JUVE Comment

Austrian law firm Dorda has a solid setup for patent litigation. As with most practices, patent litigation before Austrian courts has quietened since the UPC’s introduction. However, the team has expanded its advisory work to new clients, including Erste Digital.

The team led by Axel Anderl was among the first to focus on technology issues and integrated IP/IT advice. “By far the best the Austrian legal market has to offer,” notes one client. The practice maintains its pioneering position in artificial intelligence, technology IP and data security, owing largely to its high degree of specialisation.

A recent example of its comprehensive work at the intersection of strategic trademarks advice and IT projects was its work for Bitpanda. Beyond developing protection strategies for the crypto trading platform’s global brand portfolio, the team negotiated with an Austrian bank regarding the use of a white label solution. Banks, insurers and publishing houses regularly instruct the team on AI project implementation, cyber attack prevention and response, and compliance with regulatory requirements such as NIS2 and DORA.

Österreichische Post is one of the firm’s newest clients in IT and data protection. While long established as a pioneer in this field, the firm is also rapidly gaining ground on market leader Schönherr in traditional IP law. It has significantly expanded its work for Rewe and Uniqa, whilst the Albertina Museum now also relies on Anderl for legal assistance in soft IP. Additionally, IT and data protection specialist Nino Tlapak and Andreas Seling, who was appointed salary partner in 2024, have established strong market reputations. Alexandra Ciarnau is gaining recognition from competitors for her focus on AI.

Strengths

Advice and litigation for companies with a strong IT background; high level of specialisation on the interface between IP and IT. Early specialisation in AI. Advice to artists on copyright law.

Recommended individuals

Axel Anderl (“extremely well connected, excellent contacts to public bodies, market participants and associations, communicates openly and provides practicable recommendations”, client; “very broad knowledge in IP/IT and data protection”, competitor), Andreas Seling (“solid support, advisory and negotiation skills”, client; “extremely clever”, competitor)

Team

3 lawyers

Clients

Litigation: Echosens against Wuxi Hisky Medical in infringement proceedings over medical products; Molecular Devices on employee inventions; Miba on transfer of patents to main company; ongoing advice to Erste Digital, Apeiron Biologics.