Firms To Watch: Intellectual property

Intellectual property in Portugal

Bird & Bird LLP

Bird & Bird LLP launched its Lisbon office in September 2025, under the joint leadership of IP specialist Ana Rita Paínho and M&A expert Sofia Carreiro, both of whom joined the firm from Sérvulo & Associados.

Ferreira Pinto Cardigos Advogados

Ferreira Pinto Cardigos Advogados was strengthened by the arrival of Ricardo Costa Macedo from Caiado Guerreiro in January 2025; Macedo brings significant experience in IP matters involving the pharma sector.

Abreu Advogados

Abreu Advogados has a strong bench of IP experts advising multinational clients on patent and trade mark litigation, prosecution, and copyright protection. The firm provides a broad range of IP services, further assisting with trade secrets, unfair competition, media and advertising matters, as well as IP licensing and IT contracts. The practice is jointly led by António Andrade, a seasoned pharmaceutical patent litigator, Manuel Durães Rocha, a specialist in patent arbitration in the health sector, and Ricardo Henriques, who is skilled in the management of tech and IP assets. Ana Panão excels in IP disputes involving the infringement of patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.

Praxisleiter:

António Andrade; Manuel Durães Rocha; Ricardo Henriques


Weitere Kernanwälte:

César Bessa Monteiro Jr.; Ana Panão; Margarida Castillo Silva


Referenzen

‘Manuel Durães Rocha is a very experienced and competent attorney who really stands out.’

‘What distinguishes Abreu Advogados is its ability to combine in-depth technical expertise in IP with a highly practical understanding of the healthcare logistics sector, delivering solid, clear solutions that are highly tailored to client needs.‘

‚The team demonstrated remarkable commitment and a rare ability to anticipate risks and propose alternative paths, always supported by robust legal foundations.‘

Kernmandanten

ACN International Aid to the Church in Need gGmbH


Boehringer Ingelheim


Calvin Klein


Coca-Cola


Corinthia Hotels


Dell


Ericsson


Google


Groupe Canal+


Ikea Group


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  • Advising Ericsson on a patent infringement case before the Lisbon Local Division of the Unified Patent Court involving a key patent related to voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) technology, essential to telecoms infrastructure, and raises complex legal and technical questions under the new UPC regime.
  • Advised Pandora on copyright licensing and compliance for in-store background music and video content, ensuring full alignment with Portuguese copyright law and collective management requirements.

Garrigues Portugal

Garrigues Portugal provides a comprehensive range of IP services to a number of blue-chip clients across the fashion, consumer goods, tech, media, manufacturing and healthcare sectors.  The group is regularly retained to advise on patent drafting and prosecution, trade mark filing and portfolio management, licensing negotiations, AI-related matters and IP disputes. The practice is led by João Miranda de Sousa, who has extensive experience advising high-profile clients on trade mark infringement, patent disputes, and unfair competition. Key support is offered by counsel Francisca Ferreira Pinto, who is noted for her expertise in trade mark portfolio management, enforcement and litigation mandates.

Praxisleiter:

João Miranda de Sousa


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Francisca Ferreira Pinto; Teresa Brito e Faro


Referenzen

‘The IP team is technically very well prepared to meet our company’s needs.’

‘The most valued qualities are the speed and technical quality of responses, as well as knowledge of and proximity to the business.’

Kernmandanten

Goat Fashion Limited


Grupo Media Capital


Group Nabeiro


Chanel


Hermès International


INTEL Corporation


Altri SGPS


Mondelèz Group


Bosch


Novo Banco


Samsung


Aston Martin


Red Bull


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  • Advises Mondelēz International regarding the management of its trade mark and design portfolio in Portugal and assists Mondelēz in all enforcement cases relating to its well-known trade mark and design registrations, both online and in physical stores.
  • Assists the Portuguese legal team of Group Bosch in the drafting, negotiating, and review of several consortium agreements and investment agreements, which are approved and negotiated with API (Portuguese Investment Agency).
  • Advises Novadelta, consistently developing new products, on all matters concerning the client’s worldwide trade mark and design portfolio covering technology for coffee machines and related goods and services.

VdA

VdA advises high-profile clients on a wide range of IP matters, demonstrating significant expertise in patents, utility models, trade marks, designs, copyright, trade secrets, and unfair competition. The team, which particularly stands out for its strong track record in patent litigation within the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, also provides strategic support on the management of IP portfolios. Marta Alves Vieira, an expert in IP litigation relating to pharmaceutical patents, oversees the group. António de Magalhães Cardoso, another key contact, is a seasoned litigator and arbitrator with extensive experience in pharmaceutical patent disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Marta Alves Vieira


Weitere Kernanwälte:

António de Magalhães Cardoso; Ana Falcão Afonso; André Marques Piteira; Tiago de Oliveira


Referenzen

‚The VdA team has strength and depth. This allows them to support multiple actions ongoing at the same time for a single client, and manage other matters for other clients, while still delivering an excellent level of client service. One thing that makes them stand out is their responsiveness to queries as well as their proactive nature, making the client’s job easier.‘

‘Marta Alves Vieira shows she is clearly into the details of any case, a great quality from a partner, but she also looks more broadly at the overall strategy to guide the clients to try and achieve outcomes. This combination is highly valued by the clients.‘

‘A good team that has huge amounts of experience working for innovator pharmaceutical companies. ’

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CCA Law Firm

CCA Law Firm advises international clients on a broad range of IP matters, including registrations, brand protection, and litigation relating to patents, trade marks, designs, copyright, and other IP rights. The team is also active in emerging sectors, providing guidance on NFTs, TV content licensing, and AI. The practice is jointly led by Filipe Mayer, who specialises in IP matters relating to gambling, online gaming, and e-sports, and Martim Bouza Serrano, who is experienced in patent and trade mark prosecution and enforcement, technology licensing, and regulatory compliance.

Praxisleiter:

Filipe Mayer; Martim Bouza Serrano


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Cláudia Xara-Brasil


Referenzen

CCA Law Firm was a true game changer in our view of law firms based on our past experiences. Their solution-oriented vision, incredible ease of communication, and consistent alignment with business needs and objectives have transformed CCA from a mere legal support service into a strategic business partner. On a more micro level, the ease of communication and explanation of issues related to invoicing and commercial relations between companies is simple, quick, and effective.’

‘Excellent team, very flexible in addressing the issues of SMEs, and available to help prepare legal documentation.’

‘CCA has a diverse team across various legal fields. Their distinguishing feature is their responsiveness and ability to explain all topics. They are always available for any subject. Their working hours are shared quarterly in a completely transparent manner, and they are available for events, in-person meetings, and use of their facilities.’

Kernmandanten

Medialivre, S.A.


Havas Group


Corbário – Minerais Industrais, S.A.


Neosanté Health Solutions, S.A


Grupo Testa


OW Offshore


A Padaria Portuguesa


Align Technology, INC


Oceano Fresco, S.A.


Chapters Holding, SGPS, S.A


COLEP Packaging Portugal, S.A.


Judas


Spinach Tours, Lda.


Trius Hotels


Accor Hotels


COMTEMP – Companhia Dos Temperos Lda


GM MURO GLOBAL, LDA


EFFY


REAL ATUNARA, S.A.


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CMS

CMS advises domestic and international clients on the full spectrum of transactional, advisory, and litigation IP matters. This includes the filing, prosecution, and enforcement of all forms of intellectual property rights, as well as supporting Portuguese companies in structuring and developing the internationalisation of their brands. The practice is jointly led by José Luís Arnaut, who regularly advises luxury and consumer goods, tech, energy and hospitality clients on patents, trade marks, domain names, and new technologies, and João Leitão Figueiredo, who is skilled in IP litigation. Miguel Quintans assists domestic and multinational clients on the management of their IP portfolios.

Praxisleiter:

José Luís Arnaut; João Leitão Figueiredo


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Miguel Quintans; Sara Rocha; Ricardo Pintão


Referenzen

‘CMS is highly specialised in IP. Despite not having a very large team, it maintains an extremely precise record of processes, which allows for very effective monitoring of processes and, if necessary, to systematise information with great speed and accuracy.’

‘The overall level of service is excellent, as they have a team that demonstrates: good knowledge and in-depth understanding of the legal framework; high technical competence; professionalism; great negotiation skills and a particular ability to reach consensus solutions, placing the client’s interest at the center of the analysis and resolution of each problem; an integrated vision and analysis of issues, covering the various specialties of law‘

‚They are all experts in their respective fields, with in-depth knowledge of the general legal framework, thus ensuring that all matters are handled professionally and efficiently.‘

Kernmandanten

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)


Richemont


Ricoh Portugal


EDP Group


Super Bock Group


Galp Group


Amorim Group


Altice Group


Bensaude Group


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  • Advising the EDP group on the biggest rebranding project of the group in Portugal, in all EU jurisdictions, and several other jurisdictions around the world.
  • Advising Grupo Arié on prosecution and brand protection matters, enforcement, and all IP-related cases, including representing the client before administrative and judicial authorities, including EU Courts, and actively collaborating with foreign correspondents at a national level.
  • Advising GALP Group on prosecution and brand protection matters, enforcement, and all related IP cases.

Cuatrecasas

Cuatrecasas is widely instructed by domestic and international clients on a broad range of IP matters, including strategic IP assessments, IP infringement, and pre-litigation work encompassing preparation, negotiations, appeals, and enforcement proceedings. The team advises clients across the digital economy, life sciences, retail, automotive, and financial services sectors, as well as deeptech startups. The practice is led by Sónia Queiróz Vaz, a seasoned IP lawyer specialising in the management of IP portfolios and enforcement and optimisation of IP assets concerning disruptive tech, and Joana Mota Agostinho.

Praxisleiter:

Joana Mota Agostinho; Sónia Queiróz Vaz


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ana Costa Teixeira


Referenzen

‘Cuatrecasas differentiates itself through a unique combination of technical excellence and a deep understanding of its clients‘ business sectors. More than just legal advisers, the firm, or rather, the IP team, positions itself as a strategic partner, focused on offering pragmatic and effective solutions that directly address business challenges.‘

‚Its main differentiator lies in the quality and dedication of its multidisciplinary team, led by partners Joana Mota Agostinho and Sónia Queiroz Vaz. The firm demonstrates a clear awareness that its services are critical to the success of its clients‘ organisations, and this perspective defines its approach.‘

‚The team’s vast experience allows it to recognise and speak the language of its clients, translating legal complexities into clear and actionable recommendations. Clearly, the work produced is perfectly adapted to the specific reality of each client, ensuring that its solutions are not only theoretically correct but also commercially viable and effective.‘

Kernmandanten

Servdebt


Cosmos Group


Explorer


Rádio Renascença


Pernod Ricard


Vinted


Open AI


BMW


OutSystems


Airbnb


Champalimaud Foundation


Huawei


SCC – Sociedade Central de Cervejas e Bebidas (Heineken Group)


Sovena


Sogrape


Somague


Electrolux


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  • Advised Somague/Sacyr on managing its industrial property rights.
  • Advised Champalimaud Foundation on groundbreaking patents relating to neuroscience and medical investigation devices, designs, trade marks, and patent research.
  • Advised Huawei on defining strategies to enforce and optimise its IP portfolios.

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados

Morais Leitão, Galvão Teles, Soares da Silva & Associados demonstrates expertise across the full spectrum of IP law, including copyright and trade secret matters, and is noted for its strong track record in patent litigation across the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and new media sectors. The firm also maintains a robust trade mark practice, regularly advising high-profile clients on trade mark strategy, prosecution, licensing, litigation and enforcement issues. The practice is jointly led by Ricardo do Nascimento Ferreira, a specialist in patent litigation, and Vasco Stilwell d’Andrade, who also excels in IP disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Ricardo do Nascimento Ferreira; Vasco Stilwell d’Andrade


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Maria Almeida e Silva; Filipa Castanheira de Almeida; Joana Maria Andion


Referenzen

‘Excellent, friendly team of lawyers who are very easy to work with. We have always been impressed by how well the team works together and the fact that they genuinely seem to get on and have a great dynamic, which makes them a joy to work alongside.’

‘Ricardo Nascimento Ferreira is excellent, very calm and sensible, and gives sound advice.‘

‚Vasco Stilwell de Andrade has great insight into the Portuguese legal scene and is really good to work with.‘

Kernmandanten

Cisco


Ericsson


DST


Cristiano Ronaldo


Teva


EDP


Grupo Impresa (SIC)


Staples Portugal


Esporão


NOS


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  • Advised Tech multinational Cisco and successfully reverted a preliminary injunction in appeals to the Second Instance Court of Lisbon and the Supreme Court of Portugal.
  • Advising NOS SGPS, the holding company of one of the main Portuguese telecoms, media and information technology groups, comprehensively on the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Claranet Portugal, a leading information technology company.
  • Advised Grupo Media Capital comprehensively on its planned acquisition of Nowo, the fourth Portuguese telecoms operator and distributor of audiovisual content.

PLMJ

PLMJ advises a wide range of blue-chip clients on IP matters, including litigation involving patents, trade marks, designs, copyright, and trade secrets, as well as trade mark clearance, prosecution, enforcement, and brand portfolio development at both national and multinational levels. The team has notable experience across the pharmaceutical, software, telecoms, entertainment, and financial sectors. The practice is led by Hugo Monteiro de Queirós, who brings extensive expertise in litigation involving trade marks, patents, designs, and software. Vasco Granate is also a key contact with significant experience in trade mark and patent litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Hugo Monteiro de Queirós


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Vasco Granate; Inês Dias Pinheiro; Mafalda Meireles


Referenzen

The PLMJ team is always very responsive and collaborative, consistently supporting our requests in a timely and efficient manner.’

‘The team members we work with are always willing to provide clarifications and explanations, taking into account our needs and technical gaps.’

‘The quality of work this firm produces is exceptional. We truly enjoy working with them as they always provide insight into strategy and produce great outcomes. They take care of our clients as if they were their own. ’

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Sérvulo & Associados

Sérvulo & Associados is active in IP rights litigation, advising domestic and international clients on disputes involving patents, trade marks, copyright, and distribution and agency matters, with a strong focus on the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. Mariana Costa Pinto is a key figure in patent litigation. Former practice head Ana Rita Painho is no longer at the firm, while Pedro Vidigal Monteiro and Ana Ferreira Neves joined from TELLES in December 2o25.

Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mariana Costa Pinto; Pedro Vidigal Monteiro; Ana Ferreira Neves


Referenzen

‘I have worked with Sérvulo & Associados on several patent-related matters and have found their team to be highly professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. Their expertise in IP law, particularly in the Portuguese legal framework, has been instrumental in helping us navigate complex patent issues with confidence.‘

‚The firm provides clear, strategic advice that is both technically sound and commercially relevant. Their ability to understand our business needs and tailor their legal solutions accordingly has made them a trusted partner in our operations.’

‘I have had the opportunity to work with Mariana Costa Pinto from Sérvulo & Associados on patent-related matters, and I can confidently say that her professionalism, legal insight, and dedication to client service are exceptional. She combines deep technical knowledge of intellectual property law with a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach.‘

Kernmandanten

Generis


Doc Generici


Aurobindo Pharma Group


Les Industries Trovac, Ltée.


Senseidata


REFINEBLISS UNIPESSOAL, Direitos de Marca


Lockem LDA


Julien Schmit


THE MANDALA MANAGEMENT GmbH


ViMúsica – Música e Vídeo, Lda.


LUSA – Agência de Notícias de Portugal


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  • Representing Les Industries Trovac in the European enforcement of the Retraflex patent against Globovac concerning the innovative Retraflex central vacuum system.
  • Representing Generis in high-stakes patent litigation enabling access to generics against Bayer and Recordati concerning the active substances Rivaroxaban and Silodosin.
  • Advising Sensei on international trade mark strategy for Europe’s first autonomous retail store.

Baptista, Monteverde & Associados

Baptista, Monteverde & Associados provides strategic and commercial advice on the procurement and exploitation of IP rights, and offers representation to clients in the enforcement and defence of those rights before the Portuguese courts. The team attracts instructions from the pharmaceuticals, fashion, automotive, technology and retail sectors. The practice is jointly led by seasoned patent litigator and arbitrator Paulo Monteverde and Filipe Teixeira Baptista, who assists with IP protection and litigation involving patents, trade marks, designs and copyright.

Praxisleiter:

Paulo Monteverde; Filipe Teixeira Baptista


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ricardo Alves Silva; Petra Fernandes; Joana Cunha Reis


Referenzen

‘The practice of BMA is unique in Portugal due to the high degree of specialisation in IP and the excellent communication with the clients.’

‘We have been working with Paulo Monteverde. He is clearly above average in the IP field in his country. He has excellent knowledge of IP laws (not only Portuguese laws but also EU and international). He is very good at being part of a coordinated team when we work on pan-European cases.‘

‘Very close relationship with the client, excellent clarification of complex issues.’

Kernmandanten

Teva Pharmaceuticals


Carolina Herrera


Sandoz AG


Hugo Boss AG


Major League Baseball Properties, Inc.


Harley-Davidson USA LLC


Viatris Limited


Nike Innovate CV.


Converse Inc.


Google LLC


Dassault Systèmes Solidworks Corporation


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NLP

Founded in May 2024, boutique firm NLP has quickly established a strong presence in the Portuguese IP market, advising major clients in the life sciences, technology, entertainment, and food sectors on a full range of matters. Patent litigation is a core strength of the team, which also handles IP portfolio management, trade marks, utility models, trade secrets, and unfair competition. Beatriz Lima, known for her extensive experience in patent disputes in the pharma and telecoms sectors, co-leads the team alongside Joana Piriquito Santos, a key adviser to pharmaceutical companies, and Sara Nazaré, who is likewise highly regarded for her work in patent litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Beatriz Lima; Joana Piriquito Santos; Sara Nazaré


Weitere Kernanwälte:

João Carlos Assunção


Referenzen

‚I find the team very strong in building and maintaining relationships with clients. They are highly adaptable, able to work in both corporate settings and in more agile, fast-paced contexts.‘

‚Their availability and willingness to support at short notice stand out. This flexibility, combined with a client-focused approach, makes them unique compared to other firms.‘

‚A good team that has recently taken its independence, very experienced, able to handle complex high-value matters and navigate through surprises and complexity of the Portuguese court proceedings. Work well as a team with others across jurisdictions.‘

PRA - Raposo, Sá Miranda e Associados

PRA - Raposo, Sá Miranda e Associados advises domestic and international clients on a wide range of IP matters, including copyright, trade mark and patent registration and infringement work. The team is also well placed to assist with media-related matters, tech transfers, IT agreements and R&D. The practice is jointly led by Gonçalo Gil Barreiros in Lisbon, noted for his ‘in-depth knowledge of copyright law and all its implications’, and Augusto Almeida Correia in Porto. Pedro Rebelo Tavares is another key contact for mandates concerning trade marks, designs, and domain names.

Praxisleiter:

Gonçalo Gil Barreiros; Augusto Almeida Correia


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Pedro Rebelo Tavares; Joana Abreia Oliveira


Referenzen

‚The service provided by this firm in terms of intellectual property stands out primarily for its comprehensive, exhaustive, and rigorous approach to client requests. There is also great ease and close communication, allowing for swift solutions in situations requiring a quick response, situations that are not always signalled by the client with sufficient advance notice.’

‘PRA is a firm with a highly competent legal team in various areas of practice, providing its clients with services that address all aspects related to a request. It provides cross-functional services related to industrial property rights, intellectual property, and the drafting of contracts and confidentiality agreements.’

‚I  recommend Gonçalo Gil Barreiros, who is a very competent and diligent professional specialising in intellectual property, always paying attention to detail to maximise the protection of assets related to this field.’

Kernmandanten

Confrasilvas – Construções, S.A.


Visapress – Gestão dos Conteúdos dos Media, CRL


AUDIOGEST – Associação para a Gestão e Distribuição de Direitos


Gedipe – Associação para a Gestão Coletiva de Direitos de Autor e de Produtores Cinematográficos e Audiovisuais


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  • Acting on behalf of Visapress in Supreme Court proceedings brought by collecting society AGECOP.
  • Represented Gedipe, the collective management entity that represents cinematographic, videographic and independent television producers, in Supreme Court proceedings brought by Google, concerning the blocking of access to websites via public Domain Name System services which they provide.
  • Representing Confrasilvas, a major Portuguese construction conglomerate, in appeal proceedings before the General Court of the European Union, stemming from a dispute over the unauthorised registration of the name “Confrasilvas” before the EUIPO by third parties.

APTS - Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa, S.P., R.L.

APTS - Alves Pereira & Teixeira de Sousa, S.P., R.L. provides IP services to clients in the media, advertising, and entertainment sectors. The practice is led by Belen Granados, who brings extensive experience in IP and media-related matters.

Praxisleiter:

Belén Granados


Referenzen

‘High technical level.’

‘Professional behaviour and available.’

 

Kernmandanten

The Interpublic Group of Companies


Mediabrands Portugal


Valormed


Universal Media


OrionWW


Equivalenza Retail SLU


Iniciativas de Meios


HUNGERIT Zrt


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  • Advised the Interpublic Group of Companies on the management of several EU and domestic trade marks.
  • Assisting and advising Equivalenza Retail SLU in a cross-border dispute with a former Portuguese licensee for breach of contract, non-compete and unfair competition claims.
  • Assisting HUNGERIT Zrt with the registration of the domestic trade mark “Valdor” with the INPI (the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property).

ClarkeModet

ClarkeModet advises a broad mix of international clients on the registration and enforcement of patents, trade marks, designs, domains, and copyrights across multiple sectors, with a special focus on the tech space. Maria Cruz García, a specialist in trade mark matters, oversees the practice, and is further supported by trade mark and patent attorneys Madalena Barradas and Susana Couto Gonçalves.

Praxisleiter:

Maria Cruz Garcia


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Madalena Barradas; Susana Couto Gonçalves; Ana Fidalgo; Cláudia Couto; Bruna Oliveira Pinho


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Raposo Bernardo

Raposo Bernardo frequently advises international clients on a wide range of IP matters, including trade mark and patent applications, protection, opposition, and infringement issues. The practice is jointly led by IP disputes specialist Serena Argente Escartín, who has notable experience in trade marks, patents, as well as distribution, sponsorship and franchising agreements, alongside Maria Sirec.

Praxisleiter:

Serena Argente Escartín; Maria Sirec.


Referenzen

‚It is a law firm truly specialised in IP matters, which expertly manages everything related to the protection of these assets.‘

‘Serena Argente Escartín is the head of the IP department and the partner I would highlight from an exceptional team. This team acts as guardian angels for our trade marks, patents, designs, and models, among many other IP assets.‘

‚Serena Argente Escartín is a special lawyer, possessing a profound knowledge of all the rules governing IP, both in structuring the best legal strategy for protecting these assets, and in opposing abusive uses, and in more complex cases, in defending our registrations in court, where she shines incredibly.‘

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Vasconcelos Advogados

Vasconcelos Advogados is a popular destination for clients in the media sector seeking advice on IP rights, as well as advertising, licensing and distribution agreements. The group stands out for its expertise in copyright matters, often assisting media conglomerates, publishers, film producers, record labels and artists, as well as companies in the hospitality, software and food industries. The practice is jointly led by Duarte Vasconcelos and João Peixe, who bring extensive experience in trade marks, designs, and copyright.

Praxisleiter:

Duarte Vasconcelos; João Peixe


Referenzen

‚We find the firm to be very solid, knowledgeable, and hard-working.’

‚Responsiveness and detailed knowledge of their practice area.’

‘The IP team at Vasconcelos Advogados distinguishes itself through a combination of legal rigour, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the creative and technological sectors. The firm combines solid experience in trade marks and copyright with a modern, solutions-oriented approach.‘

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