Next Generation Partners

IP, IT and telecoms in Estonia

Ellex

Ellex is a one-stop shop for all IT, IP and telecoms matters, and is particularly well established in the IP sphere due to its experience appearing before the Estonian Patent Office and its trademark work. The group is also active in a range of IP disputes including patent disputes and copyright infringement disputes. Managing partner Ants Nõmper, who regularly handles cross-border IP matters, is well supported by Mari Must, who ‘provides high-quality legal advice, which is accompanied by a good understanding of industry and business needs’. On the IT and telecoms side, the group has been involved in major system upgrading projects and IT projects for technology companies in 2024. Merlin Liis-Toomela is also noted.

Praxisleiter:

Ants Nõmper


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Mari Must; Merlin Liis-Toomela


Referenzen

‘Excellent team with great industry knowledge.’

‘Mari Must provides high-quality legal advice, which is accompanied by a good understanding of industry and business needs.’

‘The team has been just exceptional. Their knowledge of the AI Act, GDPR and all relevant local laws has been a tremendous help for our business on a local and international scale. They have helped to bring together the best knowledge from the company to move forward fast as the AI scene is moving forward quite rapidly.’

Kernmandanten

Bayer HealthCare LLC


Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH


Eesti Autorite Ühing (Estonian Authors Society)


NPM Silmet OÜ


Meta Platforms Inc.


Biogen Inc


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising SYNLAB on an IT project involving the company’s database and introducing a new information system and data processing software.
  • Representing Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH in a patent infringement action against generic manufacturers.

Sorainen

Sorainen‘s core strengths include portfolio management in IP, as well as advising clients on setting up domain names and assisting clients with industrial design matters. This client base includes retail brands and large technology companies and advising these household names often falls under the jurisdiction of practice heads Kaupo Lepasepp and Mihkel Miidla, who are IP experts. Miidla is also an IT law specialist, and is especially adept in GDPR regulation, while Lepasepp specialises in IP transfers and unfair competition matters. In the field of pharmaceutical patent litigation, Olivia Kranich is a key name to note, while Lise-Lotte Lääne is commended for data, IP and technology matters related to the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Kaupo Lepasepp; Mihkel Miidla


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Lise-Lotte Lääne; Olivia Kranich


Referenzen

‘Good range of fields of expertise. Excellent collaboration and integration across these areas.’

‘Highly committed. Proactive.’

‘They work as a team and they have suitable experts for every domain.’

Kernmandanten

Allfilm


Google


Bolt


Pactum AI OÜ


Baltic Workboats AS


Foundation CR14


Haut.AI


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Baltic Workboats AS on the consortium of 23 industry members led by the client that is developing a modular and semi-autonomous surface vessel platform with a remote control system to be used by European navies.
  • Advised Haut.AI on data protection and contractual matters, as well as in negotiations with a global consumer goods company.
  • Advising Pactum AI on preparing and reviewing software-as-a-service agreements and other commercial agreements.

Cobalt

Cobalt‘s IP, IT and TMT team ‘is made up of highly competent lawyers with a strong grasp of the legal landscape in these fields‘. The group particularly stands out for its patent expertise; patent litigation, where Viive Kaur is highly experienced, is a key part of the group's work. Practice head Egon Talur focuses on IP asset restructurings, while specialist counsel Liina Jents is a seasoned patent attorney.

Praxisleiter:

Egon Talur


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Viive Kaur; Liina Jents


Referenzen

‘Cobalt’s IP, IT, and telecoms team is made up of highly competent lawyers with a strong grasp of the legal landscape in these areas. Their approach is thorough and methodical, reflecting the high standards you would expect of a firm of this size.’

‘We appreciate the depth of expertise within the team.’

Kernmandanten

3Commas Technologies


Change Ventures


Salv Technologies


Dexatel OÜ


Mindvalley Inc / Mindvalley OÜ


CybExer Technologies OÜ


Eesti Mündiäri OÜ


Heateo Sihtasutus


Binalyze OÜ


Alexela AS


Livonia Partners (KS LIVONIA PARTNERS FUND II AIF)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Alexela on drafting a complex and comprehensive framework agreement, which includes the purchase and rental of IT, and other devices used in client service stations (fuel stations and stores), off-the-shelf software purchase and licensing, software development, and maintenance services for the aforementioned items.
  • Advised Livonia Partners (KS LIVONIA PARTNERS FUND II AIF) on buying a stake and making a strategic investment in Wildix OÜ.
  • Representing Extery OÜ in legal proceedings against the manufacturer, seller, and buyer of an infringing design of outdoor furniture, seeking to halt the infringement of its copyright and claim damages.

Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co

Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co assists clients with managing their intellectual property portfolios, as well as acting in significant matters connected to cybersecurity and data privacy. As a member of the IP-IT Commission of the Estonian Bar Association, practice head Tambet Toomela is a key figure in the group’s work in this area. Elsewhere, Erika Tuvike is noted for her international work within IP, particularly in relation to trademark disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Tambet Toomela


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Erika Tuvike


Referenzen

‘Eversheds Sutherland’s IP practice is unique in terms of its specialist skills and the scale of the firm’s global reach, which was a critical factor for our business. I really enjoyed working with the team because of their deep understanding of various tech industries and specific insights. They have a strong history of delivering complete solutions that meet the needs of our business.’

‘I worked closely with Erika Tuvike, who was incredibly responsive and cooperative. Also very competent in dealing with our complex legal matters. And of course Tambet Toomela, the team leader, was incredibly helpful. He took the time to explain everything clearly and offered us the best possible solutions for our needs. I’m really grateful for what they’ve done for us.’

‘This law firm stands out due to its comprehensive expertise and client-centric approach, which combines legal precision with a deep understanding of the client’s business objectives. The team has a broad expertise which allows them to handle complex international cases that touch upon several legal areas, a unique advantage that few firms can match. The team is very responsive and attentive, which distinguishes them from many firms in the field. Clients benefit from a team that adapts its advice and strategies to reflect their client’s priorities, industry, and market environment.’

Kernmandanten

Hansab AS


Enthelity Studios OÜ


Ühisteenused AS


Mercans Consulting


Nestle


G4S


Estonian Information and Communication Technology Centre


Creative Mobile OÜ


TextMagic AS


Icosagen Cell Factory OÜ


Eccua Pro


Fudy


Jobbatical


Tridens


LeadCap


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Mercans Consulting with onboarding a high-profile client with group entities spanning over 100 countries.
  • Assisted Creative Mobile OÜ with drafting a template software, trademarks and IP licence agreement and NFT clauses.
  • Advised The Estonian Information and Communication Technology Centre on processing massive amounts of data of natural persons in compliance with applicable legislation.

Hedman Partners

Noted for an ‘ability to integrate legal insight with commercial understanding‘, Hedman Partners counts technology start-ups among its key clients. The team is able to advise on both contentious and non-contentious IP issues, but is especially active in providing copyright and trademark enforcement advice, and has taken on a growing number of AI-related IT and IP mandates, an area of strength for Kati Pino. Practice head Toomas Seppel is especially strong in assisting technology start-ups with their innovative licensing models and establishing IP portfolios, while Andres Ojaver specialises in data privacy matters.

Praxisleiter:

Toomas Seppel


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Anastasia Miller; Andres Ojaver; Kati Pino


Referenzen

‘What sets their practice apart is their unique combination of deep industry expertise and a personalised, client-first approach. The team’s ability to tailor legal solutions to the specific needs of our business, particularly in the fast-evolving tech landscape, makes them stand out. Their strengths lie in their collaborative approach, which ensures that we feel fully supported at every stage, whether navigating complex intellectual property matters or ensuring compliance with cutting-edge technology regulations.’

‘One of the most notable aspects of Hedman’s practice is their focus on innovation. From offering flexible, transparent billing structures suited to the needs of start-ups like ours, to leveraging the latest legal technology for more efficient case management, the firm is always seeking ways to improve the client experience. Their commitment to diversity, with strong female leadership in key roles, further reinforces their forward-thinking culture, making them a role-model firm in an industry that is often slow to evolve.’

‘Hedman excels in their responsiveness and practical advice, helping us stay compliant and competitive in a rapidly changing market. Their ability to integrate legal insight with commercial understanding is a significant advantage, making them an invaluable partner for businesses navigating the complexities of IP and IT law.’

WALLESS

WALLESS‘ merger with FORT in 2024 has increased the size of its IP team, adding the expertise of Katrin Alliksaar, who has broad experience across the IP and IT spheres. The group handles a range of matters within the IP arena, including trademark infringement cases and anti-counterfeiting measures for large corporations and government institutions alike. Toomas Taube excels in trademark litigation and leads the team alongside Merit Lind, who has advised major entities on large-scale IT solutions development projects.

Praxisleiter:

Toomas Taube; Merit Lind


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Katrin Alliksaar


Referenzen

‘Merit Lind and her team are always helpful and solution oriented. It is always a pleasure to work with them.’

‘Merit Lind and her team always go into detail with every task.’

‘A very competent team with a wide skill set. I have always got quick responses.’

Kernmandanten

City of Tartu


Turnit OÜ


AS Liviko


ELEKS group


Nordic Label Oy Ab and Tilgmann Oy Ab


Elisa Oyj


IT and Development Centre, Ministry of the Interior


Enterprise Estonia


Estonian Police and Border Guard Board


Eesti Loto AS


STACC OÜ


Datafruit OÜ


Texta OÜ


Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications


Cognitech OÜ


eKool


Viru Keskus


HANSABUSS Group


The Government Office of the Republic of Estonia


Verifone Baltic SIA Estonian branch


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising the Estonian Government (via the Police and Border Guard Board) on the complex preparations for the development, production and servicing of the new-era government-issued electronic identity documents as well as for the set-up of the new trust services under the eIDAS Regulation.
  • Advising e-Governance Academy (eGA) on its various IP/IT related initiatives.
  • Advising Eesti Loto on the preparation for and execution of a contract for the development of a new mobile application for lottery games, including drafting the relevant contract for development works.

WIDEN

WIDEN ‘stands out due to its deep sector expertise, innovative approach, and commitment to delivering tailored solutions‘, according to one client, and its depth of sector knowledge leaves it well positioned to work on matters involving patent protection, cybersecurity, digital transformations, autonomous technologies and crypto assets. Rauno Kinkar has a core strength in smart technology, and is at the helm together with Henri Ratnik, who is experienced in IP and IT law, handling the full range of patent, trademark and copyright matters.

Praxisleiter:

Rauno Kinkar; Henri Ratnik


Referenzen

‘Widen easily finds answers to different problems. They have very good network both in the country and internationally. They have a wide coverage of different services.’

‘I think the main difference is openness and willingness to help clients. We have never waited more than a few hours for them to contact and support us. I’m personally very satisfied with their skills and readiness to help our company.’

‘The experience was outstanding. From the very beginning, they demonstrated a high level of professionalism. The team was clear and concise in their communication, providing concrete advice and solutions tailored to my needs. They responded to all queries promptly, which made the entire process efficient and seamless.’

Kernmandanten

Eesti Üliõpilaskondade Liit


Blocktrade Operations OÜ


Ready Player Me OÜ


Starship Technologies OÜ


Bolt Technology OÜ


Sidekik Inc and Sidekik OÜ (NFTPort)


Foxway OÜ


GenNet Laboratories AS


Cartoon


Decathlon Lietuva UAB


HeyDigital OÜ


Synergy Media OÜ


Elina Nechayeva


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Bolt on risk management, Omnibus compliance, TOS updates, and daily legal support.
  • Advised Ready Player Me on drafting and signing partnership agreements with Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group’s Bravado, Rovio’s Angry Birds, McLaren Racing and ITV’s The Voice operator.

NJORD Law Firm

NJORD Law Firm has a diverse IP practice, often assisting a wide range of public and private clients on matters such as copyright protection. The team is particularly reputed in digital services and digitalisation matters, and in advising on the GDPR aspects of IT projects. Practice head Karolina Ullman is well established within the IP space, leading the team alongside Liisi Jürgen, who is the go-to practitioner for IT matters and is emblematic of the wider group prowess in digitalisation matters, including related data protection issues. Sille Eerik and Henri Oliver Palm, who joined from Magnusson in early 2024, are also key for such matters.

Praxisleiter:

Karolina Ullman; Liisi Jürgen


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Sille Eerik; Henri Oliver Palm


Referenzen

‘Liisi Jürgen’s responsiveness and attention to detail have made our collaboration both efficient and enjoyable. Liisi’s expertise in IT and data protection has been crucial in ensuring the smooth execution of our joint projects.’

‘Liisi Jürgen’s deep understanding of both Estonian and EU data protection laws has been invaluable. Liisi has always been extremely responsive and has provided clear, actionable advice.’

‘We have found NJORD’s team to be adept at dealing with a variety of challenges. They have compiled an excellent team of lawyers who are great with people and have shown outstanding expertise and diligence throughout the cases.’

Kernmandanten

Panicfilm OÜ


Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications


Estonian Prime Minister’s Office


Coolbet (VG Estonian OÜ)


NORTAL


Digiotouch OÜ


GLE Group


Inchcape Motors Estonia OÜ


Promoty Marketing OÜ


Southwestern Advantage Europe OÜ


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted the Estonian Prime Minister’s Office with changing the regulation that governs the policymaker’s rights to process personal data for policy-making purposes.
  • Assisted the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications with analysing the obstacles arising from the current law, which hinder the cross- and secondary use of data.
  • Assisted the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications with drafting a legal act that will regulate space activities and the issuance of operating permits.

NOVE

The team at NOVE is especially active in the healthcare sector. The group is prolific in the IT sphere generally but is especially adept at dealing with matters at the intersection of data protection and cybersecurity, demonstrated keenly by Sten Tikerpe, who is strong in advising on compliance in IT projects, and co-leads the IT, cybersecurity and data protection practice at the firm. Fellow group head Mart Parind also leads the IP team, while Arsi Pavelts is a key lawyer for contentious issues across the IP, IT and telecoms spheres.

Praxisleiter:

Sten Tikerpe; Mart Parind


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Arsi Pavelts


Referenzen

‘The NOVE team provides candid and straightforward opinions. Their team ensures that clients and their issues are treated as top priorities, responding promptly to their needs.’

Kernmandanten

Northside Solutions


East Tallinn Central Hospital


Estonian Academy of Security Sciences


Certific


Ropes & Gray


Ministry of the Interior


Filter


Tallinn Airport


Nortal


Dolm IT


Ayren / Isekallur


Tartu University (Estonian Biobank)


ValueSpace


Medicum Tervishoiuteenused


ADM Interactive


HansaFilm


West Tallinn Central Hospital


Estonian Internet Foundation


COOP Põlva


Esvika Elekter


Ernst & Young Baltic


LEI Register


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Nortal with a full-scope legal analysis concerning carrying out a public sector social services digitalisation project at the request of the Estonian government.
  • Advising Certific on processing sensitive personal data, including health data, via technical tools in a GDPR-compliant manner.
  • Advising HansaFilm on IP issues relating to the production of a film on Estonian national sports hero, Olympic-winning track cyclist Erika Salumäe’s life story.

RASK

RASK Attorneys-at-Law is commended for its ability to ‘handle complex international issues‘, particularly cross-border transactions in the technology industry. Its varied workload also includes IP regulatory matters and sector-specific IT advice. Timo Kullerkupp is at the helm with Karl Erik Esko, who consults on the business operations of innovative IT platforms and blockchain technologies. Elsewhere, technology specialist Kai Villemson is also called upon for such matters.

Praxisleiter:

Timo Kullerkupp; Karl Erik Esko


Referenzen

‘Accessible. Lots of experience.’

‘What makes Rask stand out is how they manage to work fast without skipping any important details. As a startup, timing is everything, and they made sure things moved forward efficiently. Potential clients should know that Rask is great at handling complex international issues, and their strong communication skills make working with them really easy.’

‘In terms of new ideas, the team works well together and makes sure everyone stays on the same page. They have a way of making tough legal matters feel less overwhelming, which is really helpful, especially for businesses that might not be used to dealing with these kinds of challenges.’

Kernmandanten

Hepta Group Airborne OÜ


OÜ Flaperon


Mindchip OÜ


Net Group OÜ


Datahouse OÜ


Modera AS


TGS Baltic

TGS Baltic, among whose clients are international software development companies, strengthened its team depth through its merger with PwC Legal in 2024, particularly with the addition of IP and IT (including cryptocurrencies) expert Priit Lätt. Lätt heads up the team alongside Silvia Urgas, who stands out for her ‘remarkable proactivity and ingenuity‘. The team frequently advises on data protection and transactional and commercial IP matters, and is also proficient in IP and IT litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Silvia Urgas; Priit Lätt


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gerda Grauberg


Referenzen

‘Silvia Urgas and Gerda Grauberg are key individuals whose qualities have significantly contributed to our positive experience with TGS Baltic. Silvia Urgas stands out for her remarkable proactivity and ingenuity. She is always one step ahead, anticipating potential issues and offering well-thought-out solutions before problems arise. Her ability to communicate complex legal matters clearly has been invaluable, helping us make informed decisions with confidence.’

‘Gerda Grauberg impressed us with her dedication and attention to detail. She approaches every matter with a level of precision that gives us complete confidence in her handling of our legal affairs. Furthermore, her empathy ensures that she understands both the legal and business implications of our challenges, which allows her to provide well-rounded advice that aligns with our business objectives.’

‘They demonstrate exceptional collaboration, working seamlessly together to cover all aspects of our cases. Their reliability and consistent client-focused approach make them stand out from competitors, providing a level of trust and assurance that we deeply value.’

Kernmandanten

Merck Sharp & Dohme OÜ


Circle K Eesti Aktsiaselts


Paul-Tech


Ready Player Me OÜ


IFCO Systems


Aktsiaselts Eesti Post (Omniva)


Eesti Autorite Ühing / Estonian Authors’ Society


Fujitsu Estonia AS


The City of Tartu and Tartu 2024 Foundation


Auto-Bon Baltic OÜ and AutoHalle Aktsiaselts (part of the Bassadone Group)


Inchcape Motors Estonia OÜ


CityBee and MyBee


OÜ Pleilist


ERGO Insurance SE


Better Medicine OÜ


Mooncascade OÜ


Eesti Tudengisatelliidi Sihtasutus / Estonian Student Satellite Foundation or ESTCube


Timbeco Woodhouse OÜ


Volta1 OÜ


Francorp Baltic


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Paul-Tech on IP and IT matters relating to attracting an investment of €1.4 million from leading Estonian venture capital investors.
  • Represented a client in lengthy proceedings before the Estonian Data Protection Inspectorate concerning its data-processing activity.
  • Acted as legal and tax partner for the Estonian e-Residency team.

Triniti

Triniti has a wealth of experience in the media and telecoms sectors. Karmen Turk is key for the group’s contentious work in this space, and the wider team also takes on large data projects for large media organisations, including assisting with GDPR compliance. This is an area of strength for Maarja Lehemets and practice head Maarja Pild, who is also noted for advising AML regulations relating to data projects.

Praxisleiter:

Maarja Pild


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Maarja Lehemets; Karmen Turk


Referenzen

‘Triniti has a deep bench of highly skilled professionals. Their partner-level employees are active and participate/contribute to our success. Their attention to detail, knowledge of laws and court rulings and their willingness to understand clients’ business/needs/problems is exceptional.’

‘Maarja Pild is exceptional at her craft. Without a doubt the most renowned expert in GDPR-related topics in Estonia for me.’

‘We mostly work with Maarja Lehemets. I really appreciate her approachability, and the fact that she understands that legal resources are not unlimited. She is able to efficiently assess risks.’

Kernmandanten

Postimees Grupp AS


Äripäev AS


AS Go3 Baltics


Proact Estonia AS


REACT


Duo Media Networks AS


Montonio Finance OÜ


Utilitas OÜ


Julianus Inkasso OÜ


Zone Media OÜ


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Postimees Grupp AS on intellectual property, media, and data protection-related matters where Postimees holds a licence to sell and distribute content or where the content used by Postimees Grupp AS is challenged by alleged copyright holders.
  • Assisted Montonio with ensuring the compliance of Montonio’s different services, including personal data processing issues and compliance issues in connection to AML.
  • Advising Julianus on complex data protection cases, including analysis concerning processing debt personal data, data subject notification requirements and more.

KPMG Law in Estonia

KPMG Law in Estonia regularly assists clients with GDPR projects and compliance. Practice head Karin Oras is a multidisciplinary practitioner who is experienced in a range of IP transfer transactions and data protection matters, and Urmas Kukk is instrumental in the group’s data protection projects in the public sector.

Praxisleiter:

Karin Oras


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Urmas Kukk


Kernmandanten

Toyota Motor Europe NV


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Toyota Motor Europe NV with the auditing of personal data processing.