Our law firm has been recommended notably in the following international rankings in recent years:

2023

  • World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - The World's Leading Trade Mark Professionals, Gold Band for Trademark Enforcement and Litigation as well as Trademark Prosecution and Strategy: “A mainstay on the Swiss market, the 1941-established Troller Hitz Troller capitalises on its strong grasp of trademark, copyright, competition, contract and business law to protect, defend and enforce brand rights in just about every industry. A key driver of its success is polished litigator Patrick Troller, a renowned member of the IP community for his rich contributions to the practice. Versatile operator Gallus Joller handles all briefs that come his way with ease and efficiency. The firm struck gold when it enticed Bernard Volken over from FMP Fuhrer Marbach & Partners at the start of 2022. He is a superb all-rounder who resolves tough issues.”
  • Chambers Europe, Intellectual Property, Band 3: "What the team is known for: Troller Hitz Troller is a renowned boutique offering services in all major fields of IP, including patents, trade marks, design and copyright law. The law firm also handles unfair competition matters. The team has strong expertise in the fields of IT and domain names, with further strength in trade mark portfolio management. The lawyers advise clients across Switzerland and internationally.
    Notable practitioners:Patrick Troller offers profound expertise in patent and trade mark litigation, with further strength advising on copyright, design and unfair competition issues. Gallus Joller is well regarded in the market and offers experience in global trade mark portfolio management, including filing and prosecution matters. He also represents clients in unfair competition, copyright and design mandates. Bernard Volken frequently advises on trade marks, with further experience in patents and advertising mandates.
  • Who's Who Legal:  Four attorneys from Troller Hitz Troller are expressly recommended: Patrick Troller, listed as "Global Leader: Life Sciences - Patent Litigation 2023; National Leader: IP - Patents 2023; IP - Trademarks 2023; Life Sciences 2023". Bernard Volken, listed as "National Leader IP - Patents 2023; IP - Trademarks 2023". Gallus Joller, listed as "National Leader IP - Trademarks 2023". Ursula In-Albon, listed as "National Leader IP - Trademarks 2023".
  • IP Stars, Trade mark disputes (Tier 1) as well as Trade mark prosecution – law firms (Tier 2). Troller Hitz Troller is best known for its trade marks practice. The firm has a number of long-established IP lawyers for trade mark protection and disputes. Ursula In-Albon, Patrick Troller, Gallus Joller (…) are among the experienced senior soft IP lawyers in the firm. The partners are supported by a team of junior lawyers, including (…) former Nestlé IP counsel Hubert Doléac. Bernard Volken and a team of lawyers from FMP Fuhrer Marbach & Partners joined the firm in January 2022.
    Practitioners: Gallus Joller, Trade mark star 2023; Patrick Troller, Patent star 2023, Trade mark star 2023; Bernard Volken, Trade mark star 2023; Nicolas Bischoff, Notable practitioner.

 

2022

  • World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - The World's Leading Trade Mark Professionals, Gold Band for Trademark Enforcement and Litigation as well as Trademark Prosecution and Strategy: “A mainstay on the Swiss market, the 1941-established Troller Hitz Troller capitalises on its strong grasp of trademark, copyright, competition, contract and business law to protect, defend and enforce brand rights in just about every industry. A key driver of its success is polished litigator Patrick Troller, a renowned member of the IP community for his rich contributions to the practice. Versatile operator Gallus Joller handles all briefs that come his way with ease and efficiency. “He is super-smart, concise in his advice and a leader of his generation,” enthuses one peer. The firm struck gold when it enticed Bernard Volken over from FMP Fuhrer Marbach & Partners. The “immensely qualified” all-rounder is “outstanding, hands-on and efficient. He understands IP like no one else on the market and is one of the best to find pragmatic solutions in tough cases”.”
  • Chambers Europe, Intellectual Property, Band 3: "What the team is known for: Troller Hitz Troller is a renowned boutique offering services in all major fields of IP, including patents, trade marks, design and copyright law. The law firm also handles unfair competition matters. The team has strong expertise in the fields of IT and domain names, with further strength in trade mark portfolio management. The lawyers advise clients across Switzerland and internationally.
    Notable practitioners: Bernard Volken frequently advises on trade marks, with further experience in patents and advertising mandates. GallusJoller is well regarded in the market and offers experience in global trade mark portfolio management, including filing and prosecution matters. He also represents clients in unfair competition, copyright and design mandates. Sources mention that he "has very strong legal and analytical skills." Patrick Troller offers profound expertise in patent and trade mark litigation, with further strength advising on copyright, design and unfair competition issues."
  • Who's Who Legal, Trademarks: " Four practitioners from Troller Hitz Troller are included in our listings. Bernard Volken receives widespread praise as “a well-known lawyer” who is “extremely active”, especially in trademark litigation (National Leader IP - Patents 2022; IP - Trademarks 2022). Gallus Joller is “certainly a big name” in the trademark space thanks to his experience in global trademark portfolio management (National Leader - IP - Trademarks 2022). Patrick Troller earns praise as “a sophisticated and down-to-earth” practitioner who is highlighted for his experience in trademark filing and prosecution proceedings (Global Leader Life Sciences - Patent Litigation 2022; National Leader IP - Patents 2022; IP - Trademarks 2022; Life Sciences 2022). Ursula In-Albon excels in IP and unfair competition law and focusses her top-notch practice on trademark development strategies and infringement cases (National Leader - IP - Trademarks 2022)."
    Singled out as "Most highly regarded": Bernard Volken – Troller Hitz Troller, Bern
  • IP Stars, Trade mark prosecution (Recommended Tier) as well as Trade mark contentious (Tier 2). Troller Hitz Troller is best known for its trade marks practice. The firm has a number of long-established IP lawyers for trade mark protection and disputes. Ursula In-Albon, Patrick Troller, Gallus Joller (…) are among the experienced senior soft IP lawyers in the firm. The partners are supported by a team of junior lawyers, including (…) former Nestlé IP counsel Hubert Doléac. Bernard Volken and a team of lawyers from FMP Fuhrer Marbach & Partners joined the firm in January 2022.
    Practitioners: Gallus Joller, Trade mark star 2022; Patrick Troller, Patent star 2022, Trade mark star 2022; Bernard Volken, Trade mark star 2022; Nicolas Bischoff, Rising star 2021 (erroneously still shown under FMP).

 

2021

  • World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - The World's Leading Trade Mark Professionals, Gold Band for Trademark Enforcement and Litigation as well as Trademark Prosecution and Strategy: “Troller Hitz Troller’s facility for trademark, copyright, competition, contract and business law makes it a persuasive one-stop shop (…). The highly specialised boutique has been perfecting its A-to-Z service since 1941 and has all the tools needed to help companies build and maintain distinctive brand identities on the market. Its success is due in no small part to the hard graft of Patrick Troller, who comes commended by peers as “a phenomenal opponent”; his revered standing in the IP community is abundantly clear. Gallus Joller is a veritable Swiss army knife of a practitioner: there is nothing he cannot handle, from global portfolio management to tricky Swissness questions and demanding contentious matters.”
  • Chambers Europe, Intellectual Property, Band 2: “ What the team is known for: Renowned boutique offering services in all major fields of IP, including patents, trade marks, design and copyright law. Also handles unfair competition matters. Strong expertise in the fields of IT and domain names, with further strength in trade mark portfolio management. Advises clients across Switzerland and internationally.
    Notable practitioners: Gallus Joller is well regarded in the market and offers experience in global trade mark portfolio management, including filing and prosecution matters. He also represents clients in unfair competition, copyright and design mandates. Patrick Troller offers profound expertise in patent and trade mark litigation, with further strength advising on copyright, design and unfair competition issues. One interviewee describes him as "highly qualified in patent matters with many years of experience." ”
  • Who's Who Legal, Trademarks: "Troller Hitz Troller is home to Gallus Joller, who is recognised for the breadth of his experience representing big-name clients in complex trademark disputes.
    Patrick Troller is a “really great” practitioner who is highlighted for his 40-plus of experience focussing on IP matters."
  • IP Stars, Trade mark prosecution (Highly Recommended Tier) as well as Trade mark contentious (Tier 2).

 

2020

  • World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - The World's Leading Trade Mark Professionals, Gold Band for Trademark Enforcement and Litigation as well as Trademark Prosecution and Strategy: “A group of highly qualified legal experts with a deep well of legal expertise and knowledge” reside at Troller Hitz Troller. Although it runs the gamut of brand protection services – and has done so since 1941 – the firm has carved out a niche in the luxury goods and food and beverage industries. Having built the storied unit from the ground up, Patrick Troller has earned more than the respect of his peers. “A star in the sky, he is an exceptional litigator. His analysis is thorough and you know you’re up for a fight when he is on the other side.” A driving force of the practice and “brilliant strategic thinker”, Gallus Joller is another dyed-in-the-wool enforcement specialist with a penchant for protecting non-traditional marks. He is also a first-class choice for global portfolio management.
  • Chambers Europe, Intellectual Property, Band 2: “ What the team is known for: Renowned boutique offering services in all major fields of IP, including patents, trade marks, design and copyright law. Also handles unfair competition matters. Strong expertise in the fields of IT and domain names, with further strength in trade mark portfolio management. Advises clients across Switzerland and internationally.
    Notable practitioners Gallus Joller is well regarded in the market and offers experience in global trade mark portfolio management, including filing and prosecution matters. He also represents clients in unfair competition, copyright and design mandates.
    Patrick Troller is noted by commentators for his long-standing experience in the IP market. He offers expertise in patent and trade market litigation, with further strength advising on copyright, design and unfair competition issues.”
  • Who’s Who Legal, Trademarks: "Gallus Joller of Troller Hitz Troller is an “excellent trademark attorney” with “enormous knowledge”. He wins glowing praise from peers who call him “the best” and “certainly one of the people I would always recommend”.
    Patrick Troller is “outstanding” and well known for his strong international practice and first-class work on trademark prosecutions.
    Ursula In-Albon is looked upon with enormous favour by market commentators thanks to her depth of experience in trademark and copyright law."
  • IP Stars, Trade mark prosecution (Highly Recommended Tier) as well as Trade mark contentious (Tier 2).

 

2019

  • World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - The World's Leading Trade Mark Professionals, Gold Band for Trademark Prosecution and Litigation: “Troller Hitz Troller is a “leading name on the landscape and has a great track record”. Since its establishment in 1941, the IP boutique has amassed a wealth of experience working across the contentious/non-contentious divide, especially in the luxury goods and watches industry. Founding member, Patrick Troller “has a longstanding practice and is extremely thorough – he is the sort of special lawyer you do not see every day”. He is an “outstanding” practitioner who is nimble in the courtroom and has mastered the art of worldwide filing requests. "Leading the new generation” of IP lawyers, Gallus Joller is “a practical team player and an astute thinker”. He is entrusted with global portfolio management and is a “go-to for great advice in substantial trademark disputes”. Luminary and former member of the Lucerne Bar Exam Commission, Martin Hitz has built up the practice to where it stands today.”
  • Chambers Europe, Intellectual Property, Band 1: “ What the team is known for: Renowned boutique offering services in all major fields of IP, including patents, trade marks, design and copyright law. Also handles unfair competition matters. Strong expertise in the fields of IT and domain names, with further strength in trade mark portfolio management. Advises clients across Switzerland, as well as on an international level.
    Strengths The firm is "very specialised in trade marks," sources state.
    Notable practitioners: One source lauds Gallus Joller as "a top-class lawyer: a true pleasure to work with." He is experienced handling litigation related to trade mark, unfair competition and advertising matters. He also assists with the management of trade mark portfolios. Patrick Troller is well-recognised for his longstanding experience in this sector, particularly with regards to trade mark and unfair competition matters. He also handles work related to patents, copyright and design.”
  • Legal500, Intellectual Property, 2nd Tier: “Specialised IP firm Troller Hitz Troller handles trade mark, design, domain, copyright and unfair-competition disputes, as well as trade mark prosecution matters and advisory work regarding licence, acquisition and joint venture agreements. In 2018, Ursula In-Albon settled a long-running claim for several automotive clients against a supplier who was selling car parts under the clients' trade marks.”
    Ursula In-Albon was nominated as one of the "Leading Individuals".
  • IP Stars, Trade mark prosecution (Tier 1) as well as Trade mark contentious (Tier 2) and Patent contentious (other notable firms).

 

2018

  • World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - The World's Leading Trade Mark Professionals, Gold Band for Trademark Prosecution and Litigation: “Well-established IP shop Troller Hitz Troller has been executing assuredly on tricky contentious and non-contentious mandates since 1941. Its current team boasts a number of time-served trademark pros who come emphatically recommended for their razor-sharp understanding of intellectual assets and their industrious case-handling abilities. Dynamic professional Gallus Joller “is diligent and takes care of each matter proactively, making the client feel completely protected. He is a smart, concise thinker – exceedingly logical and well-educated”. Joller has a microscopic knowledge of key branding issues: his PhD thesis concerned risk of confusion and he has authored chapters on subjects such as relative grounds for refusal, well-known trademarks and coexistence agreements. One of the most revered soft IP attorneys in the country, his colleague Patrick Troller is a cultivated courtroom performer who “wins cases that others would lose”. Luminary Martin Hitz remains a font of wisdom at the firm.”
  • Chambers Europe, Intellectual Property, Band 1: “What the team is known for: Renowned boutique offering services in all major fields of IP, including patents, trade marks, design and copyright law. Strong expertise in the fields of IT and domain names, with further strengths in trade mark portfolio management. Advises clients across Switzerland as well as on an international level. Active in a range of sectors including food and beverages, life sciences and luxury goods.
    Notable practitioners: Highlighted by peers for having a key presence in the market, Patrick Troller advises on global trade mark filings and prosecutions. He also assists clients with copyright and design law, with additional expertise in handling unfair competition matters within the IP field. Gallus Joller has strong expertise in trade marks according to one market commentator. He also advises on IT matters, such as domain names, as well as advertising and licence agreements.”
  • Legal500, Intellectual Property, 2nd Tier: “Troller Hitz Troller is a boutique firm based in Luzern and Bern. It handles the filing and administration of trade marks and designs, IP searches, monitoring and licence agreements. Patrick Troller is recommended.”

 

2017

  • World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - The World's Leading Trade Mark Professionals, Gold Band for Trademark Prosecution and Litigation: “The oldest boutique in Switzerland, Troller Hitz Troller celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2016. As home to some of the country’s best trademark professionals, it has the “expertise to match its high reputation”. Eight of its 13 attorneys at law are partners, who work on both prosecution and enforcement, giving them a panoramic perspective. The firm distinguished itself in the famous Nespresso wars and remains at the vanguard of complex disputes involving cutting-edge issues such as 3D and colour trademarks. “Excellent specialist trademark lawyer” Gallus Joller is a “smart, concise thinker and the leader of the new generation at this well-established firm”; he is an authority on likelihood of confusion issues. German, English, French and Italian speaker Patrick Troller continues to “deeply impress” fellow professionals with his contentious nous. A veteran of the IP scene, Martin Hitz has been a rainmaker at the firm since the 1970s.”
  • Chambers Europe, Intellectual Property, Band 1: “What the team is known for: Well-established and widely respected boutique offering services in all major fields of IP, including patents, trade marks, design and copyright law. Strong expertise in the fields of IT and domain names. Advises clients across Switzerland as well as on an international level. Active in a range of sectors including food and beverages, life sciences and luxury goods.
    Notable practitioners:  Patrick Troller retains a strong reputation in the Swiss IP market. He focuses on patents in the pharmaceuticals and life sciences sector as well as on trade mark law. Gallus Joller is described by commentators as "a very important person and a good attorney." His principal focus is trade mark filing and litigation. He additionally advises on copyright and design rights.
  • Who’s Who Legal, Trademarks: “TROLLER HITZ TROLLER is one of Switzerland’s leading law firms in intellectual property law and features two impressive names in this year’s research. Patrick Troller is one of the top trademark lawyers in the country, with deep expertise across filing, prosecution and competition issues. Sources note him as “one of the people you find on big litigations”. Gallus Joller is considered to be “very smart” and “really good in trademarks”, according to commentators. He focuses on the intersection of competition and IP law, advising and representing clients in relation to the protection of their trademarks and designs.”
  • Legal500, Intellectual Property, 2nd Tier: “Lucerne-based Troller Hitz Troller has a well-established IP prosecution and dispute resolution practice. Patrick Troller is highly regarded for patent and trade mark matters and Gallus Joller is particularly recommended for trade mark litigation.”
  • IAM Patent 1000 - The World's Leading Patent Professionals: “One-stop shopping is the order of the day at Troller Hitz Troller, whose cradle-to-grave offering has all facets of intellectual property on lock. Seamless coordination between its two offices in Bern and Lucerne and a broad network of foreign associates only serve to sweeten the deal for its prestigious clientele. “A first-class litigator”, Patrick Troller is the beating heart of the firm’s robust enforcement division. The silver-tongued advocate knows how to win round even the most sceptical judges.“

 

2016

  • World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - The World's Leading Trade Mark Professionals, Gold Band for Trademark Prosecution and Litigation: “The “well-established” Troller Hitz Troller has a long shadow on the Swiss IP landscape since it opened its doors in 1941. (…) it remains a ubiquitous presence in the markets seminal matters and maintains a glittering client roster. Playing no small part in its success in the “really outstanding” and “unswervingly reliable” Patrick Troller, who “provides first-class IP services and has profound knowledge of the law and how to apply it in the best interests of his clients.” An “expert in confusingly similar trademarks”, Gallus Joller has been especially active in the Nespresso wars. Both individuals excel across the trademark spectrum. Finally, elder statesman Martin Hitz joined the firm back in 1970 and has been a magnet for global instructions ever since.”
  • Chambers Europe, Intellectual Property, Band 1: What the team is known for: Well-established and widely respected boutique firm offering services in all major fields of IP, including patents, trade marks, design and copyright law. Strong expertise in the fields of information technology and domain names. Advises clients across Switzerland as well as on an international level.
    Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients) "The team gave us very good, clear, commercial advice at a relatively reasonable price." "Troller Hitz Troller is, of course, a good household name in IP."
    Notable practitioners: Patrick Troller maintains his reputation as a highly prominent figure in the IP market. Sources recommend him for his "highly technical" skills and single him out as "certainly one of the big names, and a great practitioner." He gains particular recognition for his strength in trade mark opposition proceedings and patent litigation. Gallus Joller moves up the rankings, having received excellent feedback from interviewees as a "brilliant and highly recommendable" practitioner. He is praised for his commercial approach and his specialist knowledge of trade mark law.”
  • Legal500, Intellectual Property, 2nd Tier: “Lucerne-based Troller Hitz Troller has a well-established IP disputes practice. Patrick Troller enjoys a very good reputation for patent litigation, as does Gallus Joller for contentious trade mark issues.”

 

2015

  • World Trademark Review (WTR) 1000 - The World's Leading Trade Mark Professionals, Gold Band for Trademark Prosecution and Litigation: “Gold ranked for both prosecution and litigation, redoubtable boutique Troller Hitz Troller provides a top-flight service to rights holders of all stripes. The gilt-edged team has acted for both Lego and Nespresso in disputes, showcasing its facility for presenting persuasive, game-ending arguments. A stalwart of the IP scene for almost half a century, the “fantastic” Martin Hitz earns abundant recommendations from peers. (…) Fellow founding member Patrick Troller is “extremely sharp. He is a tough opponent; tremendously experienced, he has a brilliant mind”. A leader of the next generation of trademark stars, Gallus Joller is “a truly fantastic guy and very committed to his work”. He is a go-to source for advice on non-traditional marks and trade dress.”
  • Chambers Europe, Intellectual Property, Band 1: What the team is known for: Distinguished IP boutique with offices across Bern, Lausanne and Lucerne and visibility on international mandates. Offers expert advice on patent, copyright, trade marks and design law. Also adept at handling IT matters, worldwide trade mark and design filings, development of trade mark strategies and licensing agreements.
    Strengths: (Quotes mainly from clients) "This is a very strong IP firm; the lawyers are very knowledgeable and very easy to work with.”
    Notable practitioners: Commentators are quick to highlight Patrick Troller as a prominent and respected adviser in this area. Sources confirm he is a “very distinguished IP practitioner”. Gallus Joller is singled out for his knowledge of trade mark matters and is described as a “very good, young practitioner.”
  • Legal500, Intellectual Property, 2nd Tier: “Lucerne-based Troller Hitz Troller has a well-established IP disputes practice. Patrick Troller enjoys a very good reputation for patent litigation, as does Gallus Joller for contentious trade mark issues.”