Firms To Watch: Intellectual property

The IP practice at Pintz & Partners LLC comprises an experienced team of patent and trade mark specialists, led by György Pintz.
VJT & Partners‘ growing IP practice covers both advisory and contentious IP work. Endre Várady leads the team.

Intellectual property in Hungary

Hegymegi-Barakonyi and Fehérváry Baker&McKenzie Attorneys-at-Law

The IP team at Hegymegi-Barakonyi and Fehérváry Baker&McKenzie Attorneys-at-Law is adept at managing, protecting and enforcing IP portfolios, including advising on registrations and rights, as well as the relevant aspects of various transactions. Copyright issues are another area of strength for the team, and the group advises on the CDSM Directive and assists media service providers with their operations in Hungary. The team also boasts a full contentious offering, from trade mark oppositions to domain name disputes and patent litigation cases. Zoltán Hegymegi-Barakonyi and Csaba Vári jointly lead the team. Mihály Egon Budai specialises in trade mark matters, with a focus on contentious work.

Praxisleiter:

Zoltán Hegymegi-Barakonyi; Csaba Vári


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mihály Egon Budai


Referenzen

‘As a multinational company with a very strong brand, we face a large number and variety of trade mark violation issues. Our legal partner is an expert in this field. They have deep and thorough knowledge of the subject. They not only give advice, but also help with communication. They shed light not only on the legal background, but also on related court practice, which is a great help for us in making the right decisions.’

‘They thoroughly analyse the problem that has arisen and come forward with a detailed solution proposal. They always highlight the expected consequences of the outlined steps for our company.’

‘Zoltán Hegymegi-Barakonyi and Mihály Egon Budai provided outstanding help for us in this area.’

Kernmandanten

Apple


ASTELLAS


AVON


Bath & Body Works


British American Tobacco (BAT)


Eurokomax Kft.


Fragola Fagylaltozó Kft.


General Motors


Google


SHELL


The Body Shop


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing an American multinational company in an IP and competition law dispute with a former distribution partner.
  • Advising a major player in lithium-ion battery development and manufacturing on Hungarian patent legislation and practice.
  • Assisting a Japanese beer business with a trade mark registration matter.

Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda

From patents and trade marks to copyright matters, Oppenheim Ugyvedi Iroda offers a full range of IP services. The practice regularly handles complex litigation, including patent enforcement, representing a diverse international client base. Ivan Bartal and Áron László jointly lead the team; the former specialises in the software and technology sectors, while the latter oversees multi-jurisdictional litigation mandates. The team fields a strong contentious offering more broadly: Kristóf Ormos is active in IP litigation, while Barnabás Mező and Andras Cserny, both recently promoted to senior associate, have experience appearing before the European General Court. Mező is an expert in domain names, while Cserny litigates in software rights and irregular IP cases.

Praxisleiter:

Ivan Bartal; Áron László


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kristóf Ormos; Barnabás Mező; Andras Cserny


Referenzen

‘Oppenheim has a very complex and versatile team focused primarily on IP rights. The team has experts in many niche areas, and they work in a rather flexible manner; as the cases evolve, they always bring in their best experts.’

‘My main contact was Áron László, whom I consider as a most accomplished IP lawyer. Aron not only has extensive experience in various branches of IP law, not only is he professionally very well connected, but he also has an eye both for the detail and for long-term strategy. I enjoyed working with him over the years. I also have a very high opinion of Andras Cserny.’

‘Professional competence.’

Kernmandanten

Wizz Air


Hell Energy


Vodafone Shared Services


Masterplast


Bonafarm-Babolna


TV2 Media


Scania


4ig


Organica Technologies


Ferrero


Unix Auto


Univer


Hungerit


Samsung


Swapp Technologies


Munch Europe


Loxtrade


LC Waikiki


TECHNOCAR


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Wizz Air in a trade mark infringement case against Ryanair in relation to the use of the BUZZ sign.
  • Represented TV2 Média Csoport successfully against Comedy Central in a case concerning the use of TV2 Comedy as the name of its humour-themed TV channel.

SBGK

SBGK’s IP team provides a full contentious and non-contentious offering. The group’s expertise spans various sectors, from life sciences to AI, and it is regularly involved in trade mark infringement and enforcement matters. Practice head Katalin Szamosi brings 40 years’ experience in IP law to the role. Péter Lukácsi broad practice spans advice and litigation in various fields of IP law, Máté Borbás represents clients before a range of official bodies, and Ádám György’s expertise in design and trade marks sees him regularly represent clients before the CJEU. As well as trade mark portfolio maintenance, Enikő Karsay handles copyright matters and trade secret cases, while Adrienn Sályi’s focuses on IP portfolio management.

Praxisleiter:

Katalin Szamosi


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Péter Lukácsi; Enikő Karsay; Ádám György; Adrienn Sályi; Máté Borbás


Kernmandanten

Mondelez


Egis


Nobel Biocare


Qianjiang-Keeway (Európa) Zrt


Deutsche Telekom AG


Friesland Campina BV


Flowil International Lightning (Holding) BV


Sunnei SRL / SNJ Holding Zrt.


SOREMARTEC S.A


SOREMARTEC S.A


BMW


Siegler Bird & Bird Ügyvédi Iroda

The pharmaceuticals sector is one of the IP team’s particular strengths at Siegler Bird & Bird Ügyvédi Iroda; the group is experienced in providing patent nullity, industrial property rights and trade mark advice to players operating in that field. The team has a wide-ranging contentious practice and is regularly involved in cross-border investigations and disputes. Its international reach also encompasses trade mark and domain name portfolio management and IP transfers. Practice head Bálint Halász focuses on contentious IP matters and leads on infringement litigation, anti-piracy strategies and alternative dispute resolution, while ‘highly skilledBettina Kövecses brings over 12 years’ experience in trade mark and design prosecution and enforcement to the group. Ádám Simon advises on licensing matters and Miklós Tar has extensive experience working with significant pharmaceuticals companies. Adél Gelencsér is another name to note.

Praxisleiter:

Bálint Halász


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Miklós Tar; Bettina Kövecses; Ádám Simon; Péter Rippel-Szabó; Adél Gelencsér


Referenzen

‘Intellectual property is a highly specialised area of law, in which the firm has a team of professionals with detailed expertise. Not only do they know the law and court practice, but they also know exactly where to find the right legal and factual information to handle a complex case, with a background that can span decades.’

‘Our firm works with Bettina Kövecses and Péter Rippel-Szabó. They are both highly skilled professionals who can find the answers to the most complex cases. Their aim is always to understand the needs of our company and to select the appropriate procedures to achieve the result, while fully informing you of the risks.’

‘They are highly professional, customer oriented and efficient, always ready to consult and involve skilled external experts, if necessary, from their professional network.’

Kernmandanten

Stellantis


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised on the IP law aspects of Stellantis’ acquisition of aiMotive, a major developer of advanced artificial intelligence and autonomous driving software.

Szecskay Attorneys at Law

The IP team at Szecskay Attorneys at Law supports clients with the gamut of relevant mandates, from portfolio creation, through audits, to enforcement proceedings and disputes. The team boasts an established patent litigation practice, particularly in relation to the pharmaceutical industry. Gusztáv Bacher , who specialises in contentious work, leads the team, and András Szecskay remains another go-to choice for patent litigation. Gábor Faludi is an expert in industrial property and copyright law, while Gábor Faludi Junior brings additional expertise in the healthcare, pharmaceuticals and beauty industries to the group.

Praxisleiter:

Gusztáv Bacher


Weitere Kernanwälte:

András Szecskay; Gábor Faludi; Gábor Faludi Junior


Kernmandanten

Richter Gedeon


British American Tobacco


Ceva Santé Animale


Egis Pharmaceuticals PLC


Chapter 4 Corp (Supreme)


Zwack Unicum Rt.


Budapest Festival Orchestra (listed among the 10 best orchestras in the world)


Terrán Kft.


CRU Hungary Kft.


MAN Truck and Bus SE


MGI International Sales Co. Limited (Hong Kong) and Latvia MGI Tech SIA (Latvia): members of the Chinese BGI Companies


ART1ST DESIGN STUDIO LLC


Goodwill Pharma Kft.


VAN BERKEL EN OS U.N. STUDIO B.V. and BURO HAPPOLD Ltd.


Tamasu Butterfly Europa GmbH


KRKA d.d. Novo Mesto


Bellozzo


Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co.


X-Plast Kft.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Richter Gedeon before the Constitutional Court in connection with the compulsory license for manufacturing remdesivir.
  • Representing Brystol-Myers-Squibb in the apixaban case before the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office.
  • Advised Budapest Festival Orchestra on entering into a co-operation contract with Symphony, a new video streaming platform.

CMS

CMS advises on the full range of IP matters, covering copyright, trade mark and industrial property rights. The team regularly handles cross-border IP assignments and is practised at settling IP disputes both in and out of court. IP specialist Dóra Petrányi strengthens the team’s international reach as head, not only of the IP practice, but also of the firm’s global technology, media and communications group. Eszter Csapó focuses on the TMT sector, while Katalin Horváth specialises issues at the intersection of software, IT and IP law. Miklós Boros has a wealth of experience drafting and negotiating software licensing agreements. Gábor Bertók handles trade mark prosecution cases and Ágnes Sólyom manages trade mark portfolios worldwide.

Praxisleiter:

Dóra Petrányi


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Ágnes Sólyom; Eszter Csapó; Katalin Horváth; Miklós Boros; Gábor Bertók


Referenzen

‘I particularly value the communication with the lawyers. They are always available and answer all questions with great care.’

‘CMS has great experience and there is hardly a question which they haven’t dealt with already. Moreover, they are excellent in applying this experience to the concrete needs of a particular industry and company. Even when they face a unique challenge for the first time, the prudence and detail-orientation in a truly timely manner that they present is really worth appreciation.’

‘Communication: clear, confident, data-based and precise; availability: very flexible and very responsive 100% of the time; knowledge: they are never surprised by even the most complicated cases; attitude: friendly but very professional all the time.’

Kernmandanten

4iG


Magyar Telekom (Deutsche Telekom subsidiary)


Partner in Pet Food Hungária


UNICEF


RTL Group (Bertelsmann Group subsidiary)


ChemAxon


Microsoft Hungary


Proton Cinema


Maxfive (Former name: Radio Max GmbH)


K&H Bank (a KBC Group subsidiary)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised 4iG on its €1.67bn acquisition of Vodafone Hungary, and assisted the client with the expansion of its activities.
  • Advising RTL Group on a wide array of commercial matters.
  • Assisting UNICEF with several local projects in Hungary, particularly advising on how to maintain the stability of its IP portfolio and ensuring that global UNICEF trade mark rights are protected during local projects.

Dentons

With particular expertise in copyright matters, the IP practice at Dentons advises on licensing, regulatory matters, and royalty and levy regimes. The group also handles cross-border IP transfers. IP prosecution is another key focus and the team advises on the exploitation and enforcement of copyright, trade marks and designs, as well as handling relevant investigations, regularly appearing before the European Commission and the CJEU. Tímea Bana leads both the IP and TMT teams, with particular experience in copyright, trade mark and industrial property law across the TMT sector.  András Peisch is also a key name to note.

Praxisleiter:

Tímea Bana


Weitere Kernanwälte:

András Peisch


Referenzen

‘This firm is a very good expert in the IP and media law area. With them the cooperation is very smooth. What I would like to highlight, and this can make all the difference, is that apart from their expert service, they are very well connected to the relevant authorities. Furthermore, they are always available and can adopt to prompt client needs.’

‘I work closely with Tímea Bana and I have only good experiences. She is reliable, prompt if it’s necessary and provides a high-level service in the field of IP law. Additionally, she knows, or if it’s needed, she is ready to learn and understand the business background which is essential nowadays if you would like to provide a high-level business-related legal service.’

‘Dentons have offices globally, which is essential for our global operations. Their expertise in IP law is noticeable. Their partners and associates are top of the range and always provide sound advice and strategy.’

Kernmandanten

Telecommunications Reconciliation Council (HÉT)


Dentsply Sirona


Vodafone Magyarország Zrt.


UFA Hungary, UFA Show and Film and Fremantle


EPAM Systems


Delivery Hero SE


Ikarus Group (Műszertechnika)


Netflix


Nike


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Vodafone Hungary and the members of HÉT successfully before the Administrative Court in a dispute against EJI-MAHASZ, a collective rights management organisation representing record companies and performers.
  • Advising the Hungarian affiliate of FremantleMedia, UFA Hungary, on IP matters including programme production, commercial issues, copyright licensing and data privacy matters.
  • Advising the Hungarian subsidiary of EPAM Systems on its partnership agreements in connection with an EU sponsored smart town and mobility IT development project taking place in Hungary.

DLA Piper Posztl, Nemescsói, Györfi-Tóth and Partners Law Firm

DLA Piper Posztl, Nemescsói, Györfi-Tóth and Partners Law Firm is a go-to choice for clients from the film industry, offering advice on all IP matters within the sector, including the protection, defence, commercialisation and transfer of industrial, IP and technological assets. Mónika Horváth leads the team, and boasts an enviable portfolio of clients in the film industry. Mariann Rajnai also specialises in media and entertainment law, while Márk Almásy brings experience in the life sciences sector to the group. Head of technology Zoltán Kozma focuses on IT and telecoms mandates and Eszter Varga specialises in license agreements, patent infringement cases and cancellation proceedings.

Praxisleiter:

Mónika Horváth; Zoltán Kozma; Helga Fehér


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mariann Rajnai; Márk Almásy; Eszter Varga


Referenzen

‘Maximum focus on the real needs of the client and transparent risk description.’

‘Quick responses, excellent ability and empathy to identify the question the client needs answers for, drawing attention to unidentified collateral consequences or risks. Transparency as to assessing pros and cos of alternatives, accuracy meeting deadlines, excellent language skills, friendly but still super professional cooperation.’

‘Our experience with them is VERY positive, they answer our questions fast and professionally.’

Kernmandanten

Rolls Royce Hungary


Hungarian Touristic Agency


Hungarian Franchise Association


Magyar Bankholding Zrt.


Springer Nature Customer Service Center GmbH


Universal Television Emerald Production, an NBCUniversal company and Pioneer Stillking FBI S2


Spin Master, INC an affiliate of Spin Master Ltd.


White Mountain Productions, Ltd./ Station Films Kft.


Spectorcorp Productions UK Limited/ VR Films Kft.


Element Pictures PT Limited and PS Films 2021 Kft.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Providing day-to-day IP advice to Rolls-Royce in connection with its research and development operations, including advising on know-how, patent, copyright and trade secrets issues.
  • Instructed as Hungarian counsel to Netflix Worldwide Entertainment and Pioneer Stillking Light, which involves assisting with all Hungarian production contracts and set decoration issues relating to the filming of television mini-seriesAll The Light We Cannot See.
  • Advising Spin Master on the acquisition of the Smart Egg and Mondrian Block cognitive puzzle games.

Lakatos, Köves and Partners

In tandem with the firm’s corporate practice, the team at Lakatos, Köves and Partners advises on the full range of IP matters. As well as providing IP-related support regarding M&A transactions, the group covers trade mark filings and renewals, brand protection, IP disputes and infringement cases. The group fields particular expertise in the financial services, energy and telecoms sectors and continues to take on new clients from the technology, FMCG and automotive industries. ‘Expert in copyright and IT matters’ Iván Sólyom leads the team, and Alekszej Dubalár brings a wealth of additional experience in IP litigation to the group.

Praxisleiter:

Iván Sólyom


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alekszej Dubalár


Referenzen

‘Their client focus, responsiveness, business-minded approach and knowledge of our industry makes them unique for us. The team is a pleasure to work with. They have skill, expertise and excellent communication skills.’

‘I have worked with Iván Sólyom for several years now and he has always proven to be an expert in copyright and IT matters. He is very dedicated, quick and bright.’

Kernmandanten

Allegro


Vodafone


Indotek


Philip Morris international (PMI)


Foundation for the Protection of the Traditional Cheese of Cyprus named Halloumi


MARS Group


Szentkirályi Kékkúti Ásványvíz, subsidiary of Karlovarské minerální vody, Mattoni Group


Zenitech Group


Snap Inc.


Fruit of the Loom Ltd.


Aston Martin


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Allegro on buy-side due diligance issues in relation to the purchase of the Mall Group a.s., WE|DO CZ s.r.o. and their subsidiary undertakings.
  • Advised Vodafone plc on the sale of Vodafone Hungary to 4iG Nyrt. and Corvinus Zrt. for €1.7bn.
  • Advised Zenitech Group on the acquisition of Autsoft, a Hungarian company engaged in customised software development and software solutions in artificial intelligence and IoT Platforms.

Danubia Legal

The IP practice at Danubia Legal is composed of experienced patent and trade mark litigators. The team’s established contentious practice has a particular focus on the pharmaceutical, biotech and consumer products industries. ‘Hard-working and proactiveEszter Szakács leads patent litigation cases and regularly represents clients before the CJEU, and splits leadership of the team with seasoned expert József Tálas. Anna Foldes specialises in infringement cases, as well as design and domain name disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Eszter Szakács; József Tálas


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Anna Foldes; Miklós Sóvári


Referenzen

‘Eszter Szakács and József Tálas are great IP professionals, with high expertise in patent litigation matters and in the pharmaceutical sector. They have assisted us in the case of a multi-jurisdictional, very complex patent infringement matter and they have always provided great depth of advice to very tight deadline and helped us develop a more successful strategy for our client.’

‘Well known law firm with good team and expertise.’

‘Eszter Szakács is hard-working and proactive. Hungary is a challenging litigation environment and she tries to think of new ways to get results.’

Kernmandanten

Merck Sharpe & Dohme


Illumina Inc


Bayer Intellectual Property Gmbh


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Illumina Cambridge in a preliminary injunction case in the biotech field.
  • Represented Merck Sharpe and Dohme in a pan-European SPC infringement and validity matter.

Schoenherr Hetényi Ügyvédi Iroda

Supporting clients with issues from protection strategy to trade mark and design registration, the team at Schoenherr Hetényi Ügyvédi Iroda boasts expertise in a wide range of IP matters. The IP practice’s cross-border reach sees the team assist with registrations on a national, EU-wide and global basis. Practice head Márk Kovács has experience across patents, copyrights and domain names, and is noted for providing expert brand protection and IP litigation strategies.

Praxisleiter:

Márk Kovács


Referenzen

‘I work with Márk Kovács and value his swift responses and good work results.’

Kernmandanten

Wolters Kluwer Hungary Kft.


S. Spitz GmbH


OMV Downstream GmbH


HARIBO Holding GmbH & Co. KG


NZK Productions Inc., Warner Bros. Television Group


Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (e&)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising a major pharmaceuticals manufacturer on various issues related to different pharmaceutical patents registered in Hungary.
  • Advised NZK Productions/Warner Bros Entertainment on the local production of the The Bachelor series, including general guidance on IP rights in Hungary and in the EU and various copyright-related issues regarding the filming of the Hungarian scenes of the show.

Taylor Wessing Hungary

Taylor Wessing Hungary places a strong emphasis on IP matters, and the team fields a growing list of national and international clients. The team has expanded its services to incorporate design and patent cases, as well as trade mark matters. Practice head Zoltán Novák is an expert in IP enforcement, and János Kopasz focuses on litigious matters. Petra Knall is experienced in regulatory procedures, including trade mark filings, and Fruzsina Kónya handles applications and oppositions.

Praxisleiter:

Zoltán Novák


Weitere Kernanwälte:

János Kopasz; Petra Knall; Fruzsina Kónya


Kernmandanten

Strabag Építőipari Zrt.


COFRA Holding AG / C&A AG c/o C&A Mode AG


Punto F.A., SL


American Airlines, Inc.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised an international IP management and protection company on trade mark applications and registrations, including assisting with the successful registration of a single letter of the alphabet as a trade mark.
  • Provided successful legal support to the owner of a football club in a trade mark matter, which involved sending a cease-and-desist letter to an applicant who had filed a trade mark application with a name that resembled the club’s brand.
  • Providing comprehensive guidance and representation to a global social media platform in cases of trade mark infringement.

Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda

Wolf Theiss Faludi Ügyvédi Iroda‘s IP team handles transfer and licensing agreements, as well as advising on the IP aspects of cross-border M&A deals. The group’s expertise covers trade marks, patents and copyright matters. Managing a diverse workload in relation to IP portfolios, János Tóth leads the team. Norbert Bálint counts major IT and telecoms players, global software companies and start-ups among his clientele. Péter Ihász, who was promoted to senior associate in July 2022, focuses on the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors.

Praxisleiter:

János Tóth


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Norbert Bálint; Péter Ihász