Well-known Ukrainian IP boutique Doubinsky & Osharova represents an enviable number of oversees clients, as well as strong domestic brands, with the primary focus being on life science, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry, FMCG, food and beverages, agribusiness and innovations. With its long-term commitment in IP and strong international standing, the boutique is called upon to elaborate strategies of IP portfolio creation and legal protection; registration of IP objects in Ukraine and other countries; annuities and renewals; protection of well-known trademarks; IP due diligence, etc. In 2020, the team achieved a significant judicial victory in the interests of Jack Daniel’s, when the Supreme Court upheld a cassation appeal to invalidate the certificates of Ukraine on TM “BLACK JACK” and “БЛЕК ДЖЕК”, and also defended its interests against unfair competition. Another notable highlight was successful representation of Lukoil in Ukraine in a trademark dispute against Luxoil, a Russian manufacturer of motor oils. The team also acquired judicial upholding of the fact that the designation KASHTAN had become commonly used, which enhanced the trademarks protection capabilities of THREE BEARS LLC. The firm developed a strategy for protecting the rights and prohibiting the illegal use of trademarks of the BMW Group, and protected its IP rights on the Internet. With its historically extensive patent disputes portfolio, the team most recently protected the IP rights of AbbVie Inc. to inventions in accordance with the patents of Ukraine. An impressive list of clients to be disclosed includes ­McDonald’s, Nemiroff Vodka Co, R&A Bailey & Co, Diageo Brands, Exxon Mobil, Tiffany & Co, Toyota Motor Corporation, Daimler AG, Frank Sinatra Enterprises. The boutique has unrivalled capacity, with five dedicated partners on board. Michael Doubinsky is extremely respected for his authority and vast experience in the market. Irina Osharova manages the team handling opposition work. Tatyana Shpakovich heads the patent and trademark department. Victoria Sopilnyak is recognized for her proficient IP litigation practice and long-term commitment towards representing pharmaceutical clients. Anton Koval is known for his successful cases in recognizing trademarks as well-known, and established focus on alcoholic drinks and food producers. Olga ­Sopilnyak (copyright and customs matters) and Anastasia Kazankina (disputes and IT) are among other notable members of the big team.

Pakharenko & Partners, a reputable IP boutique, is known for representing an impressive list of global brand names on obtaining IP rights to patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, plant varieties and other objects, and acting as a leading force in protecting IP rights at the border, and in courts. The boutique ensures maintenance of the IP rights portfolios of regular clients. For example, Pernod Ricard, Cargill Inc., Bayer, Perrigo, MASCHINENFABRIK REINHAUSEN GMBH and more than 50 other companies. In 2020 the firm assisted AGCO Corporation in obtaining titles of protection for 30 inventions and, in the interests of the world’s most expensive French wine brand, Chateau Petrus, overcame the refusal to protect the trademark by international registration in Ukraine. Another strong side is the firm’s anti-counterfeiting practice. Within the research period, the team successfully defended the rights of Wenger SA, Puma SE, NIKE Innovate C.V., European football body UEFA and other international brands. Managing partner Antonina Pakharenko-­Anderson is a recognized authority with great connections and understanding of the market. Alexander Pakharenko is a leading name in the field of anti-counterfeiting and judicial protection of rights, both domestically and at the border on customs procedures. Notable practitioner ­Evgeniy Kompanets retains his focus on anti-counterfeiting measures. Vyacheslav Siklitenko received the strong support of peers for performing IP litigation.

Coupled with its international presence, the broad IP practice of Baker McKenzie traditionally provides an extensive offering that encompasses protection, management and enforcement of IP rights. In 2020 the team successfully represented Berlin-Chemie in commercial litigation in a trademark cancellation action with respect to a competing generic pharmaceutical company in Ukraine in relation to Nimesil, one of the major Berlin-Chemie brands, against the competing product Nimesin. As IP counsel to British American Tobacco (BAT) and managing its trademarks portfolio, the team successfully represents it in a number of online enforcement actions against infringers of trademarks, including two UDRP actions, which resulted in the transfer of two infringing domain names to BAT Group. The team assisted clients in handling patent filing in Ukraine, particularly in areas like computer technology, nanotechnology; worked in ensuring and attaining brand identity through the work of relevant trademarks in Ukraine; controlled the unauthorized import of goods. The Kyiv office is also referred for strong credentials in developing and implementing anti-counterfeiting campaigns. Many international brand names called on for assistance with structuring franchising and a distribution relationship with partners for entering the Ukrainian market, and complex IP rights assignment projects. The team assisted Inter IKEA Systems B.V. to structure the franchising and distribution relationship with partners for entering the Ukrainian market. IP partner Ruslan Drobyazko is noted for his experience in prosecution matters and transactional IP. Oleksiy ­Stolyarenko, counsel, specializing in complex IP/IT matters, is endorsed for his leading standing in the relevant sector. The key team members are Myroslava ­Koval-Lavok, involved in prosecution work and managing IP portfolios, and Anton Kapitonenko, primarily involved in IP disputes.

Highly knowledgeable in contentious IP matters, and coupled with wide advisory and transactional IP practice, Sayenko ­Kharenko commands expertise in all significant aspects of IP at local and ­international levels. The firm reconfirmed itself as a proficient market force in enforcement actions, invalidity and infringement disputes. In 2020 the team successfully protected the rights of Oschadbank at the Supreme Court in a six-year long resonant case against Russia’s Sberbank; defended the interests at the Supreme Court of the world-famous German pharmaceutical manufacturer Bayer AG on the protection of rights to an invention, with respect to imported products, including the invention for the active substance Rivaroxaban. The firm customarily handles unfair competition matters, and most recently defended the interests of NEMIROFF from the unlawful use of goods packaging, other designations by Zbarazkyi Horilchanyi Zavod LLC without permission. With regard to transactional IP focus, the team advised Creatio on IP issues related to investment raised from US and European growth equity funds. Throughout the research period the firm was retained by clients to handle trademark oppositions, complex IP enforcement actions, legal support on combating counterfeiting, representation in criminal proceedings regarding illegal use of signs for goods and services. Yaroslav Ognevyuk is known as a knowledgeable litigator, delivering impressive results in enforcement and IP disputes. Oleg Klymchuk rejoined the firm as a counsel and head of technology, media and communication group in November 2020. Renowned attorney-at-law Tetiana ­Yushchenko also rejoined the team. Pavlo Kovalchuk was present across many significant IP projects.

The Kyiv office of Gorodissky & ­Partners, a part of the Gorodissky network throughout Ukraine and Russia, is an IP boutique utilizing protection, disposal and enforcement of IP rights. The firm has a strong track record in trademark prosecution and opposition proceedings, patent prosecution and disputes, copyright protection, assignment of IP rights within transactions. The principal industries include IT, electronics, mechanics, physics, chemistry, biotech, pharma, medicine, nanotech and others. The standout case in 2020 was representing Mr. Nobuyuki Matsuhisa in a civil action against the owner of the ­dishonest Ukrainian registration for TM NOBU НОБУ, which was used as a title of a restaurant. The team’s recent portfolio included the cessation of unauthorized use of IP rights of a world-renowned agricultural machinery manufacturer, achieving suspension at the customs border of a shipment of goods marked with the customer’s trademarks. The firm is hired by global tech companies to protect their IP rights and handle opposition work in Ukraine. Acting on behalf of the patent holder, Allergan Sales LLC, the firm successfully challenged the refusal of the Ukrainian Patent Office to prolong the term of validity of a patent for a pharmaceutical product. Clients include Hermes International, Facebook Inc., LG Electronics Inc., Uber Technologies Inc., Glaxo­SmithKline. Oleg Zhukhevych, head of legal, is endorsed for his deep expertise in trademarks and design. Maksym Bocharov heads the patent practice. Members of the key team include Olena Biloshuk (litigation) and Maksym Kravchenko (trademarks advisory).

AEQUO handles trademarks and patent prosecution, copyrights, and transactional IP support, and is widely-recognized for its track record in IP litigation featured with precedent-setting cases. The firm is enlisted to handle IP portfolio management, and its industry specific experience includes pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, IT, telecommunications and media, fintech. Among the key highlights from this past year was advising CO 100% life on patent issues related to anti-tuberculosis drugs, including patent searches and developing a patent strategy aimed at increasing the accessibility of drugs; represented Forbes in 10 trademark early termination actions based on non-use. In addition, the team successfully defended the intellectual property rights of Ukrainian pharmaceutical company Darnitsa to the Citramon TM, and continued to support it in challenging the opponent’s attempts to obtain fame status for generic mark designation of key medicinal products developed in the USSR. Most recently the firm advised the Ukraina TV channel on Ukrainian and English law matters, arbitration, and IP in the course of settlement of a dispute on possible unlawful use of The Masked Singer format elements in the Maskarad programme (in early 2021 Ukraina TV channel, Fremantle, and 1+1 media reached an amicable settlement on the adaptation of television formats The Masked Singer (Maska) and Mysteries in the Spotlight (Maskarad) in Ukraine). In 2020, the IP practice faced team departures and new hires. IP partner Оleksandr Mamunya and a group of practitioners left the firm. Nataliya Dryuk, counsel, took on the role of practice co-head. Tetiana Kudrytska, who previously worked in the public sector, joined the team as counsel and IP co-head. Alina ­Podolyak (previously of Eterna Law) joined the team as a senior associate.

The IP practice of Asters combines notable advisory and litigation experience. The team handles trademark prosecution, opposition and enforcement, defense against infringement of patent rights and copyrights; provides advice in licensing and assignment, transfer of technology, unfair competition. During the research period the firm kept providing Biosphere Corporation, a large Ukrainian manufacturer of cosmetic and hygienic products, with assistance in registration of patents, trademarks in Ukraine and abroad; registration of designs in Ukraine; IP strategy development and maintenance of IP rights; supports IP transactions. The dedicated team is called on to handle patent disputes, obtaining security documents, trademark enforcement, working with “intellectual issues” at customs. The team is historically preferred by TV and media companies seeking protection in copyright infringement matters. Public clients include Coverack, Ferrero S.p.A., INTERCERAMA, Mahle International GmbH, Millennium & Copthorne, Soremartec S.A., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Partner Julia Semeniy, a strong specialist with a good reputation and active public position in the field of IP regulation, heads the IP practice.

Over the past two years, the ІР team at AVELLUM has expanded its profile, and added to IP matters in M&A transactions and complex software licensing arrangements, trademark prosecution and opposition as well as IP litigation. Thus, the firm acts on patent disputes on invalidation of utility models and invalidation of trademarks. The project portfolio has a wide industry breakdown, and spans FMCG, IT, chemistry and biotechnology, fashion, retail sectors, and private equity investment sectors. Notable projects included advising American biotech company Tizona Therapeutics Inc. on registration and prosecution of an invention (cancer treatment); advising the German hypermarket chain Kaufland Dienstleistung GmbH & Co. KG, as well as the low-cost Hungarian airline WIZZ Air in connection with the prosecution of their trademarks in Ukraine. Counsel Anton ­Polikarpov is the head of the IP practice, recognized for his strength in trademark prosecution, as well as his solid background as an in-house counsel. The key team members are Anna Kolodenska and Kateryna Kushchenko.

DLA Piper Ukraine^[1] is traditionally strong in IP transactional matters, including developing IP clean-up strategies and proper IP rights transfer. The dedicated practice group is called upon by global clients for IP structuring and IP audit as well as managing IP portfolios. During the reporting period, the team worked on IP due diligence, preparation of IP clean-up documents, trademark assignment agreements, master franchise and license agreements, and advising on filing strategies. The office enjoys an exceptional following of global IT and technology leaders, retail and FMCG brands, media companies. In November 2020, partner Natalia Pakhomovska left the firm. The IP practice is supervised by legal director Natalia Kirichenko, focused on IP advisory and transactions, with contribution from Ivan Shatov.

Gramatskiy & Partners continues to maintain its IP workload with a significant part of requests coming from the IT industry, ­HoReCa, FMCG. In 2020, the team’s work was focused on obtaining security documents for a number of trademarks, resolving trademark disputes, defending the rights of clients in lawsuits for invalidation of industrial patents, utility models. The firm also supports complex ­projects on organizing a software development center, securing IP rights within investment in start-ups. A number of appeals from Ukrainian manufacturers to IP lawyers were related to the protection of their copyrights to industrial design. Franchising and licensing of projects are other areas of demand. One of a handful of outstanding cases was representation in the European Court of Human Rights against Ukraine, initiated by the London-based company MB & SERVICES Ltd, which failed to protect its rights in national courts of Ukraine regarding ownership of a utility model. Among clients are such companies as KSTT Services, Global Universal Trading Ltd, AgroAlliance Group, PTS UA Services, Skywindgroup, Skywind Tech UA, Playtech Software Limited, Clickmein, Fun Food Family, Labs Technology Services. The practice leader is Borys Karas. The most sophisticated projects are overseen by ­Ernest Gramatskiy.

Being well-known for its strong IP litigation capacities, ­Ilyashev & Partners continues to expand its commercial IP expertise encompassing trademark and patent prosecution, enforcement, sponsorship and advertising. The IP team has clients from various industries: aviation, wholesale and retail, light and heavy industry, pharmaceuticals, show business and TV production. The team defended the rights of Kvas Beverages LLC for a patent for the invention “Method for the production of kvass wort concentrate”; defended the interests of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in matters on termination of violations related to the use of the Emblem of the Red Cross in the activities of Medical Center Asklepiy Plus LLC. The firm also advised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the legal mechanisms for obtaining ownership of the domain name “ukraine.ua”; advised TikTok, the popular social network for video sharing, on the requirements in Ukrainian legislation for advertising on a foreign Internet resource. The firm is currently representing the interests of beer company Persha Pryvatna Brovarnya in a conflict with the Football Federation of Ukraine regarding violation of a sponsorship agreement. The client list includes ­Ascania Group, State Enterpise Antonov, Mars Media Entertainment, PromoVeritas, Bosca S.p.A. Oleksandr Padalka has a strong legacy for his multi-year experience in IP and unfair competition. Dmytro Nikulesko is singled out for handling significant disputes. The team includes Irina Kirichenko and Olena Sereda.

In-depth expertise in pharmaceuticals and life sciences determines the core focus of the IP team in the Legal Alliance ­Company. The scope of practice encompasses inventions, utility models, unfair competition, trademark and patent disputes. Among the recent highlights was the win in the case regarding protection of ІР rights for the trademark of a medicine in Uzbekistan. The team also acts on a number of disputes concerning terminating of the use of trademarks and patent dispute concerning the unlicensed use of the invention. Clients include Alvogen, Berlin Chemie, Bi-It, BELUPO Lijekovi i kozmetika, Boehringer Ingelheim, Contrad Swiss SA, Delta Medical, Glenmark, Jadran Galenski laboratorij, Lekhim, Meda, Movi Health, Novartis, Reckitt Benckiser, Takeda, Teva, YURIA-PHARM and others. Vitalii Savchuk, counsel, leads representation in courts. The practice is supervised by Illya ­Kostin, partner.

Mamunya IP is a full-circle boutique firm established in September 2020 as a result of a split in a core IP team from AEQUO. The focus of the new ambitious market player is on patent, trademark and design prosecution and enforcement, copyright, transactions and anti-counterfeiting, IP litigation. The team strengthens its high expertise in the fields of life sciences, adding new instructions, such as initiating a landmark court action against the Ukrainian Patent ­Office in a matter regarding refusal to issue a supplementary protection certificate for a medicinal product to a client. Being especially recognized for its strength in patent litigation, the team currently represents Synthon ­International Holding B.V. in a litigation case aimed at invalidation of the opponent’s patent of a method for treatment of disseminated sclerosis. Another strong side of the team is managing anti-counterfeiting campaigns. The team has a significant prosecution workload and, in particular, deals with filing and registration of several trademarks in the name of Donelli Vini, including a “CHIARELLI FRAGOLI” mark which was opposed by TOSO S.p.A. Among the highlights of copyright cases is representing the Finik.Pro, a major Ukrainian software developer, in a copyright litigation infringement action against one of the largest banks in Ukraine and Russia. The team was reconfirmed as an IP counsel to Samsung Electronics and currently represents it in several court cases initiated by the Ukrainian Music Alliance regarding payment of copyright levies for the import of equipment into Ukraine. The boutique demonstrates a high level of client retention and new customers, among others, Jelly Belly Candy Company, Jeunesse ­Global Holdings, Mistral Capital Management, CO 100% life, Berlin-Chemie. The firm is managed by Оleksandr ­Mamunya, an IP professional who is well-known in Ukraine and abroad, recognized as a well-rounded and scrupulous litigator. One of the key figures is Ganna Prokhorova, counsel, renowned specialist in art law. At the beginning of 2021, Anastasia ­Mindrul (previously of Pakharenko & Partners) joined the firm as a patent and trademarks attorney.

The IP practice of Marchenko Partners is focused on developing and enforcing complex IP rights protection strategies, rendering advice on trademarks, regulatory data protection and exclusivity, trade secrets, unfair competition. In 2020, the firm completed representation of NEXT PLC in a litigation and settlement enforcement connected with protection of the client’s trademark and copyright against a local online and brick-and-mortar retailer; represented NEXT Retail and NEXT PLC in opposing dishonest registrations of trademark similar to those belonging to the client. The IP team is experienced in coping with multidisciplinary cases, especially those at the intersection of IP and antitrust. The firm is currently acting in several cases which may, in future, become difficult lawsuits, as well as proceedings in the AMCU, advised on the .UA Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UA DRP), licensing and sponsorship arrangements. The firm’s major clients include Carlsberg, EDANA, EVER Neuro Pharma, Koss, Master & Dynamic. Oleksandr Aleksyeyenko^[2] heads the IP and antitrust and competition practices. Sviatoslav Henyk is a key executive.

Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat and Partners is a long-standing specialized IP company with representative offices in seven countries of ­Eurasia. The team offers a full range of issues related to patent, trademarks and legal services in the key areas of IP, as well as in domain registration, state registration of plant varieties, agrochemicals and pesticides and provision of regulatory services. The firm retains a significant volume of prosecution work. For the last year the team filed about 200 applications for patents for inventions and more than 450 applications for trademark registration to the Ukrainian Patent Office. In 2020 the firm defended a worldwide renowned automotive manufacturer in the Supreme Court in a trademark dispute related to its new brand. Among other cases were unfair competition matters, protection during unauthorized use of a customer’s trademarks on homogeneous goods; re-issuance of protection documents in Ukraine and abroad. The experienced team of IP lawyers consists of Valentin ­Mikhailyuk, Vadim Mikhailyuk, Anna Mikhailyuk, ­Sergey Sorokolat. Vadim Mikhailyuk is noted by peers for his filing and prosecution experience.

Over the three years of its activity, the IP practice of Redcliffe Partners reaffirmed its market position and gained a significant following of international clients, start-ups and individuals out of pharmaceuticals and healthcare, chemicals, FMCG, TMT, visual art, crafts and design. In 2020, the IP team successfully defended the interests of Lightconverse Ltd in a court dispute regarding cancellation of the Lightconverse TM and LC TM due to non-use; advised Pharmathen on patent renewal and other related issues following the patent registration and infringement of a client’s IP rights. The firm advises a Ukraine-based tech start-up, Hurma System, with respect to an intellectual property assignment agreement. In addition, the team acts on Ukrainian patent cancellation on the ground of non-compliance with patentability requirements; renders representation in copyright lawsuits. The team is also involved in the registration of such complex IP objects as geographical indicators. Maria Koval, counsel and practice head, notably facilitated its development. Anastasia Yushyna is noticeable across many projects.

Domestic boutique Synergy IP Law Agency has a solid IP prosecution and rights strategy offering, and is often enrolled for the development and legal support of business transactions involving IP assets, out-of-court settlement and negotiations in IP infringement issues, as well as extensive expertise in multijurisdictional filings. The team is preferred for its capabilities in the successful handling of complex trademark cases. In particular, during the reporting period, the agency filed for registration in Ukraine 330 trademarks for ROZETKA.UA and handled trademarks filing in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan; acted on recognition of the trademarks “Rozetka” and “Winner” as well-known. The agency also specializes in taxation, structuring of assets and development of tax models using IP objects, legal support of IT projects and Internet projects. The client portfolio includes the following names: VIVO ACTIV LLC, NVP AJAX, Fozzy Group, Prom.ua, Minoxidil Group, Panmed LLC, MHP, Triplex Firm LLC, Karpaty Hotel and Resort Center. Two partners, Viktoriia Ostapchuk and Anna Kravchuk, enjoy strong reputation and praise for trademark protection work.

The main work of Absolute Law Agency is related to protection of IP rights in courts. The most notable case in 2020 was defending the interests of a client in a dispute over the ownership of a trademark and a domain name. The main contacts are Oleksandr Hladii and ­Iryna Zemliana.

Possessing vast experience in assisting technology companies and start-ups, Alcor, among other services, also solves IP queries. In 2020, the firm developed strategies for the transfer of IP rights, protection of IP rights for developing a new product, structuring business activities, considering risks associated with the granting of IP rights. Dmytro Ovcharenko is the main contact.

Ante Law Firm obtains a steady workflow from representatives of the pharmaceutical industry. In 2020, the team acted as a counsel in all IP issues of Zdravo related to the import and sale of medicines, dietary supplements in Ukraine; provided services to Sanofi-Aventis Ukraine related to protection against unfair competition and illegal use of trademarks related to its medicines. In addition, the firm supported Lutsk Foods, which was fighting against a competitor that was using a similar product name and packaging of sauces. The landmark representation was complex advice to the Theatre 360 degrees ­project — creation of a video version of a premier theatrical play “The Stone Host” of the Theatre on Podil, included clearance of copyright and related rights for foreign music, used in the project; developing contract framework for many of the parties involved. ­Kateryna Ishchenko, counsel, heads the practice.

СMS is represented through two offices in Ukraine.

The IP practice of CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, as headed by Olga Belyakova, encompasses domestic and cross-border assignments on various IP matters, specifically on registration, transfer and structuring of IP assets. In 2020, the project portfolio addressed complex issues related to IT and media sector queries. In particular, the team provided clients with a comprehensive analysis of the current structure of relationships, including on IP issues; advised on data transfer, copyright issues, advertising.

The Ukrainian IP team of CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz, as led by Mariya Orlyk, handled the IP aspects of corporate deals, advises on IP rights transfer, licensing, protection against infringing import. This past year saw the team advise Quadient, Inc., a world-known manufacturer of mailing equipment and provider of mailing-related services, on acquisition of an IT start-up in Ukraine, including analysis of IP rights transfer clauses in services agreements with Ukrainian software developers, and IP rights assignment clauses.

The IP practice at Dentons in Ukraine predominantly advises prominent foreign companies on their regional IP affairs. The team is experienced in drafting and negotiating license and co-existence agreements, due diligence and IP elements of transaction documents, trademarks registrations and IP-related disputes. The major clients include world-renowned pharmaceutical companies, multinational media corporations, electronics giants, and global IT companies. In  2020 the team acted as a local counsel to a client, one of Russia’s major construction material companies, and provided legal advice on trademark issues in Ukraine. Oleg Batyuk, Kyiv-based managing partner, is the main contact. Oksana Horban, counsel, received appraisal from IP peers, confirming versatile commitment to prosecution and litigation.

The daily work of Eterna Law includes trademark prosecution in foreign countries, support of international registration, protection at the customs border of Ukraine, copyright protection, advising on franchising schemes. The firm is focused on advising a range of national and international clients in the luxury, telecom, retail, FMCG and pharmaceutical sectors. Oleh Malskyy took the role of lead partner.

INTEGRITES advises local and international companies operating in pharmaceuticals, energy and alcohol sectors, with a recently growing following from IT companies and software developers. The  firm keeps advising clients on the protection of IP rights on the Internet, transfer of IP rights, combating counterfeit production and registration of trademarks with the customs register. The IP practice works closely with the litigation and antitrust and competition practices, and advises clients on the use of commercial names and unfair competition, trademark and patent disputes. The firm represented VALAGRO, a leading company in the production and marketing of biostimulants and other specialty nutrients, in an unfair competition case on unlawful business reputations and the protection of IP rights infringed by ­unauthorized use of its signs, advertising materials, packaging of goods by competitors. In addition, the IP team acted in litigation related to the use of trademark in the domain name. ­Dariya Ganzienko heads the IP practice. The dispute work is guided by Oleksandr Onishchenko, the firm’s litigation partner.

The IP practice of Juscutum Law Firm has traditionally been developed in close connection with its IT practice. The offering spans registration services in Ukraine and other countries, related contracts, entering of IP objects in the customs register of Ukraine, communication with state authorities on IP protection of clients. The firm handled the protection of IP rights attributed to cryptocurrencies for Binance, the cryptocurrency exchange. Major clients in 2020 were Eco Snack, Nutricia Ukraine, Se7ensky, Playboy Ukraine, Nomis Jewelry, Bonfanti Ukraine, Canvas Outdoor, Parfum Bar Ukraine, Oleksiy Durnev, Anton Ptushkin, Aroma Kava, GIOC. Vladyslav Bilotskyi joined as business partner of the IP and data protection practice in November 2020.

KM Partners is known for its strong expertise in tax matters, including those related to IP, among other things, structuring of complex cross-border transactions related to the transfer of intellectual property rights. The examples of recent workflow include advising on the supply of software products and amending a licensing agreement to address property rights to software. The main contacts are Alexander Shemiatkin and Elena Bukuyeva.

LCF Law Group obtained a standalone IP practice after the amalgamation with Evris Law Firm. The offering spans advisory and disputes. In 2020, the work of the IP team was focused on advising on the IP aspects of advertising and marketing campaign, rebranding; formation and implementation of a global patent strategy for customer protection and protection of IP rights abroad; transfer and license agreements; management of a client’s IP portfolio. The practice is headed by Alexander Molotai, a well-known IP practitioner.

Domestic firm MK Legal Service declares IP practice as one of its key ones. The team supports a wide range of issues, inter alia, registration of IP rights, protection of client rights from abuse by third parties, registration and conclusion of IP agreements. In 2020, the team’s work was focused on ensured brand protection, development and support of the implementation of business models for franchising various restaurant chains. The firm’s client list takes in Gastrofamily (Dmitry Borisov’s family of restaurants), GigaGroup, Synchron, Trustee Wallet, IPharm. Maksym Kurochko, managing partner, leads the practice. Yuriy Kocherzhuk makes a significant contribution to IP projects.

The focus of Peterka & Partners is advice on various IP aspects of creation, protection and exploitation. The team has worked on several projects for comprehensive legal support for manufacturers to protect the geographical indication of the origin of goods. The team provided B’s International Co, a Japanese apparel company, with complex consultancy on protecting its trademark in Ukraine. The team leader is Taras Utiralov.

Cherkasy-based Rezultat Law Firm is focused on the use, transfer and protection of clients IP rights (such as copyrights, patents, software, algorithms, confidential information) both in Ukraine and overseas. In 2020, the team supported the registration of a trademark for an IT company in the EU, USA, Georgia, UK, taking into account the claims of the owners of similar trademark. Clients include Dressler Consulting and Snack Family. Maxim Polishkevych leads the practice.

In 2020, the Kyiv branch of Belarusian law firm SBH Law ­Offices opened a new IT and IP practice due to a significant increase in the number of clients from the IT sector. The firm conducted IP due diligence for an impressive number of start-ups with indication of risks and ways for their elimination before the seed round of investments; advised on IP regulation in Ukraine, including registration and transfer of IP rights. The firm advised Mogotel Hotel Group, one of the leading hotel operators in the Baltics, on trademark issues, including development of a contract for the use and registration of TM Rixwell. The practice is led by Minsk-based partner Alexander Bondar, who has extensive experience in advising IT companies in Belarus.

The combination of IT and IP matters “under one roof” is an established practice for Wolf Theiss. The recent notable projects include advising Snap, a major international software development company for the Snapchat application, on contracts with respect to IP rights and related cross-border issues; preparation and filing of an application for registration of the word “HAIRDREAMS” TM for an Austrian-based company. The team handles the IP aspects of M&A transactions, and most recently conducted due diligence of IP issues, related to agreements on the assignment of IP rights, in connection with a potential acquisition of an IP company. Taras Dumych is the main contact.

Market participants also noted several players, who are not represented in our ranking landscape, but are noticeable in the IP field^[3]. These are patent bureau Benatov & Partners and its founder Daniel Benatov (specialist in patent law with industry expertise in chemical engineering); Mariya Ortynska, managing partner of IPStyle ­Patent Law Company, specializing in consulting on strategic issues of IP protection in Ukraine and abroad and judicial protection; Ilarion ­Tomarov (expert in damages and IP protection on the Internet, IP blogger and excellent speaker) from Vasil Kisil & Partners; Arzinger and its partners Kateryna Oliinyk (arbitrator for domain disputes under UDRP and URS procedures) and Taras Kyslyy with recognized expertise in IP litigation; IP boutique Borovyk & Partners.

^[1] Effective 14 June 2021, the Kyiv office of DLA Piper was acquired by Kinstellar.

^[2] In September 2021 he joined Nobles as a partner.

^[3] These firms have not submitted information for the present research.