Luigi Franzolin (Studio Torta): “Our keyword is responsiveness: clients need solutions now, on a global basis, and this is what
Founded by Vincenzo and Secondo Torta in 1879 when Edison invented the electric light bulb lamp, Studio Torta is one of the oldest and most prestigious companies specialized in intellectual property with its headquarter in Italy.
Leaders League.As one of the oldest IP firms in Italy and Europe, how has your firm managed to innovate constantly since 1879?
Luigi Franzolin. “Move with times” is our definition of the term “innovate”. Innovation is essential nowadays to satisfy clients’ requests and needs, which are influenced by the fast changes in the IP landscape brought about by the digital world, globalization and the increasing number of IP tools for the protection and the enforcements of IP rights worldwide. In our opinion, innovating involves three complementary spheres of actions, namely in the technical, legal and management areas. Our firm’s choices are concrete evidence of our efforts to innovate. On the technical side, one of our key features is a very well-balanced mix of junior and senior attorneys collaborating as a team. Hence, our clients benefit from both our younger professionals’ knowledge of new technologies and our longstanding IP experience and expertise, combined to provide prompt and clear answers. Working groups within the firm are focused on specific IP areas (ranging, e.g., from UPC to web enforcement) and professionals in each group attend conferences and seminars on the issue at hand. The knowledge and experience acquired by each member is primarily shared with the other members of the group for discussion, then with the remaining colleagues in a monthly meeting, called an “educational lunch”. In such a way, our professionals stay updated, share experience and build informed positions on new legal topics, for the benefit of our clients. Management is innovation-driven. One of the firm directors is in charge of what we call “R&D projects”, i.e. new projects for streamlining internal procedures, increasing automation and maximizing overall efficiency, with an aim to provide clients with good quality at competitive costs.
Leaders League. How did it go for your firm last year, and what is the next step?
L.F. Last year was exceptionally good. We consolidated our patent and trademark work with a very important new Italian client acquired at the end of 2014, and succeeded in gaining further important domestic and overseas clients that will keep us very gladly busy this year and in the years to come. Serving our overseas clients as a leading European IP firm is our next goal. Selecting an Italy-based firm for handling European IP work is not always an obvious choice for American or Asian clients, but experience shows that we are able to make international clients happy with our quality and competitive rates.
Leaders League. What are the current trends in the Italian IP market?
L.F. Recent statistics show a significant increase in patent filings by Italian companies after a period of stagnation. Besides a new optimism due to improved economy fundamentals in the country, an important incentive to boost IP protection is the so called “Patent Box” (i.e. tax exemption on income deriving from intangible assets) that the Italian Government introduced to foster industry’s efforts in innovation. Recently, we also experienced an increase in enforcement matters. One of the main concerns for our clients, especially when it comes to trademarks, is the enforcement of their rights on the web and the fight against counterfeiting. Thanks to a side-by-side collaboration with the competent authorities (Guardia di Finanza and Customs), we obtained excellent results for our clients.
Leaders League. How do you accompany your clients everywhere in the world while staying in line with the IP trends?
L.F. A paramount factor for IP protection is being involved in the clients’ projects at each stage of the product life, from design to expansion on international markets. Being knowledgeable about issues and trends in the different jurisdictions is indispensable to think ahead and develop the appropriate filing, prosecution, surveillance and enforcement strategies with the client. Establishing a client-specific network of counsels in the countries of interest to the client is the best choice to ensure that any issue in a given country is handled efficiently by an attorney who is familiar with the client’s products or services, and has appropriate background and experience. Our key-word is responsiveness: clients need solutions now, on a global basis, and this is what we strive to provide.
