Cobalt is a key player in the region’s IP, IT and telecoms market, handling a series of contentious and non-contentious matters across a wide number of relevant sub-sectors. Clients include renowned global brands such as Airbnb, Johnson & Johnson and Sony Pictures, with work covering both transactional and regulatory mandates. The team is especially known for its work in the life sciences and pharmaceuticals spaces, both of which are sectors of particular expertise for Indriķis Liepa. Senior associate Līga Fjodorova, who acts as head of patents, trade marks and designs, is active in a number of trade mark and patent disputes. Linda Bīriņa regularly undertakes media, privacy and data protection matters. Uģis Zeltiņš is another key contact.
IP, IT and telecoms in Latvia
Cobalt
Responsables de la pratique:
Indriķis Liepa; Līga Fjodorova; Linda Bīriņa
Autres avocats clés:
Uģis Zeltiņš; Agnese Gerharde
Les références
‘All practitioners with whom I had contact within this law firm were extremely professional. Also, the whole billing process is done according to our requirements, and they are very flexible in case of formal changes.’
‘Līga Fjodorova is handling all cases very professionally. I particularly appreciate her responsiveness, reliability and competence. She is taking care of all requests in an uncomplicated way and is able to talk the “client’s language”. There’s no need to run after deadlines or worry about anything as a client, which is extremely valuable.’
‘Good communication and quality of services provided.’
Principaux clients
Airbnb
ANDREAS STIHL
Bayer
Johnson & Johnson
Joom
Maus Freres
Play
Public Broadcasters (Latvian Television and Latvian Radio)
Sony Pictures
Suzuki Motor
Principaux dossiers
- Advised SAMSUNG C&T on its investment and assisted with setting up a business collaboration with major Latvian industrial manufacturer Forta PRO.
- Advised PLAY Inc., a major Japanese media technology company, on IP issues relating to the acquisition of the Latvian technology start-up SIA.
- Advising Catchbox SIA, an Latvian-Finnish manufacturer of microphones, on its trade mark and design protection strategy in the US and Europe.
Ellex
Ellex's enviable client roster comprises media, pharmaceutical and technology giants. Mārtiņš Gailis oversees the IP work, which is notably strong in the contentious space, particularly patent and trade mark disputes, alongisde a broader range of protection, enforcement and regulatory matters. On the communications, media and technology side, Sarmis Spilbergs is the key senior contact, and advises a range of companies as they look to expand and roll out products across the Latvian market; as such, the firm is often approached for assistance with regulatory, licensing and compliance matters. Edvijs Zandars and Mikijs Zīmecs are also recommended.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mārtiņš Gailis; Sarmis Spilbergs
Autres avocats clés:
Edvijs Zandars; Mikijs Zīmecs
Les références
‘Very impressed. Mārtiņš Gailis has been excellent (this is the first time I have worked with him). He knows the litigation system inside out, and has been well ahead of his opponent.’
‘Mārtiņš Gailis and his team lead the market in patent disputes. His experience in the top patent cases in Latvia shines through in his advice. He is practical and commercial and it is very easy to put him in front of clients. He understands immediately what the key issues are with only very little background information. Mārtiņš and his team are very easy to work with and trust.’
‘The Ellex team provides highly professional legal services with a client-oriented attitude.’
Principaux clients
Novartis
Getir Perakande Anonim Şirketi
Starlink (SpaceX)
VPLab
Indexo/IDX1R
Cult Beauty
LG Electronics
Preferrent
Insurely
Baltic Classifieds Group/City24
Domino’s Pizza
Siemens
Sinch
Veho
Sportland
Sky International AG
ExxonMobil
Forum Cinemas
John Deere
Fazer
SIA ITissible
Depozīta Iepakojuma Operators (Deposit System Operator)
Epitech Group s.p.a.
Porsche
BMW
Audi
Bosch Siemens Group
Viessmann
Roblox
SIA Livonia
VSIA “Rīgas psihiatrijas un narkoloģijas centrs”
SIA “Biļešu Serviss”
Exponential Technologies SIA
EchoStar
Balcia
Principaux dossiers
- Successfully represented Cult Beauty Limited, an online cosmetics store, in opposition proceedings against the registration of the Latvian mark Neroli Cult Beauty by a local cosmetics chain.
- Advised Indexo, a new market player in the Baltics in the wealth and pension management sector, on setting up an online bank by assisting with IT outsourcing solution contracts, and advising on online client identification and other IT-related legal questions ahead of the launch.
- Represented VPLab, a Latvian producer of nutritional supplements, in a trade mark dispute with Vivien Paille covering a number of jurisdictions.
Eversheds Sutherland Bitans
Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns‘ IP and data protection practice group regularly handles issues across the copyright, patent and trade mark spheres, handling both advisory and litigious work, alongside data processing and GDPR-related matters. The group is led by Agris Bitāns. Elīna Muciņa is another key member of the team, and has expertise spanning personal data agreements, data transfers and GDPR.
Responsables de la pratique:
Agris Bitāns
Autres avocats clés:
Elīna Muciņa; Beatrise Bitāne
Principaux clients
Vidzemes Augstskola
Gartens, SIA
Assistentis, SIA
Roche Latvija, SIA
Principaux dossiers
- Represented Koro būv in civil proceedings in relation to a potential violation of Latvian National Patent and European Patent laws regarding composite concrete for floor slabs and rafts.
- Assisting an organisation which represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide with the implementation of the DSM Directive into Latvian legislation.
- Advised Vidzemes Augstskola on the transfer of a virtual reality technology product, developed by the university.
Sorainen
Under the leadership of Ieva Andersone, Sorainen regularly advises media, technology, manufacturing, and entertainment companies on a wide spectrum of IP, IT and telecoms matters. In addition to patent, trade mark and copyright work, the team is experienced in handling regulatory, compliance and data retention issues. The firm is instructed by a mixture of established global corporations and start-ups; the latter receive tailored assistance from the firm's dedicated start-up sector group. Andris Tauriņš and Linda Sarāne-Reneslāce are noted for their expertise in IP disputes. Jūlija Terjuhana left the firm in December 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ieva Andersone
Autres avocats clés:
Andris Tauriņš; Linda Sarāne-Reneslāce
Les références
‘Fast, diverse expertise.’
‘Personal attitude, deep-dive in all matters, high understanding of client needs.’
‘They are knowledgeable and know the sector intimately, which leaves them ideally placed to give the right advice which forms our decisions and actions.’
Principaux clients
Primekss SIA
BITE Latvija SIA
Dassault Systemes SE (including group companies)
PayPugs IT SIA
Francorp Baltic SIA
Sandoz AG
Merck
Universal Music Group
All Media Latvia SIA
Soundreef Media Service Srl
EHRLE GmbH
Helve SIA
TV Play Baltics
VERY SIA
AstraZeneca Latvija SIA
Principaux dossiers
- Advised BITE Latvija on obtaining the rights to use frequencies enabling 5G services.
- Providing ongoing advice to Dassault Systemes, a major CAD software engineering developer, on IP protection issues, particularly illegal use of software.
- Advising Primekss on issues relating to the protection of patented composite concrete flooring.
AAA Law
AAA Law has expertise across the gamut of issues relating to portfolio management and enforcement in the patent, copyright and trade mark spaces. The firm has considerable reach across the Baltics, notably Lithuania and Estonia. The practice is known for its contentious capabilities, with recent highlights ranging from trade mark litigation in the food manufacturing sector, to patent disputes in the pharmaceutical industry. Gatis Meržvinskis and Kristīne Viļķina jointly lead the team; both are enforcement experts, with the latter particularly active in relation to trade marks.
Responsables de la pratique:
Gatis Meržvinskis; Kristīne Viļķina
Autres avocats clés:
Artis Kromanis; Gunta Zariņa; Toms Lintiņš
Les références
‘The team is combined of experts in different areas of law and different areas of technology. Such a unique combination is very useful for the client who needs advice on enforcing and protecting their IP rights – especially IP rights to innovations.’
‘Gatis Meržvinskis is an exceptional lawyer. He is always “ready to go”, has not only perfect knowledge in IP law, but also business management and administration, and has excellent communication and project management skills.’
‘Excellent knowledge, experience and client-focused approach to manage daily routine work and solve complex legal cases.’
Principaux clients
Pharmaceutical Works Polpharma S.A.
Zentiva Group
Halozyme, Inc.
AS Latvijas Finieris
AS Dobeles dzirnavnieks
AS Latvijas Maiznieks
AS Citadele Banka
SIA Orkla Latvija
Pernod Ricard
Chanel SARL
BMW Group
MARS Incorporated
Guess?, Inc.
Global Medicus, SIA
Match Group, LLC
Energy Beverages LLC
Lego Group
Greencosmetics Europe, SIA
Volvo Trademark Holding AB
British American Tobacco plc
SIA Snores
Principaux dossiers
- Representing manufacturers of generic medicines in patent revocation litigation against a competitor in Latvia and Lithuania.
- Representing AS Dobeles dzirnavnieks against market competitors in relation to protection and enforcement of rights concerning a trade mark.
- Representing LEGO Group in enforcement of trade mark and design rights cases against importers of counterfeit and pirated goods through customs measures.
Agency Tria Robit
IP boutique Agency Tria Robit handles the full spectrum of patent, copyright and trade mark matters across Latvia, the Baltics, and wider Europe. Major multinationals in the pharmaceuticals, beauty and fashion sector, as well as software and technology players, form a key part of the firm's client list. Enforcement and anti-counterfeiting are notable areas of expertise. Founding partner Vladimir Anohin oversees much of the key work, supported by Natalija Anohina, who is noted for her cross-border disputes expertise.
Responsables de la pratique:
Vladimir Anohin
Autres avocats clés:
Natalija Anohina; Bronislavs Baltrumovics; Sabine Udre; Juris Stenins
Les références
‘Good professionals and billing is done promptly with reasonable fees. Collaboration was always good and without any issues.’
‘We are always informed about any update of our cases, without the need to send reminders constantly. Correspondence is smooth and I have the impression of being advised by good professionals giving quality advice.’
Principaux clients
Apple Inc.
Swiss Pharma International AG
The Gillette Company
Hyundai Motor Company
Orion Corporation
Unilever N.V.
Henkel AG & CO. KGAA
Philip Morris branches
Mondelez International
adidas International Marketing B.V.
Soremartec S.A. – Ferrero Group
GlaxoSmithKline plc.
Shell International Limited
Toyota Motor Corporation
MHCS
Nokia Corporation
Eli Lilly and Company
AB Volvo
Intel Corporation
PUMA SE
SEIKO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA
Procter & Gamble
HUGO BOSS Trade Mark Management GmbH & Co. KG
Mattel Inc
Principaux dossiers
- Filed an opposition in Latvia against the designation of the international trade mark registration FIRE & ICE on behalf of Bacardi & Company Limited.
- Representing LAMI COSMETICS in several infringement cases in various jurisdictions.
TGS Baltic
TGS Baltic advises a considerable range of clients throughout the IP, IT, and telecoms space. IP protection work – in relation to trade marks, licensing, and patents – makes up a core part of the team’s work, as do data protection, collection and privacy matters. The firm has recently handled trade mark cases across Latvia and the wider EU, as well as advising on cross-border data transfers and processing. Andra Rubene oversees the IP, IT and telecoms practice, while Sandis Petrovičs leads the dedicated data protection and technology group. Alīna Lepere and Zane Skļamina is also noted. Former data protection and technology head Arina Stivriņa departed the firm in May 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Andra Rubene; Sandis Petrovičs
Autres avocats clés:
Alīna Lepere; Zane Skļamina
Les références
‘Personal approach to the client, always have answers for the legal questions, short time until the answer.’
‘I was working with Alīna Lepere, and I loved the process. Everything was smooth, she was able to do calls if the question was complicated. In general, we solved our tasks quickly and correctly with Alīna.’
‘Flexible approach, ability to listen and understand the actual needs of the client. Exquisite project management.’
Principaux clients
Inchcape Plc (Inchcape Motors Latvia SIA group company)
Viaplay group
Warner Music Group
Jaguar Land Rover
Stockholm School of Economics in Riga
University of Latvia
Decta SIA / Decta Limited
Inchcape Motors Latvia
SIA SMARTLYNX AIRLINES (Avia Solutions Group company)
Weedbot SIA
Graanul Pellets SIA
DPD Latvija SIA
Nets Denmark A/S
Altero SIA
Inchcape Insurance Services SIA
Joom SIA
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Jaguar Land Rover on privacy compliance issues in relation to data collection methods and data products; a re-sell declaration for Jaguar Land Rover in all three Baltic States; and plans to introduce new data collection method and new data products.
- Advised Warner Music Group on data collection issues.
- Assisted the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga with the development of a new education platform and policy for transferring personal data to the US.
VILGERTS
VILGERTS‘ practice is especially active in trade mark, copyright and design disputes and infringement cases. The broad client base spans leading names from, inter alia, the media, entertainment and transport sectors. Noted litigator and trade mark expert Ineta Krodere co-heads the team alongside Brigita Tērauda, who brings expertise in IP matters both contentious and advisory to the role.
Responsables de la pratique:
Brigita Tērauda; Ineta Krodere
Les références
‘Very comfortable to work with.’
‘Brigita Tērauda has exceptional skill to foresee different difficulties and come up with the solutions to them.’
‘It is very easy to communicate and collaborate with the VILGERTS team. ’
Principaux clients
Angel Glass Design
Agro Smiltene
Air Baltic Corporation
Balcia Insurance
BAO
Burberry Limited
CEWOOD
Decathlon S.A.
Happy Fish
ERGO Insurance SE Latvijas Filiāle
Frigate
Kinomaniya
Latio
Latvijas balzams (Amber Beverage Group)
Lursoft
OC Vision
Pillar Development
Rīgas Piena Kombināts (Food Union group)
Syfud
STENDERS
Stockmann
Sveaskog Baltfor
Wash-Pal
Wingo Deposit
Principaux dossiers
- Representing TV Channel Multilandia in several parallel court cases concerning trade mark and copyright infringements.
- Representing Air Baltic Corporation AS in a trade mark infringement dispute.
- Representing Bootex in trade mark opposition proceedings before the EUIPO.
drill. Law Firm
drill. Law Firm is noted for its expertise across the fintech, IP and M&A spaces, and has been making headway into the Latvian IP and IT market. The team advise clients, often start-ups, on trade mark registration strategy across the EU, as well as offering trade mark protection and IP transfer services. Alongside these advisory services, the practice also has a growing track record in disputes and mediations. With previous experience at the Latvian Patent Office, Ieva Judinska-Bandeniece heads the practice. Senior associate Edgars Turlajs and associate Margarita Ivanova are also central team members.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ieva Judinska-Bandeniece
Autres avocats clés:
Edgars Turlajs; Margarita Ivanova
Principaux clients
Inovāciju Akadēmija
VGP Park Riga, SIA
Mogo Finance AS
Linstow Baltic SIA
DelfinGroup AS
Wellners SIA
Aioo Holding AS
Lielvārds SIA
Kronbergs Cukste Levin
Kronbergs Cukste Levin advises on a mixture of IP and IT matters, as well as data protection guidelines and privacy regulations. Kristine Sakarne heads up the team, which also fields certified data protection officer Reinis Papulis. Vineta Čukste–Jurjeva and Valters Kronbergs handle a range of copyright and trade mark matters, including in relation to transactions. The firm's client roster includes a core base of companies looking to expand into Latvia.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kristine Sakarne
Autres avocats clés:
Vineta Čukste–Jurjeva; Valters Kronbergs; Reinis Papulis
Principaux clients
TET (ex Lattelecom)
Microsoft Corporation
Sun Finance Group
whiteCryption
BT Latvia Limited
The Public Utilities Regulator
Sandoz
Monetizator
4Finance
Rotary International
Clusterpoint
DHL
Lokalise, Inc.
Tenapors/Tenax
Suncrisp SIA
Bāka-2
Nordigen Solutions
Mailigen
Fontes Executive Search and Fontes Vadības konsultācijas
Panasonic
Electrolux
Nikon
FITEK AS
Principaux dossiers
- Advising an international motion picture association on the implementation of the DSM Copyright Directive and SatCab Directive in Latvia.
- Assisted Sun Finance with the registration of trade marks, as well as representing it in disputes before the EUIPO.
- Advising Microsoft on a range of matters across Latvia, including new engagements with respect to software licensing agreement localisation.
NJORD Law Firm
Leveraging the strength of the firm’s network of regional offices, the team at NJORD Law Firm regularly handles licensing, protection, regulatory and infringement matters across the EU. Practice head Sergejs Petrov has over 20 years’ experience spanning IP law and commercial litigation; as such, he is particularly well versed in design and trade mark disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sergejs Petrov
Autres avocats clés:
Anna Kosinska; Anda Briede
Les références
‘The team is very international. The advice is of a high quality and with a swift turnaround. Also ready to be flexible with pricing and billing.’
‘The mindset is European and regional, and with an understanding of the international relations.’
‘You can be sure that any significant and sometimes even less significant assignments are performed by senior staff with extensive proven experience.’
Principaux clients
Amazon Technologies
NJORD represents Audible, Inc.
WhatsApp, Inc.
Vide Infra Group
AbeBooks Inc.
Yahoo, Inc.
Tommy Hilfiger, B.V
Netteca
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
Principaux dossiers
- Secured a win for AbeBooks Inc. in the court of first instance in a claim regarding protection of database rights.
- Representing Audible in opposition proceedings regarding a Latvian trade mark.
- Represented Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft in criminal and administrative proceedings against an online retailer of fake parts.