Zacco

Highly-recommended - Firms: prosecution

“Efficient, diligent, prompt and proactive, Zacco is wonderful in all regards. A premier European patent firm with a significant presence across the continent, it offers comprehensive IP services. The group delivers fantastic work and boasts in-depth technical know-how and business acumen, easing the minds of clients during complex mandates.” First up is regional director and electrical engineer Patrik Olsson, who is at home advising patrons on their overall portfolio strategy and determining the potential value. He is often called upon to testify in cases before the Swedish Patent and Market Court as an expert on patent law. The “simply magnificent” Malin Mattsson leads the mechanics team. Her engineering background and knowledge of the law allow her to recognise and understand her clients’ inventions as well as their practical value. Mechanical engineers Paul Winblad and Tommy Somlo draw on their experiences as examiners at the Swedish Patent Office to provide expert advice. Winblad is a fine choice for an array of technical fields, including the energy and automotive sectors, while Somlo works with clientele across a range of emerging technologies. Tomas Gustafsson also utilises his insight as an examiner, as well as time spent in-house as a patent attorney, to get patents through to grant with minimal fuss. He understands internal business goals and external requirements, and so he can provide well-rounded protection. Forward-thinking Ulf Juhlin-Dannfelt advises his following on the development of intellectual property and helps them to create internal environments that are more IP conscious. The team’s technical versatility is further reflected with the inclusion of telecommunications and physics lead Johan Hervius Löthman, a favourable choice among those in related areas, including software and computer-implemented inventions. On the life sciences side, Maria Börlin, Michael Byström, Jörgen Linde, Sofia Larsson and Martin Tranälv can be found. Leading the charge, Börlin’s insight into both the practical and financial viability of her clients’ ideas is key to the successful expansion of their portfolios. “Michael provides high-quality, prompt and tailored solutions that are beyond expectations. He casts a wide net of European coverage for patent protection, all while keeping costs in mind. He is truly an invaluable resource.” Linde’s deep well of expertise makes him a trusted partner to university-based inventors, SMEs and multinationals; while Larsson draws on her in-house experience at a medical device company to assist patrons in protecting their inventions globally. Rounding off the line-up, Tranälv’s knowledge runs the gamut of intellectual property, and he regularly advises his clients on implementing strategies across their entire IP portfolios. 

Silver - Firms: prosecution

Zacco is widely applauded for its specialists in an array of fields. With such capability, its services are adapted to each client and for each task that may arise. Patrons have a positive outlook on the firm and trust that matters are dealt with diligently and properly. “The team comes wholeheartedly recommended to anyone seeking an excellent IP service provider.” On the mechanics front is Thomas Sundien. “Clients continue to be satisfied by Sundien’s strong understanding of complex details relating to mechanical issues, meticulous drafting work and vast knowledge of the field.” An engineer with an academic background in applied physics, “Camilla Rendal Nielsen offers trustworthy and creative strategies during patent prosecution.” A telecommunications expert, Nielsen is a key point of contact for a wide array of players in Europe, China, and the United States. Tomas Wässingbo draws on in-house experience at Sony to offer his services to those within the telecommunications technology arena. With over 15 years in the field, Wässingbo utilises his time to offer comprehensive patent portfolio management, strategic assistance and litigation support around the world. Molecular biologist Michael Schandorf Sørensen “is one of the best European patent attorneys. Creative and with particular know-how on obtaining the best results for clients, Sørensen draws on a broad perspective of both US and European patent law during strategy meetings. He is great with customers and a true pleasure to work with.” Also on deck is biotechnology and chemistry ace Casper Struve, a favoured choice among pharmaceuticals companies seeking litigation support. Struve draws on his extensive expertise and time as a research chemist at biotechnology company PreciSense A/S to handle technically complex cases. Chemical engineer Pernille Thorsboe offers her assistance in contentious and non-contentious matters relating to food technology, biochemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceuticals. Bolstering the group’s technical capabilities, IAM Patent 1000 newcomers Anders Fredriksson and Elmin Tutkur are highly praised: “Fredriksson is highly recommended for his filing and opposition work. He utilises a strong commercial understanding of software and mechanics, paired with seamless cooperation and in-depth knowledge. Tutkur transforms large amounts of data and complex details into straightforward suggestions, and relays his findings in a concise manner to various internal stakeholders. Able to stick to a tight deadline, he is also experienced in patentability assessments for computer-implemented and AI inventions. Additionally, he drafts superb, well-written applications. Tutkur goes above and beyond for his clientele, and it is a joy to work with him.”

Recommended - Firms: prosecution

Zacco continues to be an outfit of choice for a wide range of domestic and international players and its recent acquisition of local Norwegian set Tandberg has further strengthened its position as a top-quality offering at the intersection of commercial and technical understanding. Four of its practitioners – Hans Langan, Rita Lillegraven, Anna Sønstevold and Stein Aamot – are ranked in the guide this year, and they embody a client-oriented approach. Langan is considered by peers to be “one of Norway’s leading patent attorneys” and he draws on his mechanical engineering background to provide clear and technically sound guidance that always puts his patrons’ goals first. Leveraging a background in chemistry, Lillegraven effortlessly manages portfolios for names such as Dynea, a leading entity in industrial coating additives. She frequently teams up with Sønstevold. Recently, the duo assisted renewable energy company Neste Oyjin with several opposition matters. “As he manages patent portfolios and produces crucial strategies, Aamot demonstrates a keen comprehension of technical concepts.” He brings ideas to fruition with ease and supports his service users as they grow. 

Bronze - Firms

Bronze - Firms: prosecution and nullity

The Scandinavian giant Zacco has an office in Munich to support its patrons at the EPO. The practice is led by patent attorney Heiko Pittner, an expert in quantum optics. Pittner has 20 years’ experience in the IP profession and has assisted clients in industries as diverse as automotives, software, food processing and robotics. “Heiko is an excellent partner for universities and academic spin-outs who seek cooperative, intelligent and technically astute patent counsel. Heiko can write and communicate very effectively in both German and English, including complex patent technical reading and writing. He is reliable and responsible and delivers top-notch work in a time-sensitive manner. Heiko is consistently good and can definitely be recommended.”