Elisabetta Bandera

As a Counsel in our Milan-based Intellectual Property practice, I focus on patents, trade marks, design and unfair competition litigation, assisting our Italian and international clients with contentious matters on a domestic and pan-European basis.

My early fascination with method and logic has evolved into examining fine details in intellectual property litigation. My continued interest in this area has led me to specialise in complex patent disputes in the mechanical, pharmaceutical and electronic sectors, comprising standard essential patents litigation.

Since joining Bird & Bird in 2011, I've been dealing with contentious matters relating to coffee capsule patents and have acquired in-depth knowledge of this specific industry.

I also assist clients in trade mark contentious issues, enforcement of design and trade-dress protection, as well as in proceedings regarding unfair competition practice before the Italian Competition Authority (ICA).

I am currently working on a new project in my role as product design ambassador for Italy within Bird & Bird's International Product Design Group. We aim to develop greater insight into design protection and share our expertise in prosecution and enforcement with relevant industry sectors.

As a recent participant in Bird & Bird's Global Women's Development Programme, I am proud to attest to the firm's stance on gender diversity.

I also foster links with an academic institution by guest-speaking at the Faculty of Engineering, Patent and Intellectual Property Course, Milan University and I am contributor to the Bird & Bird blog BrandWrites.