WEINMANN ZIMMERLI is a leading Zurich-based Swiss IP firm specialising in Swiss and international trademark, patent, copyright, licence and design law, as well as unfair competition and antitrust law. The firm handles prosecution and litigation. It was formed through the merger of two firms: KRSW WEINMANN and Zimmerli, Wagner & Partner AG. Since its foundation, it has been one of the fastest-growing IP law firms in Switzerland. This success is based on a unique approach to client relations, which aims to create a level of trust and constant exchange between client and attorney to ensure the best possible legal advice and convincing solutions that are tailored to clients’ needs.
Philosophy
WEINMANN ZIMMERLI’s professionals have been providing legal advice on IP-related matters and disputes for the past 30 years. They provide a well-balanced mix of experience, talent, creativity and innovativeness. They believe in their way of rendering legal services and, therefore, keep a flat hierarchy to ensure and promote the exchange of ideas between partners and associates. WEINMANN ZIMMERLI promotes excellence and strives to be at the cutting edge of factual and legal developments, which is reflected in their professionals’ frequent publications, among other things. This atmosphere allows them to provide their clients with individualised solutions to maximise the value of their IP portfolios and ensure protection and enforcement of their rights in Switzerland, the European Union and worldwide. This is possible because of the close contact between their clients and professionals, which is developed by having a single professional point of contact at WEINMANN ZIMMERLI to handle clients’ issues, who works closely with their legal team and well-established worldwide correspondent network.
IP strategy and prosecution
WEINMANN ZIMMERLI advises on and develops IP strategies with its clients, and works with them to choose the best option to protect their IP portfolios. The firm also handles the implementation of IP strategies through the registration, monitoring and prosecution of trademarks, designs and patents on national, European and international levels, as well as through portfolio management and the provision of the full range of domain-related services. Further, WEINMANN ZIMMERLI advises its clients on IT-related matters with a special focus on the legal questions concerning the Internet of Things.
IP enforcement
Since its inception, the firm’s specialised litigation team has successfully enforced its clients’ IP rights against infringers, as well as protected them against unwelcome claims. In particular, WEINMANN ZIMMERLI’s litigation team is specialised in trademark, trade name, trade dress, copyright, design, patent, licensing, unfair competition, trade secret and antitrust conflicts. In addition, its professionals are experts in mediation and settlement negotiations. The firm represents clients before all Swiss courts and authorities and coordinates international disputes. This is in addition to offering specialised expertise in anti-counterfeiting actions and taking care of import and export issues for its clients. WEINMANN ZIMMERLI is also known for successfully taking on challenging cases and handling cross-border litigation.
IP valuation and exploitation
Valuation and exploitation of IP rights are cornerstones of creating and upholding IP rights. Accordingly, the firm’s professionals have the necessary expertise to evaluate their clients’ trademarks, patents and designs according to international standards. With respect to the exploitation of IP rights, WEINMANN ZIMMERLI’s team has successfully drafted and negotiated contracts for its clients, such as licence, distribution, franchise and sponsorship agreements, as well as contracts between owners and users of art and social media, which also includes terms and conditions for operating online and offline businesses.