the team to provide solid legal advice that takes into account the practical implications at the industry level, thereby rendering their recommendations extremely valuable.’
‘Massimiliano Mostardini is arguably the top IP lawyer in Italy currently. His counsel is highly valued, and his expertise in his field is such that he can discuss intellectual property matters in a way that is comprehensible to all, from CEOs to employees. Rita Tardiolo specialises in IP and advertising law. She is an authority on greenwashing practices and has effectively represented numerous major brands in legal disputes before the Italian advertising regulatory bodies.’
Key clients
- Banca Mediolanum
- Champion Products Limited
- Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco
- Crocs
- Dexcom
- Ferrero
- Ferrovie dello Stato
- Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
- Fondazione Telethon
Work highlights
- Assisted Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco in two proceedings related to the protection of its geographical indication.
- Assisted CROCS in objecting to third parties’ applications and uses of the sign HEYDUDE and infringement of HEY DUDE’s shoe shape.
- Assisted Fisher & Paykel Healthcare in preliminary injunction proceedings on the basis of a European patent related to a breathing tube.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
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
Giovanni Galimberti; Massimiliano Mostardini
Other key lawyers
Edoardo Bàrbera; Antonella De Gregori; Fulvio Mellucci; Rita Tardiolo; Arturo Leone; Claudia Ricciardi; Elisabetta Bandera; Daniele De Angelis