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”

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.”

Constantin Kletzer advises clients from a range of sectors, including gaming and media, on both contentious and non-contentious trade mark issues. He also assists with patent litigation and licence agreements. One interviewee states: “Constantin Kletzer is a brilliant attorney with excellent legal skills. He is focused on the client’s goals and needs, and delivers work results.”

Rainer Schultes is best known for his work on patent litigation, typically representing pharmaceutical companies. Schultes also assists with trade mark and licensing matters. One client endorses his clarity, stating: “I am impressed by how he can explain legal arguments so that we can understand them and learn to apply them on our own.”

What the team is known for: TMT boutique offering dependable expertise in IT and related IP matters. Noted for high-quality work in software contracts and game development. Additionally handles related IP aspects, especially copyright and trade mark matters. Further areas of activity include data protection, international e-commerce and IT outsourcing. Often seen advising technology startups as well as numerous clients in the media, entertainment and electronics industries. Represents state-owned and private companies on both domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters. Strengths: A client describes the team as “dedicated, hard-working but fun, and always up to date. They recognise trends and set standards.” Another satisfied client enthuses: “In any area that we need legal advice for, their expertise seems highly profound and state-of-the-art. If some matters are somewhat unrelated to their specialisation, their international network allows them to easily reach out to other law firms to enquire about their view on the matter.”

Alexander Schnider is an experienced adviser on internet law, IP and IT matters and is especially regarded for his expertise in the area of digital games. A client states: “His advice to our legal enquiries is always easy to understand but professionally precise,” adding that “his conversational style is very easy and amiable.”

Max Mosing boasts a strong practice assisting clients with data protection, e-commerce and large IT projects. One satisfied client praises his service, saying: “He is reliable, obliging, to the point, explains well, has a connected way of thinking, noticeably enjoys his work and is very solution-oriented.”

What the team is known for: Offers a well-regarded comprehensive IP service with a particular focus on patent and trade mark-related advice, including portfolio management and infringement litigation. Additional experience in domain name and co-existence matters as well as licence agreements and copyright disputes. Also assists with counterfeiting and customs measures. Attracts clients of various industries, including fintech, food and drink, life sciences and construction.

Constantin Kletzer is a well-respected and experienced specialist for patent disputes. He assists international clients from various sectors with enforcement proceedings, often representing global life sciences corporations before Austrian courts as part of multi-jurisdictional litigation. Kletzer is also active on trade mark matters, including filing and clearing up non-used trade marks. Interviewees applaud his litigation skills, with one person asserting that he is “very thoughtful, strategically thinking and very goal-oriented in his advice on proceedings.”

Max Mosing is an active adviser with particular strength in trade mark and copyright matters. He regularly represents clients in domestic and international disputes, including before the Austrian Supreme Court. Clients are fond of his experienced and practical working style, stating that “Max Mosing knows the market and our needs very well and he is always punctual and reliable. All our problems are solved in such a way that the reasoning is comprehensible to our employees.”

Rainer Schultes improves his ranking thanks to strong market feedback and a high level of activity in leading high-profile IP proceedings. He advises both claimants and defendants before domestic and EU courts, with regard to patent and trade mark as well as trade secret and unfair competition disputes. Clients especially appreciate that “he has a technical background, which is exactly what we need. He always seems to be personally concerned with winning a case and approaches the matters with a lot of dedication.”