Managing IP Unveils 2026 EMEA Awards Shortlists Across 50+ Jurisdictions

Managing IP has published the full shortlists for its prestigious EMEA Awards 2026, spotlighting outstanding law firms, patent and trademark attorney firms, and individual practitioners across over 50 jurisdictions in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The awards program covers a broad spectrum of intellectual property categories including copyright, design, patent disputes, patent prosecution, trademark disputes, and trademark prosecution.

The 2026 awards ceremony is scheduled for May 1 at the InterContinental London – The O2, strategically timed to precede the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting, which will take place in London from May 2 to 6. This alignment offers attendees an opportunity to engage with key industry players during a pivotal week for IP professionals.

Prin Shasiharan, Managing IP’s business development manager, will be reaching out to shortlisted firms, companies, and individuals with details about the event. Interested parties are encouraged to express their attendance interest via the official booking form and may contact Prin directly for the official awards logo or further event information.

The awards categories have been regularly reviewed to incorporate market feedback and reflect significant industry developments. Notably, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) category encompasses four jurisdictions—France, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK—recognizing firms instrumental in shaping UPC law and practice.

Shortlists for individual countries highlight leading firms and practitioners. For example, Austria’s copyright and design category features Baker McKenzie, Dorda, and Taylor Wessing, while patent disputes nominees include ABP Anwälte Burger & Partner and Schwarz Schönherr. Bulgaria’s Firm of the Year contenders include Boyanov & Co and Dimitrov Petrov & Co, with practitioners such as Stela Sabeva and Dimitar Batakliev nominated.

In the Czech Republic, firms like Baker McKenzie, Bird & Bird, and CMS are shortlisted, with practitioners including Vojtěch Chloupek and Tomáš Matějovský recognized. Denmark’s categories feature Accura, Bird & Bird, and Bruun & Hjejle among others, with practitioners such as Morten Bruus and Mikkel Roed Trier nominated.

France’s awards spotlight firms like August Debouzy, Bird & Bird, and Gide Loyrette Nouel across copyright, patent, and trademark categories. Practitioners such as Laëtitia Bénard and Michel Abello are among those shortlisted. Greece’s Firm of the Year nominees include A & K Metaxopoulos & Partners and Drakopoulos, with practitioners like Kriton Metaxopoulos and Michalis Kosmopoulos recognized.

Ireland’s shortlists feature Arthur Cox, Mason Hayes & Curran, and McCann FitzGerald, with practitioners Olivia Mullooly and Michael Finn among nominees. Italy’s categories include Bird & Bird, DLA Piper, and Hogan Lovells, with practitioners such as Paolo Lazzarino and Lorenzo Litta shortlisted.

The Netherlands’ nominees include Bird & Bird, Brinkhof, and De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, with practitioners Jaap Bremer and Theo-Willem van Leeuwen recognized. Norway’s categories feature BAHR, Brækhus, and Gjessing, with practitioners Eirik Basmo Ellingsen and Christoffer Vedal among those nominated.

Managing IP invites feedback on the shortlists and encourages submissions for Impact Cases, which will be announced during the ceremony. All relevant information and updates about the 2026 EMEA Awards are accessible on the official Managing IP Awards webpage.

This comprehensive recognition program continues to serve as a benchmark for excellence and innovation in intellectual property law across the EMEA region, celebrating the achievements of firms and individuals who have made significant contributions to the field.