The Patent 1000 focuses exclusively on patent practice and has firmly established itself as the definitive 'go-to' resource for those seeking world-class legal patent expertise.
Highly-recommended - Firms: prosecution
Bronze - Firms: litigation
“AWA is an elite full-service international law firm, capable of successfully representing clientele across the entire spectrum of technologies – and it has an undeniably strong practice. It understands that lasting customer relationships are valuable and focuses on delivering the maximum value in each interaction rather than maximising billable hours. Clients feel prioritised from the get-go and the team is adept at developing high-level IP strategies. Its expertise in different aspects of intellectual property ensures a strong IP portfolio, and the team have proven to be a valuable asset to the client’s product development process. AWA is the perfect partner.” Showcasing the strengths of the outfit, five of its practitioners – Niklas Mattsson, Louise Jonshammar, Mattias Pierrou, Mikael Henriksson and Sören Giver – are listed in the IAM Patent 1000. “With a commercial mindset, Mattsson effortlessly develops innovative IP strategies. From validity issues to strategic advisory services, patrons are in safe hands. Jonshammar always provides insightful advice that cuts to the heart of the issues, and complex problems have been handled by her in a structured and strategic manner that has allowed for a relatively quick progression towards actionable results and conclusions.” Pairing commercial sensibilities with dispute-resolution experience, Pierrou is called on by leading figures in the software development and electronics sectors to secure the most fruitful outcomes. Henriksson possesses a PhD in medical biochemistry, making him an enticing option for players in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. From medical technology to building and construction, Giver delivers effective IP strategy and portfolio management to both domestic and international rights holders, and is a mentor to many in the Swedish IP industry.
Gold - Firms: prosecution
“Among the best agencies in Denmark, AWA is a firm of high-quality individuals providing excellent work product at fair prices. Specialists in the field of intellectual property, the outfit handles portfolios seamlessly and offers pivotal assistance during commercial and contentious matters. Among the best practitioners, Mikkel Roed Trier and Sidsel Hauge offer high-end assistance in patent cases that relate to mechanics. Trier is a skilled and thorough attorney, while Hauge is a remarkable addition to litigious disputes, with a brilliant grasp on the business needs of clients and how intellectual property can give them a competitive advantage.” Sound technology company Sonion called on Trier for support during a patent and utility model infringement dispute against Huawei and Sony in Denmark. “Well versed in European patent litigation and strategy involving multiple jurisdictions, including patrons with cross-border issues”, Hauge is trusted for her “attention to detail, ability to anticipate issues and intricate understanding of patent law”. A wide-ranging practitioner, Lasse Henze can assist with virtually all patent matters, from new product launches to licence negotiations. The electrical engineering and medical technology ace heads up the high-technology team in Denmark. Henze has been enlisted for his portfolio management skills on behalf of Yoli Aps, to protect their educational games software. “Knowledgeable and attentive, Vibeke Warberg Rohde has a profound understanding of new technologies and design features such as those inside mobility solutions and bikes. Cultivating longstanding relationships with clientele, she is appreciated for her responsive, pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach.” Drawing on over 20 years of expertise, Kim Garsdal Nielsen supports players across the electronics, renewable energy and healthcare sectors. Eva Carlsson is a practitioner of choice for those in mechanical engineering, construction and various technological fields. Biotechnology and life sciences specialist Helle Friis Svenstrup is enlisted by leading players for an array of services, from prosecuting supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) to handling global IP portfolios and strategies. By her side, “Michael Bech Sommer draws on a strong industrial background in the pharmaceutical sector to serve as an expert witness in contentious disputes, and provides valuable assistance during commercial matters.” An expert on European and US patent law, “Joacim Lydén has proven to be a leader in the field of intellectual property and an invaluable asset to his clients. A top choice for patent work, he is particularly adept with international patent strategy.”
Recommended - Firms
Bronze - Firms: prosecution
A favourite among multinational corporations, research centres and universities seeking to protect their intangible assets across the Benelux region and the world, AWA understands the business value of new ideas and strives to create a strong market position for its clientele. Master strategist Eric Van Malderen leverages 30 years of experience to entrench and enforce strong patent positions for patrons. He has been busy assisting dairy manufacturer Corman with its strategy work and delivering in-depth training to its R&D team on IP protection. The well-rounded and diligent Dieter Heck crafts forward-thinking protection strategies and has showcased his expertise when drafting and prosecuting patents for Carmeuse. Another touchstone lawyer for high-level prosecution work, Marc Lerho delivers an unerringly consistent service in terms of effectiveness and responsiveness. He is currently supporting innovative and prize-winning company Concept and Forme in its IP strategy. From his time spent as a patent examiner at the European Patent Office, Emmanuel Flamme has a nuanced understanding of what it takes to see a patent through to successful grant while avoiding oppositions.
Recommended - Firms
“AWA's reliability and consistent delivery of a top level of service” ensures patrons’ intangible assets are well safeguarded. Its unique “East-meets-West” approach is a manifestation of the ideal multicultural IP establishment – the multilingual band of IP lawyers and attorneys understands every need of international clients and tailors its China service for their strategic and commercial goals. An engineer by trade, Xiaofan Chen is a must-have on speed dial when it comes to contentious and non-contentious inbound patent matters. His practice successfully bridges the gap between European and Chinese IP legislation, and has earned him an illustrious array of EU patrons.
AWA is a leading IP firm with over 350 employees across 18 offices in Belgium, China, Denmark, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.
We believe tomorrow is today’s emerging business – rising up from untapped potential within established industries and start-ups. No matter the size or industry, we help our clients create business out of their ideas and innovations.
AWA was founded in 1897 by Swedish engineer Anders Wilhelm Anderson. His initials form our company name and remind us of our proud history.
We supply a full-service offering of IP law services in prosecution, dispute litigation, aftermarket services, legal advice, strategy and commercialisation. Our IP professionals are experts in patents, trademarks, designs, copyright and domain names.
AWA has close to 200 IP specialists (including 70 European patent attorneys and 35 European trademark and design attorneys) helping over 4,300 clients in almost 60 countries with all aspects of their IP needs. Our management team is 55% women and 45% men.
What sets us apart
Global
AWA has a presence in Europe and Asia with an extensive network of qualified preferred partners all over the world. We can handle your IP needs globally and follow up in real time.
Diversity and collaboration
Our people come from diverse backgrounds with practical industry knowledge. Their technical capability means they understand the small details and how this differentiates you in the marketplace. Our teams comprises engineers and attorneys at law working closely together. This seamless collaboration ensures that the right skillset and legal knowledge is available and utilised for our clients’ innovations. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive trainee programme for future IP leaders.
Strategy
We focus on the long term – building a business is a journey that requires strategy. We support companies throughout the corporate cycle to protect and enforce IP rights, but to also identity and capture the value of intellectual assets.
Digital innovation
We live in the digital era and are constantly looking at tools that reduce workload and save time. From the AWA Client Portal to our domain management services and PatAlert, we are innovating the IP tools of the future.
Employee-owned
AWA is 100% owned by the employees with more than 50% of us choosing to invest or hold shares in the group. This reflects our personal and long-term commitment to both our firm and our clients.
AWA Asia
Part of the AWA Group, AWA Asia supports and manages international clients’ IP needs throughout the region with a head office in Hong Kong – a location known for its successful business environment, world-class infrastructure and effective legal system.
Our Beijing office is our wholly owned licensed trademark agency, enabling us to file and enforce trademarks directly before the China Trademark Office and the administrative authorities, without the need to use local third-party agents.
Today China is one of the largest IP markets in the world and is increasingly selected as a key venue for IP litigation by foreign and local entities alike.
AWA Asia has strong value proposition that consists of an East-meets-West approach, with a bilingual and bicultural team of IP professionals (trademark lawyers, patent attorneys and IP strategists). Our international-level service delivery comes with deep local knowledge and is business minded, pragmatic and tailored.
Award-winning practice
We pride ourselves on our continuous rankings and awards for our work from leading industry publications such as Managing Intellectual Property, World Trademark Review, Intellectual Asset Management, The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, World Intellectual Property Review, Expert Guides, Who’s Who Legal, Asia IP Experts and Asian Legal Business.
Our promise
AWA’s promise to you, as a client or partner, stems from our mission. You can feel confident that we will deliver on our promise: “we create intellectual prosperity”.
Jurisdiction