DLA Piper is one of the largest law firms in the world with 4,200 lawyers in offices throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.
In Italy DLA Piper has 150 lawyers of whom more than 30 are partners, with offices in Milan and Rome.
The Italian team, comprising of Italian, American, English and German lawyers, offers all the advantages of a team, with a strong knowledge of and experience with the Italian legal and business environment, combined with a multi-jurisdictional and specialised full service approach.
Our Italian experts are capable of offering assistance in a wide range of practice groups, including the following:
- Corporate and M&A
- Employment, Pensions and Benefits
- Finance & Projects
- Intellectual Property Media and Technology / Commercial
- Litigation
- Real Estate
- Regulatory
- Restructuring
- Tax
IPT Practice (see also 'Awards & Recognition')
Our Intellectual Property & Technology / Commercial ("IPT") team is made up of dedicated IT, telecommunications, media, intellectual property and commercial lawyers, combining legal expertise and industry focus to better understand and serve the needs of our clients.
The main areas of expertise of the team are the following:
Media & Entertainment
IP Licensing Transactions
Technology & Sourcing
IP & Media Litigation
Gambling and Betting
IP Portfolio Management
Patents, Know-How and Trade Secrets
Data Protection
Copyright
E-Commerce
Marketing & Promotions
Telecommunications
Misleading Advertising & Unfair Commercial Practices
Domain Names
Design Protection
Franchising
Life Sciences
Supply / Distribution & Retail
Awards & Recognition
Our practice has been recognized as a leading department by the most important international legal guides both at national and international level
What they say about the Italian IPT team in 2011:
Lawyer of the year IT and Telecoms - TopLegal Awards 2011
"Giangiacomo Olivi is praised for the continuous growth both of his client base and revenue in this particularly difficult time of economic downturn, he won the most strategic assignments from the industry regarding the implementation and related impact of new technologies".
• Band 1 for TMT (Legal 500)
• Traditionally strong in media, the practice’s experience includes negotiating contracts for platforms, including distribution and regulatory issues, and the launching of new technology applications. ‘Best in the class, Giangiacomo Olivi is smart, visionary and committed’.
• Band 1 for TMT Media (Chambers Europe)
• Band 2 for TMT IT (Chambers Europe)
• Band 4th in TMT Telecommunication (Chambers Europe)
• "Celebrated for its outstanding knowledge of the media sector, this firm houses a robust TMT practice that comes recommended for IT and telecommunications. The group continues to grow in size and reputation, and recently acquired a number of new high-profile clients in the publishing, entertainment and telecoms industries. As well as its important work in the private sector, the team has also been advising the Italian government and various institutions on a new proposal for a code of conduct on online activities."
• Sources say: "The team makes an effort to understand our business and can provide advice from a 360 degree perspective."
Individual Ranking
• Giangiacomo Olivi ranked 1st in TMT Media (Chambers Europe)
• Giangiacomo Olivi ranked 2nd in TMT IT (Chambers Europe)
• Italo de Feo ranked 3rd in TMT IT (Chambers Europe)
• "The distinguished Giangiacomo Olivi is unanimously praised for his exceptional expertise in all aspects of media and IT work. Clients laud his positive attitude saying: "He's so enthusiastic about his work it's contagious. Italo de Feo is another popular member of the team and impresses clients with his deep knowledge of the technology sector."
What they say about the Italian IPT team 2010:
Law Firm of the Year TMT - TopLegal Awards 2010
"This department of the Firm, led by partner Giangiacomo Olivi, has an outstanding team of specialized professionals. DLA is active on the Technology, Telecom and Media sector. Among the clients the team regularly assists, there are many prestigious names of the publishing sector and the big Majors. For one of these companies the firm has acted as advisor for the creation of the first digital platform for the distribution of contents addressed to children. DLA's TMT group has registered an impressive growth in 2010 both in terms of revenues and clients."
1st ranking for: TMT (Legal 500)
DLA's TMT lawyers are ‘very commercial, and excellent at dealing with people and at presenting legal issues in a clear way’. The team has an impressive range of clients... Among recent highlights, the group assisted on several new UGC audio-visual projects, combining traditional TV elements with UGC content and online communities.
1st ranking for: TMT Media (Chambers Europe)
Following the lateral hire of three lawyers from Simmons & Simmons, the highly accomplished team at DLA Piper is now 12 strong. “A very reliable firm that always considers the clients’ needs,” …The integrated team is at the cutting edge of the market particularly in the media sector, where it advises broadcasters on the launch of channels on different platforms, and general production issues. The dual-qualified Giangiacomo Olivi is a popular choice with international clients, and is applauded for his great negotiation skills and “intelligent, positive approach.” The firm’s technology work has increased in breadth and volume of late, and now encompasses outsourcing, licensing and e-commerce. This is due in part to the recent arrival of Italo de Feo, whose loyal clients have pursued him for his “comprehensive and concrete advice”.
2nd ranking for: TMT IT (Chambers Europe)
3rd ranking for: IP (Chambers Europe)
This firm is continuing to grow, and with arrival of Roberto Valenti the practice has strengthened its position in commercial media and IT. Clients praise the outfit’s attention to detail and client requirements, calling it “one of the best firms in Italy.” The young team operates from both Rome and Milan, but advises other branches across the world in IP protection. The group's work in radio and television law is multidimensional, and geared towards a more international clientele. Giangiacomo Olivi is responsible for the telecommunications, media and IP practices in Italy, and offers clients creative solutions to complex commercial matters.
1st ranking for: TMT (TopLegal)
1st ranking for: TMT Media (TopLegal)
2nd ranking for: Technology (TopLegal)
2nd ranking for: Telecoms (TopLegal)
Awards
- European Outsourcing Association 2010 - 'Advisor of the Year'
- Managing IP Global Awards - European Copyright Firm of the Year 2009
- FT Innovative Lawyer Awards 2008 - "Legal Expertise" Award
- British Legal Awards 2007/8 - "TMT / IP Team of the Year "
- IP World leader Awards 2007 - "Best Achievement in IP Litigation"
- Legal Week Awards 2006/7 - "TMT Team of the Year"
- The Lawyer Awards 2004 - "Media / IP & IT Team of the Year"
- Legal Business Awards 2003 - "IP / IT Team of the Year"