MIP IP Stars 2020
Alexander Schnider was named an IP Star 2020 for Trademarks and Copyrights
Legal 500 EMEA, IP 2020
GEISTWERT is unique for being the only Austrian IP boutique with a dedicated Italian desk. The firm covers the full range of IP matters and has developed its own applications to offer added value, including a plugin for MS word to detect and link to relevant trade mark registries and a web-based data protection, research and management tool. The team is co-led by the firm’s five partners, each offering specialisation in different areas of IP law: the „hands-on“ Constantin Kletzer; „legal rockstars“ Max Mosing and Juliane Messner; „expert in the legal area of digital games“ Alexander Schnider; and Rainer Schultes, who „brings a technical background to the table and is a great listener“. – Testimonials on the firm: „Geistwert is likely the hottest IP Firm in Austria. The team covers all fields of Intellectual Property Law. They work hands on, they are quick and are all super nice.“ „One of the most impressive feats that still surprises us every time is Geistwert’s immediate availability: I do not recall a single time when it took them longer than one or two hours to reply to a spontaneous enquiry via email.“ „Geistwert is a great firm. It is very down to earth in a legal market that can be very conservative.“ „The law firm Geistwert is an IP and IT-niche boutique, which is highly dedicated to IP and IT law. A far as I can assess they have been shaking up the Austrian market in that area since their formation only some years ago.“
Legal 500 EMEA, IP 2020 – Testimonials on Individuals
“Alexander Schnider is an expert in the legal area of digital games.”
Legal 500 EMEA, TMT 2020
The TMT team at GEISTWERT is very well known on the Austrian IT and IP legal market‘. The team has a strong focus on IP, IT and data protection. Juliane Messner and Max Mosing ‚have a clear understanding of the interfaces between law, business, especially project work, and technology‘. The ‚very hands-on and practical‘ Constantin Kletzer and the ‚go-to‘ Alexander Schnider are also noted alongside the experienced Rainer Schultes. Testimonials on the firm: “Geistwert has an outstanding reputation within my environment, namely the Austrian tech start-up scene. Geistwert is here often named as the firm to go to.” “The team’s unique strengths and key capabilities are: very efficient, very pragmatic, very solution-driven and they love technology which is key to understanding our business.” “Geistwert is a great firm – it is a very down to earth and very un-Austrian a legal market that can be very conservative. In that sense Geistwert is the exception as it has a super international outlook.” “Fast, hands-on advice in complex situations.”
Legal 500 EMEA, TMT 2020 – Testimonials on Individuals (also see Legal 500 EMEA, IP 2020 Ranking)
“Alexander Schnider is the go-to lawyer in Austria for interactive entertainment, he knows the business as such and our business goals like no other.”
Chambers Europe – TMT: Information Technology
Alexander Schnider is best known for acting on complex gaming, betting and gambling mandates as well as consumer protection matters. One client enthuses: „His working style is fast, accurate, solution-oriented and efficient.“
Chambers Europe – TMT: Information Technology
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 start-ups 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: The firm receives praise by a client who enthuses: „Cross-border work is handled brilliantly by GEISTWERT, not least because of the very strong international network of the law firm.“ Another satisfied client further appreciates the team’s ability to „explain complicated facts in a simple and practical way.“ Work highlights: Advised Mi’pu’mi Games on the negotiations regarding the contracts for the development of a new game franchise.
Chambers Global & Europe 2020 – Intellectual Property
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. Strengths: The team is praised for its exemplary client service, as one interviewee points out: „The lawyers are punctual and plain-talking, they are always available and also very transparent in terms of costs.“ Another client highlights the firm’s structure, saying: „We appreciate that we are always cared for by partners.“ Work highlights: Represented SIG Sauer in a patent dispute against Glock before the patent office and in court proceedings.
Chambers Global 2020 – Intellectual Property
Alexander Schnider is well known for his expertise in matters concerning trade marks, unfair competition and software development. In addition to trade mark clearance and other non-contentious issues, he represents clients in court proceedings and settlement negotiations. Schnider’s clients hail from a variety of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food and drink, as well as IT and gaming. A client proclaims that „his qualities are definitely his analytical skills, his technical background, his enthusiasm for new technologies and his ability to put himself quickly in the position of a negotiating partner.“
WTR 1000 (2020)
Kicking off the five-strong line up is Alexander Schnider, “an absolute expert in IP matters. He is one of the most tech-savvy attorneys around, who provides crystal-clear and to-the-point advice on what to do, why to do it and how to do it to get the best results. A tough negotiator, tech enthusiast and business-minded attorney, Schnider is ahead of the game, and certainly ahead of his competitors”.
WTR 1000 (2020)
Since its opening in 2014, IP, IT and technology specialists at GEISTWERT Rechtsanwälte have gone from strength to strength. The hands-on nature of its partners gives the firm a cutting edge and clients benefit from its direct approach, short lines of communication and strong expertise. “Rockstars of the IP scene, this outfit comprises the next generation of lawyers who are young, dynamic and focused and have rightfully reached their place at the very top of Austria’s IP and IT lawyers.”
2020 Global Law Experts Annual Awards
IT Law Firm of the Year in Austria 2020
Managing Intellectual Property
Managing Intellectual Property – Firm of the Year 2019 – Austria Contentious
Editor’s Choice winner of the 2020 Corporate Intl Magazine Global Award
GEISTWERT awarded „IT Law – Law Firm of the Year in Austria – 2020“
Lawyer Monthly – Legal Awards 2019
Alexander Schnider awarded „Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year Austria“