Firms To Watch: Intellectual property

The IP practice at Cvjetićanin & Partneri, headed up by name partner Nenad Cvjetićanin, acts for both international and domestic clients on trade mark protection matters (including administrative procedures and disputes), copyright protection, industrial design, and patent rights.
Specialised IP boutique firm POPOVIĆ, POPOVIĆ & Partners fields experts in the registration of patents, trade marks, designs and plant varieties; the team also advises on counterfeit goods, infringements, domain names, disputes, and the protection and enforcement of IP rights.

Intellectual property in Serbia

Mikijelj Jankovic & Bogdanovic

With ‘excellent knowledge of IP’, Mikijelj Jankovic & Bogdanovic has enviable experience in trade marks, patents, designs, geographical indications, and plant varieties, along with copyright and domain names. Trade mark and patent specialist Dejan Bogdanović is ‘the litigation star of the practice‘, while Mara Janković is an expert in customs, litigation, plant varieties, trade marks, and designs. The practice further includes Lena Petrović, an adviser on customs, litigation, advertising and data protection; Nevena Drobnjaković, who acts for photographers on copyright protection; and Adam Bogdanović, a practitioner in the protection of IP rights.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dejan Bogdanović; Mara Janković


Autres avocats clés:

Lena Petrović; Nevena Drobnjaković; Adam Bogdanović


Les références

‘The MJB team is exceptional in Serbia – knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and great value for reasonable fees.’

‘Exceptional cooperation that is reflected in its high levels of professionalism and exceptional knowledge of this field.’

‘Clients are satisfied with the results and overall cooperation.’

Principaux clients

Procter & Gamble Company


CPA Global


Bosal doo Belgrade


GALPHARMACIA doo


United Media Digital


Savencia SA


Serbia Broadband – Srpske kablovske mreže doo


Soko Štark d.o.o. Beograd a member company of the Atlantic Group


Galenika Industrijski komplex doo


VEKA AG Germany


MGA Entertainment Inc


GUESS Inc


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing GALENIKA INDUSTRIJSKI KOMPLEX doo in a dispute regarding the infringement of a famous trade mark.
  • Represents Serbia Broadband – Srpske kablovske mreže doo (SBB doo) in a trade mark infringement dispute initiated by BIZNET doo.
  • Represents Savencia SA in opposition proceedings before the Serbian Intellectual Property Office, where the descriptiveness and lack of distinctiveness of the trade mark MINI ROLL for cheese products is being contested.

PETOŠEVIĆ

In January 2023, PETOŠEVIĆ merged with IP consultancy CWB Group to create a super-regional firm that manages the portfolios of IP owners across Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and Middle East. The practice has notable strengths in assisting corporations with patent and trade mark prosecution and enforcement work, and customs enforcement matters. Mihajlo Zatezalo handles trade mark litigation and enforcements;, while Mirjana Živković advises on large multinationals’ IP portfolios and enforcement programmes. Predrag Anokić also has longstanding IP expertise, and Ana Stojanović and Ivan Matić are further key team members.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mihajlo Zatezalo


Autres avocats clés:

Mirjana Živković; Predrag Anokić; Ana Stojanović; Ivan Matić; Branislav Krnetić; Sara Bakić; Ana Radoman


Principaux clients

Renault


Nike International Ltd.


Bayer AG


PepsiCo


Honda


J.S. Staedtler


Prada


Harley-Davidson


Hard Rock Ltd.


Mars


BDK Advokati AOD

In addition to its particular expertise in data protection law, BDK Advokati AOD‘s IP practice covers the protection of trade marks, copyright, industrial design, and unregistered rights. Other areas of strength are patents, IP litigation, IP-related agreements, cyberspace issues, and advertising. IP specialist Bogdan Ivanišević heads up the firm’s IP, media and entertainment, data protection, and e-commerce practices. Notable support is provided by Anja Gligorević, an experienced member of the IP and data protection departments, and Pablo Pérez Laya, whose practice covers IT, data protection, telecoms and commercial contracting.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bogdan Ivanišević


Autres avocats clés:

Anja Gligorević; Pablo Pérez Laya


Principaux clients

Universal City Studios LLC


Telesign


Sisvel SpA


Epam Systems Inc


Google


Froneri


ABBYY


Sandberg Capital


Ficosota


Genesis


Principaux dossiers


  • Defending Universal City Studios (UCS) against a court case initiated in Serbia against UCS, and a local film distributor, by a local individual who claims copyright infringement of his alleged screenplay.
  • Performed a comprehensive GDPR compliance review for Telesign of its data processing activities in the context of user verification, digital identity, and omni-channel communications.
  • Acting as Google’s data protection representative in Serbia.

BOPA Bojanovic & Partners

The IP practice at full-service firm BOPA Bojanovic & Partners is increasingly active on behalf of IT and film-making industry clients. The team, which delivers ‘very useful and practical legal advice’ covers copyright agreements, representation before the regulatory authorities, advertising, and media. Other key areas range from trade marks, designs and patents, to copyright abuse and protection of movie producers’ copyrights. Vladimir Bojanović, who ‘enjoys an impeccable market reputation as a creative and commercially-aware lawyer’, leads the group. Flanking Bojanović, Aleksandra Stojanović is a June 2023 recruit from Doklestic Repic & Gajin.

Responsables de la pratique:

Vladimir Bojanović


Autres avocats clés:

Aleksandra Stojanović


Les références

‘The main strength is the business-oriented approach.’

‘They provide very useful and practical legal advice that also includes non-legal aspects of business.’

‘Vladimir Bojanović is always available to share his opinion on every legal question and to help resolve obstacles that arise, showing high-level competence in IP law.’

Principaux clients

Paramount Pictures


Netflix


Costa Limited UK


Balkaneum


Nika Bev.


WIP Crawl


Thermowatt S.p.A.


AMC Networks


Lego Group


Warner Bros. Discovery


Lufthansa Group


BlackRock


Costa Coffee


Wizz Air


Fevo, Inc


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Paramount Pictures on the production and post-production of a film to be shot in Serbia.
  • Advising Costa Limited on the licence for use of trade marks by a distributor in Serbia.
  • Advising Nika Bev d.o.o. on the transfer of trade marks from Pivovarna Lasko Union to Nika Bev d.o.o.

Karanovic & Partners

A ‘go-to firm for trade marks in the region’, Karanovic & Partners' advice includes strategies for the enforcement of IP rights. The team also assists several software companies on copyright issues, particularly licensing work; and in relation to patents, the group advises on patent applications and prosecutes infringements. The department further collaborates with customs, market inspectors and private investigators during anti-counterfeiting operations. Heading the ‘proactive’ IP practice group, Nikola Kliska routinely advises on the development of trade mark portfolios, representing IP clients before the courts, and is experienced in anti-counterfeiting matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nikola Kliska


Les références

‘The team’s proactive communication, timely updates, and commitment to excellence leaves no room for ambiguity or uncertainty.’

‘Thanks to their tireless efforts, clients achieve favourable outcomes.’

‘Nikola Kliska is a lawyer that clients are happy to have in their corner.’

Principaux clients

Philip Morris International Management S.A.


Dutch Environment Corporation


Brand New World AG


Hidden Sound GmbH


Quantox


Ball Packaging


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a movie producer from Hollywood on a co-production agreement and filming of multiple movies in Serbia.
  • Assisted a software company with a broad anti-piracy market sweep.
  • Advising a video on-demand platform on copyright issues across the Balkans, including Serbia.

Law Office Miroslav Stojanovic, in cooperation with Wolf Theiss

Notably active on behalf of IT, pharmaceutical, energy and retail sector clients, Law Office Miroslav Stojanovic, in cooperation with Wolf Theiss‘ team is particularly experienced in international trade mark protection work, including cross-border litigation and EU IP law matters (where the group works alongside the firm’s Vienna office). The practice also assists with patent filings and copyright issues. Nataša Lalović-Marić‘s wide-ranging experience encompasses IP work, while Belgrade managing partner Miroslav Stojanovic‘s workload covers IP and data protection matters. Marijana Zejaković is a key contact for data protection cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nataša Lalović Marić; Miroslav Stojanović


Autres avocats clés:

Marijana Zejaković; Vjera Vlahović; Aleksandar Ristić


Les références

‘Wolf Theiss is able to cover multiple jurisdictions in Eastern Europe – provides good advice and is quick to respond.’

Principaux clients

Gaming Innovation Group (GiG)


Sona BLW Precision Forgings


Crocs Inc.


Immorent Singidunum


Maple Bear


Peek & Cloppenburg


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Gaming Innovation Group on the Serbian IP aspects of the acquisition of AskGamblers and associated online casino brands, JohnSlots and NewCasinos.
  • Advised Sona BLW Precision Forgings on the IP aspects of the potential acquisition of a majority stake in Serbian Novelic d.o.o. Beograd.
  • Advising Peek & Cloppenburg on an ongoing basis in relation to various IP matters.

Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr

Moravcevic Vojnovic and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr‘s ‘very qualified‘ IP team advises on a range of IP work. Examples include trade mark registrations, as well as complex matters such as illegal streaming, online infringement and IP disputes. The department also advises several blue-chip multinationals on their IP portfolios, particularly in relation to copyright, unfair competition and transaction-related IP issues. IP head Andrea Radonjanin is ‘one of the key figures in IP law in Serbia’. Supporting Radonjanin are Magdalena Petreska and Andrej Zoric, who both maintain active IP practices.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrea Radonjanin


Autres avocats clés:

Magdalena Petreska; Andrej Zoric


Les références

‘Clients enjoy perfect cooperation with the firm. It is definitely one of the best, if not the best, law firms in Serbia.’

‘Andrea Radonjanin is one of the key figures in IP law in Serbia.’

‘In relation to their IP department, they are very qualified and have huge knowledge of this area of law.’

Principaux clients

Serbian Gaming Association


QuantLabs


UEFA


Cveće Zla


Dorćol Platz


Maya Milano


MIK MIK d.o.o.


Brighton Park Capital


Beiersdorf AG


United Group


United Media S.a.r.l.


Alliance for creativity and entertainment


OMV


Laboratoires La Prairie SA


UniCredit


HerbaElixa


Rio Tinto


Qode


Tehnoexport


Rauch


Nis a.d.


M-ishka


3bank (ex Opportunity bank)


Rouzhe


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a client in safeguarding the integrity of a brand’s reputation against fraudulent profiles that use its name and trade mark.
  • Successfully taken measures to deactivate multiple online servers that were utilised by different infringers to host illicit content.
  • Advising SGA members on a range of IP issues.

Živko Mijatovic & Partners

One of the most prominent law firms in Central and Eastern Europe, Živko Mijatovic & Partners‘ ‘wonderful IP team‘ excels in the protection and enforcement of brands (both for international and local clients), including anti-counterfeiting actions. The practice is also able to integrate the firm’s technology expertise into its advice on digital media and data privacy. Vladimir Marenovic advises on IP portfolios, copyright, trade marks, designs, domains, IP litigation, and unfair competition; Marija Markicevic Pijevic handles patent enforcement cases; and Mina Jovanovic is ‘a rising star for IP in her country’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marija Markicevic Pijevic; Vladimir Marenovic


Autres avocats clés:

Mina Jovanovic; Dusko Majkic


Les références

‘They host a wonderful IP team. They impress, in particular, with their incredibly quick, outstanding handling of cases and the trustworthy way in which they deal with clients at all times.’

‘Clients can rely completely on the legal experts at ZMP.’

‘A go-to firm for trade mark litigation and prosecution in Serbia.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Representing a client in a trade mark infringement dispute involving a damages compensation request.
  • Represented a client in the enforcement of a trade mark procedure.
  • Advised on the copyright protection of psychotherapy methods.

Djokic + Partners

Djokic + Partners‘ ‘highly experienced’ IP practice covers the entire range of IP services, including trade marks, designs, data protection, internet domains, technology transfer, and copyright and related rights. Other key areas include licensing IP rights, combating counterfeiting and piracy, IP portfolio management, and IP disputes. The group also has notable media and entertainment sector expertise. IP department head Milica Arandjelović is ‘an outstanding lawyer’, who maintains a wide-ranging IP workload.

Responsables de la pratique:

Milica Arandjelović


Autres avocats clés:

Marina Gligorijevic; Matej Zirovic


Les références

‘This IP team is serious and has a good reputation.’

‘A reputable law firm in Serbia. The team is highly experienced and its main strength is its vast industry knowledge.’

‘The legal service provided is complete, comprehensive, and always within agreed deadlines.’

Principaux clients

Met Ro Production doo


Yandex


Eye to Eye doo


Novators doo


S-Friends doo


Unibrand Communications doo


Holzbox doo


925 Nine to Five doo


Glovo Group


RC Europe Group


Keramika Kanjiza


New Moment New Ideas Company


Golden Group Ltd


Novosti ad


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Eye to Eye production as it prepares for a significant TV project.
  • Successfully assisted RC Europe with a complex trade mark matter.
  • Assisted Glovo with a data protection case before the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection.

Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners

Joksovic, Stojanovic & Partners is home to experts in traditional IP rights, such as trade marks, patents, industrial design and copyright. In relation to IT-related IP rights, the team assists with registrations, transfers, infringements, and the IP aspects of M&A and other transactional matters. Alex Petrović, who ‘always provides great advice on IP matters’, is a digital IP and IT law specialist, while fellow senior partner Dragan Psodorov provides additional support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alex Petrović; Dragan Psodorov


Les références

‘Very knowledgeable on IP and the practical nuances of the Serbian jurisdiction. A reliable legal partner.’

‘Adapts to the unique characteristics of unconventional and/or international clients.’

‘Alex Petrović thinks out of the box, providing creative solutions.’

Principaux clients

telXira


GreatOdds


Dassault Systemes


Docentric


William Hill


PDFTron


EasyPark


EuroArt


PTC Inc


mLogica


bWin


tekSavvy


GreenTube


Robert Bosch


State Lottery of Serbia


Teknoxgroup Serbia


Croatia Records


Bell Chemicals


GrEco International


La Fantana


Tikveš Winery


Foundation Alek Kavčič


Van Gogh Rock Bank


Data Tech International


Beohemija


Novus Spiritus


Denso Holding


Krnjevo Winery


Wiggin LLP


Veka


sTech (Uniqa group)


Betsson


WH Partners


Supper Technologies doo


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Dassault Systemes in numerous software-related IP infringement disputes.
  • Representing Alek Kavcic Charitable Foundation in highly-publicised IP- related disputes with publishers of schoolbooks for primary schools.
  • Assisting Novus Spiritus with a battle over the Revita trade mark with its main competitor.

JPM & Partners

A trailblazer in the legal industry’, JPM & Partners‘ IP and creative industries department handles trade mark, patent and design applications both in Serbia and internationally. The group is co-led by senior partner Miloš Mitić, a licensed Serbian trade mark and design attorney, whose experience includes several landmark IP cases; and Aleksandar Popović, ‘an outstanding lawyer with vast experience in all IP-related matters’. Miloš Maksimović is another key name to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Miloš Mitić; Aleksandar Popović


Autres avocats clés:

Miloš Maksimović


Les références

‘JPM is a trailblazer in the legal industry, with a unique blend of strengths and capabilities that make it a standout choice.’

‘Their commitment to innovation, diversity, and a client-centric service sets a high bar for other firms to follow.’

‘JPM is not just a law firm, it’s a partner in clients’ success and a pioneer in the legal profession in Serbia.’

Principaux clients

Stately Productions Ltd


Masterworks automodules tech corp. Ltd.


Lilly drogerie d.o.o. beograd


Just communications d.o.o. beograd


Stichting Amber Alert Europe


She films d.o.o. beograd


This and that productions d.o.o. Beograd


Jugoslovenska kinoteka (the Yugoslav film archive)


Tim-ing centar d.o.o. kragujevac


Master builders solutions


Misma


Beiersdorf AG


Multivista systems llc


CRH Serbia


H&M Hennes & Mauritz


Decathlon s.a.


New Yorker


Adp Gauselmann GmbH


Filmski centar Srbije


Messer Tehnogas


Moravacem


Alltech


Loveramics


Contitech fluid Serbia


Merkur casino GmbH


Emergo sport


Principaux dossiers


  • Providing legal support to Stately Productions on the Heads of State project in Serbia and Montenegro, and participating in the drafting of a general production agreement.
  • Assisting Lilly Drogerije with the protection of several trade marks.
  • Advising Just Communications on the finalising of a services and delivery master agreement.

Stankovic & Partners (NSTLAW)

The IP practice at Stankovic & Partners (NSTLAW) assists both domestic and international clients with portfolio management work. The team also advises on IP protection strategies, cross-border data protection and marketing issues, and the IP side to financings and M&A. The firm additionally fields contentious IP specialists, with recent mandates including significant trade mark enforcement matters. Name partner Nenad StankovicAndjelka RadovanovićMitar Simonovic and Tijana Milišić ‘all provide invaluable advice’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nenad Stankovic


Autres avocats clés:

Andjelka Radovanović; Mitar Simonovic; Tijana Milišić


Les références

‘Stankovic & Partners’ specialist IP team has strengthened considerably in recent years. They are able to provide a wide range of IP advice and have a good understanding of both domestic and international perspectives.’

‘Takes the trouble to acquire an impressive level of knowledge about clients’ industries and their commercial objectives internationally – something that, when combined with their knowledge of the law, makes them remarkable.’

‘Nenad Stankovic, Andjelka Radovanović, Mitar Simonovic and Tijana Milišić all provide invaluable advice, and are not only great to deal with but prioritise clients’ business aims and objectives.’

Principaux clients

Takeda Pharmaceuticals


Monster Energy Company


Celanova Capital


Trebjesa Montenegro


CCBill


Banjalucka pivara LLC (Serbia)


Apatinska pivara (part of Molson Coors group)


Hyundai Technology Inc.


PAR Technology Corporation


Kursevi Online doo


Sekopak


Siemens Healthcare d.o.o. Beograd


Teddy S.p.A


Ahimsa Vega-yoga


DDG fashion


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Takeda Pharmaceuticals with a range of IP issues.
  • Acting for restaurant technology business PAR Technology Corporation on a wide range of IP issues.
  • Advising Monster Energy on various IP matters relating to its Serbian and international operations.

Vujinovic & Partners

Vujinovic & Partners‘ IP practice covers copyright, trade marks, designs, internet domains, media matters, and technology transfers. It is particularly well known for its industry expertise in film, TV industry, art, and cultural heritage. The team is additionally active in data protection work. The ‘exceptionally energetic, determined and intelligent’ founding partner and copyright specialist Nikolina Vujinović is experienced in IP-related compliance, due diligence, and the disposal and protection of IP rights.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nikolina Vujinović


Autres avocats clés:

Vladislava Savic


Les références

‘They have a deep understanding of collective copyright management issues.’

‘They are dedicated to working with actors, advocate for the rights of actors and film artists, and have excellent knowledge in this field. They also engage in negotiations with government authorities for actors’ rights. Exceptional team!’

‘Nikolina Vujinović – clients value her commitment and work that is not only financially rewarding but also socially responsible – dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of copyright and related rights’ issues.’

Principaux clients

Republic of Serbia – The Intellectual property office


National Museum of Contemporary Art


X vitamin gallery


The World Bank


The foundation of Ivo Andric


Actors Association of Serbia – GOS


Association of Drama Artists of Serbia


COBRA FILM


Filmkombajn production company


DUGI METAR PRODUCTION


Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia – creative industry section


Hleb i kifle


IVB Chartering


Zlatarna Celje


Novosti ad


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised GOS on collective management issues and the protection of actors’ rights.
  • Advised the World Bank on data protection matters.
  • Advised the Foundation of Ivo Andric on the disposal of the copyright of Ivo Andric’s work.

Zunic Law

Active in the IT, digital, manufacturing, sportswear, health and beauty industries, Zunic Law‘s IP department provides trade mark search, registration and enforcement services. The practice further advises on industrial design registrations, brand name protection, copyright, and patents. The team, which also has a successful track record in IP litigation, is co-led by Tijana Žunić Marić, whose clients include multinational technology giants; and IT and gaming sector expert Nemanja Žunić.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tijana Žunić Marić; Nemanja Žunić


Autres avocats clés:

Jelena Đukanović; Nevena Milošević


Les références

Clients’ experience of working with this team is great, as it relies on the trust built up over the years, as well as an exceptional track record.’

‘Clients are confident that they are in capable hands and that the team has their best interests as its core motivation. Collaboration with them on data protection and cross-border issues is exceptional.’

‘What truly stands out is the commitment to clients’ success. They have consistently gone above and beyond to provide tailored solutions that address unique challenges. Their responsiveness and dedication to making sure clients understand the legal implications are highly valuable qualities.’

Principaux clients

Lesnina S


Bloomberg Adria


Incode Advanced Technologies


Revuto OÜ


Apatinska pivara, part of Molson Coors Group


Molson Coors Ser


MK Logistika (a part of MK Group)


Data Driven Lab


Under Technologies (RHO Business Banking)


Sladara Soufflet Srbija


Holland mountain


VEGA IT Sourcing


Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation


Foxy Voxel


Klevercargo


MBTR Ventures


Neopix


AppCrafters


Electus


Playroll


Touch Me Soft (TMS Outsource)


Omnidata


Devtech


SmartCat


TelQ


Intelisale


Wemedo


Elan Wave


CATO Europe


Reployer


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Bloomberg Adria on the IP, advertising and data protection aspects of the launch of the Bloomberg Adria Events App in multiple jurisdictions.
  • Advised companies within MK Group (MK Logistika and Sunoko) on negotiations regarding the ownership of IP rights over a high-value software solution.
  • Advised Tymeshift, an AI-powered software product company, on IP compliance issues during its acquisition by Zendesk.