2017 Dispute Resolution Awards

12 Acquisition International - Dispute Resolution Awards 2017 Best IPR Litigation Firm - Latvia FORAL Patent LawOffices FORAL Patent Law Offices is renowned as a professional and reliable partner for the acquisition, enforcement and litigation of intellectual property rights. We invited Alexandra Fortuna to tell us more. Company: FORAL Patent Law Offices Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.foral.lv Address: P.O. Box 98, Riga LV- 1050, Latvia Telephone: +371 67223450 DR170008 Established in 1991, FORAL Patent Law Offices has since grown to become one of the leading patent bureaus of Latvia representing clients before Latvian Patent Office, European Patent Office, EUIPO, WIPO, as well as customs authorities and national and international judicial institutions. Thanks to the firm’s long-term co-operation with colleagues in other countries, it also operates around the world, supporting a range of clients, which include not only the largest multi-national corporations and universities, but also private inventors and smaller companies just beginning their activities. Supporting such a range of clients in so many regions means that the firm has to have diverse expertise, and this is achieved through its dedicated team, as Alexandra is keen to emphasise. “This year was full of very diverse and interesting work. We were busy with trademark infringement and invalidity actions for our clients in the fields of pharmaceuticals, food industry, retail business, fashion industry and global sporting events. Also we were representing clients in several actions challenging validity of industrial design registrations related to packaging of seafood. However, probably the most sophisticated work assignment was in the field of patent validity. One of complicated patent disputes was amicably settled for the benefit of both parties. “Working on such a vast array of projects and with so many different clients, we need to have a diverse range of experience and expertise. The practitioners of our firm have vast experience throughout their careers, and are members of the Latvian association of patent attorneys, AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property), INTA (International Trademark Association), ECTA (European Communities Trade Mark Association), EPI (Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office), LESI (Licensing Executives Society International), MARQUES (Association of European Trademark Owners), PTMG (Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group), LPPA (Association of Patent Attorneys of Latvia) and other professional associations in order to continue constantly learning and improving. “In addition, in order to share their knowledge with the wider law market, the experts of the firm deliver lectures on a regular basis, and publish articles on issues related to intellectual property. They also co-operate with state and public institutions in the sphere of protection of intellectual property rights.” In conclusion, Alexandra looks back over the firm’s history and explores how it has worked hard to evolve with the IP market, and will continue to do so over the months and years ahead. “Looking back just 25 years ago we see how much IP business changed. At that time nobody could predict such a considerable change in the business structure. This is mainly because of globalization and the rapid development of IT technologies, which made applicants’ and our life much easier and accelerated pace of life. Probably in the next 20-25 years we may expect development of artificial intelligence in the field of dispute resolution too, when cold mind of a machine within seconds will decide on infringement, validity and damages. We are sure we will successfully adjust our business also to these new changes. Meanwhile we are operating in present environment and planning 2-3 years ahead.” “In order to share their knowledge with the wider lawmarket , the experts of the firm deliver lectures on a regular basis, and publish articles on issues related to intellectual property. They also co-operate with state and public institutions in the sphere of protection of intellectual property rights.”