Often recommended: Juliane Messner

Trailblazer GEISTWERT is hailed as “a ground-breaking firm that has changed the face of the market. There is no other comparable set-up, where five innovative partners are all stars in the IP field”. “The firm works on a partner level, which gives clients utmost confidence in its super-clear results. Its response times are ultra-quick and its entrepreneurship allows the team to fully see and understand each company’s commercial goals.”

Contentious firepower is provided in abundance by Alexander Schnider, […]. A “master strategist and logical thinker”, Schnider is “the ace up your sleeve when you need legal advice that is crucial to your business operations. The great thing about Alex is that there are no problems for him – only solutions. He sees right through the white noise and cuts to heart of any issue”.

The “top-tier” Schultes has “profound knowledge of case law and very good technical understanding, and is extremely well prepared for each case – he dives straight to the point and never strays away from the subject matter”.

Contentious firepower is provided in abundance by […] Constantin Kletzer. Kletzer is also highly recommended: “Quick, sharp and efficient, he is a top choice.”

Commercialisation specialist Juliane Messner “is an outstanding negotiator, an extraordinary practitioner and a great team player. Her business knowledge is incredible and she provides advice that hits core issues in a quick turnaround time”.

Another active member in the transactional setting is Max Mosing, “one of Austria’s best deal makers. He is tough and has extremely broad legal knowledge, but stays gracious and calm, even in the most difficult situations”.

Four GEISTWERT partners were individually ranked again in the Austrian „trend“ Ranking (2021), Max Mosing even twice, namely: Max Mosing for Media Law and Data Protection/Privacy Law, Rainer Schultes for (Unfair) Competition Law, Constantin Kletzer for Trademark-, Copyright- and Patent-Law and Julia Messner for her start-up advisory services.

Alexander Schnider awarded “Winner in the category of – Intellectual Property – Austria”

IP, IT and TMT boutique firm GEISTWERT fields five dedicated partners with a strong focus on patent and trade mark litigation, design law and copyright law. In terms of patent litigation, the team is particularly adept at representing clients in the biochemistry, biotech, chemistry and pharmaceutical industries. The group also has notable strength in trade mark portfolio management and makes use of its own legal tech applications to facilitate such projects. Founding partners Constantin Kletzer, Juliane Messner, Max Mosing, Alexander Schnider and Rainer Schultes are the key names. Testimonials: “GEISTWERT is the coolest IP/IT law firm in Austria. With 5 partners handling all matters by themselves, you get a unique think tank and one or more lawyers handling your agendas with great experience, not only from a legal but also from a business perspective. In contrast to firms using (senior) associates, salary partners and other staff who are not entrepreneurs themselves, this is priceless for me.”; “Very nice good and pragmatic people, not very old-fashioned Austrian. Very informal good advice for international clients.”; “Alexander Schnider continues to impress since the day we started working together. Alexander’s most important strength is that he does not only know all the legal details and case law about Austrian IP and IT matters, but more importantly also the video game business as such and therefore, most importantly, also the positions and desires of the stakeholders in the industry and thus also of our contract partners. This is tremendously helpful when negotiating contracts as you simply cannot achieve the best results when you don’t know about the business goals and needs of the companies that are involved in a video game deal.” Constantin Kletzer, Max Mosing and Rainer Schultes are explicitly mentioned as “Leading Individuals” in IP.

TMT, IP and data privacy boutique GEISTWERT has a strong track record in data protection that extends beyond the introduction of GDPR. Jointly led by Juliane Messner, Max Mosing, Alexander Schnider, Rainer Schultes and Constantin Kletzer, the practice is particularly experienced in advising finance, pharmaceutical and life sciences clients. To assist with GDPR implementation, the firm is able to call on its home-grown GDPR-tool. The fully bilingual and dual-qualified Messner is also in charge of the dedicated Italy desk, and Mosing is a CIS-certified Data Privacy Officer. Testimonials: “Communication is fast, competent and uncomplicated is probably the “secret of success” for GEISTWERT on the Austrian market. It is undoubtedly unique in Austria that so many partners in a law firm can serve the same area of law at such a high level – really a pleasure working with the GEISTWERT team”; “All partners are easy to reach, competent, uncomplicated and have at least basic knowledge of the projects of the other partners. That is definitely unique in Austria.” Juliane Messner is explicitly mentioned as “Leading Individual” in Data Privacy And Data Protection.

The team at IP and IT boutique GEISTWERT has a core focus on classic media, internet communication and high-tech matters with a strong presence in software and technology development, licensing and e-commerce. Constantin Kletzer, Juliane Messner, Max Mosing, Alexander Schnider and Rainer Schultes are equally involved in TMT work, with the dual-admitted Messner also in charge of the firm’s Italy Desk, which often assists publishing houses and tourism clients. Testimonials: “All partners are easy to reach, competent, uncomplicated and have at least basic knowledge of the projects of the other partners. That is definitely unique in Austria!’“; “My primary GEISTWERT contact is Max Mosing. However, it is impressive how the other partners from GEISTWERT can take over immediately if needed; the GEISTWERT internal communication seems to work just great.”’

Ranked in Gold Tier: What the team is known for: Increasingly visible firm, moving up to the top ranking due to its IP service comprising patent and trade mark-related advice, including portfolio management and infringement litigation. Additional experience in domain name as well as licence agreements and copyright disputes. Also assists with counterfeiting and customs measures. Attracts clients from various industries, including fintech, food and drink, life sciences and construction. Strengths: Source endorse the firm’s efficiency, stating: “All the partners are helpful, and in terms of responsiveness they deserve a gold medal. They also guarantee high quality.” One client enthuses: “It is a think-tank of great and curious minds which no other firm can offer at this level.”

Alexander Schnider is best known for his work on trade marks, frequently representing clients in infringement proceedings. He also assists with licensing matters. Clients commend his “pragmatic, concise, customer-tailored and clear advice,” adding: “He is extremely tech-savvy, provides ultra-fast turnaround times and is fun and smooth to work with.”

Max Mosing advises a diverse range of clients on trade mark issues. He also assists with e-commerce, licensing and copyright matters. One client states: “Due to his broad knowledge he has been able to coordinate our complex project.”