Life Sciences and Healthcare

Our special focus in the Life Sciences and Healthcare sectors means that we know the industry, not just the laws.

Because we understand the unique challenges in this competitive and evolving business, we can help you make the most of opportunities in the Czech and Slovak markets.

Leading multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and medical device producers have relied on our services when accessing the Czech and Slovak markets.

We have been selected as the only Czech member of the Conférence Bleue, the most prestigious European network of independent firms specialized in pharmaceutical and health law acclaimed by Chambers and Partners as Band 1 – the highest – in Life Sciences.

We have advised our clients on all aspects of Life Sciences and Healthcare, including:

• Pharmaceutical Law
• National Drug Regulatory Affairs (registration, pricing and reimbursement)
• European Drug Regulatory Affairs
• EU Legislation (free movement of goods, competition and distribution law)
• Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Mergers & Acquisitions of Pharmaceutical Businesses
• Product Liability
• Advertising Regulation
• Healthcare Law
• Industrial & Intellectual Property (e.g. Patents)
• Food Supplement Law

Our lawyers have successfully advised leading multinational pharmaceutical producers on:

• Entering the Czech and Slovak markets including negotiations with health insurers
• Proceedings before Czech and Slovak regulators on setting maximum prices and reimbursement and representing in the resulting court cases
• Setting up their distribution networks in Czechia and Slovakia
• Czech and Slovak advertising regulation
• Setting up rebate schemes in Czechia and Slovakia
• Setting up stock management schemes and direct-to-pharmacy distribution models
• Parallel trade in pharmaceutical products in Czechia and Slovakia
• Confidentiality of unit prices
• Public tenders
• Unfair competition disputes
• Antitrust issues particular to the pharmaceutical sector (abuse of dominance, verticals, parallel trade)
• Orphan drugs regulation

Our lawyers have successfully advised leading multinational medical devices producers on:

• Entering the Czech and Slovak markets
• Setting up their distribution networks in Czechia and Slovakia
• Reimbursement issues
• Rebate schemes

We have also successfully advised:

• Pharmacies in unfair competition disputes with Czech regional governments regarding additional payment ("doplatky")
• Private hospitals in unfair competition disputes
• Private hospitals in state aid cases
• Public hospitals in disputes with health insurers about reimbursement of health care

Automotive

Deep industry knowledge and our experience advising the world’s leading automotive companies makes us perfectly placed to help you navigate the legal challenges involved in meeting your strategic objectives in the automotive sector.

We have worked with the world's leading car and truck manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers and distributors (OEMs) and producers of engines and fuels.

We handle all areas related to the automotive industry, including:

• Antitrust investigations and litigation
• Corporate matters, joint ventures and financial transactions
• Data system privacy
• Environmental compliance, enforcement and rulemaking proceedings
• Distribution relationships
• Intellectual property and trade secrets
• Litigation
• Product safety, recalls, and liability issues

Our lawyers have successfully advised:

• Several automobile manufacturers on drafting their distribution agreements and negotiating relationships in the distribution chain
• A leading automobile manufacturer on exports to North Korea
• A leading automobile manufacturer on setting up a company for leading automotive manufacturer in United Arab Emirates
• A Korean international company in providing work permits and long-term visas for foreign workers, including employee foreign assignments
• A leading Czech company specializing in metal parts and surface finishing in the automotive industry on a merger

Real Estate

We have spent years gathering experience in this business, and we bring all our expertise to bear in our work for you.

Our clients value our transactional approach focused on closing deals and achieving their goals.

From smaller deals to multi-million projects, from land planning to handing the keys over to end users, from residential projects to industrial complexes, we have the perfect legal solution for you.

We handle all areas related to Real Estate law, including:

• Acquisitions and disposals
• Sale and leasebacks
• Representing commercial landlords and tenants
• Environment
• Construction
• Dispute resolution
• Lease renewals
• Financing
• Joint ventures
• Equity participation
• Development agreements

Our lawyers have successfully advised clients such as:

• A major Czech developer in the process of acquisition and financing of a large industrial complex in Prague Holesovice
• A major Czech developer on acquisition of real estate in Prague Karlin
• A major Czech developer on the permit process for a multipurpose building with a value over CZK 1 billion
• A major Czech developer on restructuring a real estate structure including several mergers and spin-offs
• A Chinese investor on the planned acquistion of a hotel in Brno
• A foreign investment fund on its sale of a major real-estate portfolio in Czechia
• A leading international construction company in its arbitration with investors
• A leading Czech company on construction of a multipurpose centre
• UK investors on real estate acquisitions in Central Bohemia

Telecommunications and Internet

Our telecommunication clients come to us for our deep knowledge of the sector and our lawyers’ broad range of legal services.

This includes legal advisory on a 1.6 billion Euro telecommunications transaction and many other related services, such as contracts on delivery, implementation and maintenance of software, System Integration Agreements and End-User License Agreements.

Our Internet clients value our practical approach and deep industry knowledge obtained from providing complex services to leading e-shops in areas such as fashion, sports goods, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

We cover all areas of Telecommunications and Internet law, including:

• Systems Integration Agreements
• Software Deployment Agreements
• Data and Information Provision
• Software Licensing
• Cloud Computing
• Distribution and Reseller Contracts
• Joint Ventures
• IT Systems Development Agreements
• End-User License Agreements
• E-shop Terms and Conditions

Our lawyers have successfully advised:

• A leading Czech IT company on an IT Systems Development Agreement with a prominent Danish telecom company
• A leading Czech IT company on an IT Systems Development Agreement and Systems Integration Agreement with a prominent Latvian telecom company
• A leading Czech IT company on Data Code Escrow Agreements with UK and Danish Escrow providers
• A leading Czech IT company on its Reseller Agreement with a Finnish reseller
• A leading Czech IT company on its Reseller Agreement with a Slovak reseller
• A multinational company on its purchase of a major Czech telecommunication service provider
• A multinational company on its acquisitions of leading Czech IT services companies
• A prominent Czech IT company on a spin-off with the creation of a new company
• A multinational company on its sale of a major Czech company operating in broadcasting, telecommunication and ICT services

Industry

Our clients have benefited from our pragmatic, goal-oriented approach and practical industry knowledge.

We are honored to be trusted advisors to leading multinational industrial clients such as a major Norwegian paint manufacturer, Czech car manufacturer and US bicycle manufacturer.

We cover all areas of Industrial Law, including:

• Antitrust/Competition Law
• Banking
• Employment
• Dispute resolution
• Environmental
• Finance
• Intellectual property
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Product liability

Our lawyers have successfully provided legal services to clients such as:

• A leading international paint manufacturer in contract law
• International pharmaceutical producers on entering the Czech and Slovak markets including setting up distribution relationships
• International and Czech clients including producers of electrical parts, jewelry and IT components regarding supplier-customer relations, sales, distribution and other contractual relations
• A major automaker on its distribution contracts and parts supply contracts
• A multinational candy producer when setting up a distribution network in the Czech Republic
• A leading German industrial group on factoring
• The Singapore Sovereign Fund on regulation of foreign investments in Czechia
• A leading international aircraft manufacturer on the Military Material Act and the Act on Dual Use
• A major automotive manufacturer on exports to North Korea
• A major automotive manufacturer on setting up a company in the United Arab Emirates
• A leading iron wire producer on various issues including international contracts and product liability

Polish Clients

Polish clients and Polish advisors often seek us out as their preferred Czech legal partner.

We provide a wide range of legal and administrative advisory services in Polish.

Our firm’s wide-ranging experience on the Polish market, knowledge of the Polish environment and Polish-speaking lawyers and support staff make us the ideal choice for helping our Polish clients meet their goals.

We cover all areas important to Polish clients, from comprehensive legal services to simple, day-to-day administrative support.

Our lawyers have successfully represented:

• Numerous major Polish companies on entering the Czech market and continuing with subsequent complex legal advisory services
• A major chemical company during its integration into its Polish parent concern
• A major Polish electronic device manufacturer in its public tender participation
• A leading American bicycle manufacturer in establishing a Polish distribution network
• A leading Polish fashion brand when entering the Czech market followed by complex legal advisory services
• Numerous Polish clients in their disputes with the Czech Customs Office
• A major Polish pharmaceutical company upon entering the Czech market

Private Clients

Our private clients value our individualized approach favoring bespoke solutions designed just for them.

Our expertise and dedication to our clients make our firm the partner of choice for multiple intermediaries throughout the wealth management industry, as well as for private banks, law firms, and trust entities worldwide, for their private clients’ Czech and Slovak needs.

We also work with many other firms around the world specializing in private clients, so we can also secure similar services in other countries as needed.

We handle all areas important to private clients, including:

• Personal property management
• Investments
• Trusts
• Family law
• Inheritance law
• Representation in litigation, arbitration or other types of proceedings (including criminal and administrative proceedings – misdemeanors, traffic accidents, etc.)

Our lawyers have successfully provided legal services to:

• Numerous private clients after the sale of their core business
• Numerous private clients in managing their private property
• Private clients in establishing and managing trusts in Czechia and other countries
• A Canadian client in securing custody and an inheritance settlement for her family member in Czechia
• A Czech owner of a wire factory on a pre-nuptial contract

Administrative Law

Administrative Law is one of our key practice areas. You will benefit from our vast expertise acquired by representing multinational and national clients before Czech, Slovak and EU administrative authorities and courts.

We handle all areas related to Administrative Law, including:

• All administrative proceedings before Czech and Slovak authorities
• Court proceedings before Czech and Slovak courts
• Proceedings before the EU Commission and European Court of Justice

Our lawyers have successfully represented:

• A major Japanese corporation before Czech and Slovak competition authorities, courts and ensuing proceedings before the Court of Justice of the EU
• A leading Korean corporation before Czech and Slovak competition authorities
• Several international pharmaceutical companies before Czech and Slovak regulatory authorities and courts
• Australian mining companies before the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade and Czech courts
• Renowned Czech expert advisors before the Czech Ministry of Justice and Czech courts

Antitrust/Competition

Our clients appreciate our vast experience in competition law. Our lawyers have successfully represented large multinational and local companies before Czech and Slovak competition authorities and courts and the EU Commission and Court of Justice.

We handle all areas related to Competition Law, including:

• Proceedings before Czech and Slovak competition authorities regarding cartels, dominance, concentrations and state aid;
• Antitrust proceedings before Czech and Slovak courts;
• Proceedings before the EU Commission and Court of Justice;
• Related legal advice.

Our lawyers have successfully provided legal services to:

• A prominent Japanese electronics manufacturer before the Czech and Slovak competition authorities and courts and the Court of Justice of the EU in relation to an international cartel
• A leading Korean electronics producer in connection with an international cartel investigation by the Czech and Slovak competition authorities
• Several major international pharmaceutical companies regarding cartels, abuse of dominance, rebates and distribution agreements
• A major Russian metallurgical company before the Slovak Competition Authority in relation to its acquisition of an Austrian company

Contract and International Trade

We can advise you on all types of contracts to support your day-to-day and strategic business needs with specialist expertise across all sectors and related regulatory regimes.

International trade takes place against a complex framework of international and domestic law and we help you to effectively navigate within this framework to achieve your business goals.

Governmental decisions and political change have a heavy impact on this legal framework, and so we will help you to understand and adapt to these changes, to make the most of new opportunities and to manage the impact on international trade of your goods and services.

We handle all areas related to Commercial Law and International Trade, including:

• Logistics
• Agency
• Distribution
• Sales and marketing
• Manufacturing
• Franchising
• Outsourcing and offshoring
• E-commerce
• Licensing
• Advertising and sales promotion
• WTO law
• Anti-dumping
• Safeguards
• Trade barrier regulations
• Customs and rules of origin
• Export controls
• Preferential trade arrangements
• International trade and investment agreements

Our lawyers have successfully provided legal services to:

• A prominent international paint manufacturer in contract law
• Leading international pharmaceutical producers on entering the Czech and Slovak markets including setting up distribution relations
• International and Czech clients including producers of electrical parts, jewelry and IT components regarding supplier-customer relations, sales, distribution and other contractual relations
• A major automaker on its distribution contracts and parts supply contracts
• A multinational candy producer when setting up a distribution network in the Czech Republic
• A major German industrial group on factoring
• Singapore Sovereign Fund on regulation of foreign investments in Czechia
• A prominent international aircraft manufacturer on the Military Material Act and on the Act on Dual Use
• A leading automotive manufacturer on exports to North Korea
• Setting up a company for a leading automotive manufacturer in the United Arab Emirates

Construction and Real Estate

We have spent years gathering experience in this business, and we bring all our expertise to bear in our work for you.

Our clients value our transactional approach focused on closing the deal and achieving their goals.

From smaller deals to multi-million projects, from land planning to handing the keys to final users, from residential projects to industrial complexes, we have the perfect legal solution for you.

We handle all areas related to Construction and Real Estate law, including:

• Acquisitions and disposals
• Sale and leasebacks
• Representing commercial landlords and tenants
• Environment
• Construction
• Dispute resolution
• Lease renewals
• Financing
• Joint ventures
• Equity participation
• Development agreements

Our lawyers have successfully advised:

• A leading Czech developer in the process of acquisition and financing of a large industrial complex in Prague Holesovice
• A leading Czech developer on acquisition of real estate in Prague Karlin
• A leading Czech developer on the permission process for a multipurpose building with a value of over CZK 1 billion
• A leading Czech developer on restructuring a real estate structure including several mergers and spin-offs
• A Chinese investor on the planned acquistion of a hotel in Brno
• A foreign investment fund on its sale of a large real-estate portfolio in Czechia
• A major international construction company in its arbitration with investors
• A prominent Czech company on construction of a multipurpose centre
• UK investors on real estate acquisitions in Central Bohemia

Employment

We know that employment issues are extremely important for your business. That is why we have a dedicated legal team for labor law, providing clients with practical solutions backed by experience.

We handle all areas related to Labor Law, including:

• General labor law advice when concluding employment contracts, termination of employment, and review of internal documents and regulations
• Setting up labor law relationships, corporate remuneration and benefits
• Termination of labor relations with employees and commercial law relations with statutory representatives of companies, including preparing settlement agreements
• Social security advice in connection with employing foreign workers or sending national workers abroad
• Advice on the transfer of personal data within a group of companies
• Advice on collective redundancies and communication with the Labor Office
• Representing clients during inspections by Labor Offices and Labor Inspectorates
• Preparing and setting up a company's pay-as-you-go structure
• Preparation and development of management contracts, including termination of working relations with top management
• Preparation and drafting of contracts for performance of the office of statutory bodies

Our lawyers have successfully advised:

• A Norwegian multinational company with termination of employment for senior management;
• A German multinational company with termination of employment for senior management;
• Several Czech and foreign companies on implementation of GDPR
• Several Czech and foreign companies on termination of employment for employees and senior management, including preparation of legal opinions and court submissions
• A British multinational company on optimization of its employee structure

EU Law

Our tight focus on EU law puts you at a distinct advantage. By invoking EU law and its precedence over national law, we can win cases for our clients that would have been lost if litigated solely under Czech and Slovak law.

We handle all areas related to EU Law, including:

• Antitrust
• State Aid
• Public Procurement
• Distribution relations
• Single market rights of free movement and their limitations
• Specific EU regulation of individual industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices or the automotive industry

Our lawyers have successfully advised:

• Several international pharmaceutical producers on handling their distribution including drafting distribution agreements
• Several international medical device manufacturers on handling their distribution including drafting distribution agreements
• Several international pharmaceutical producers on drafting their rebate agreements
• Several automobile manufacturers on drafting their distribution agreements and negotiating relationships in the distribution chain
• A leading Japanese electronics manufacturer in its proceedings before the Czech and Slovak competition authorities and courts and before the Court of Justice of the European Union, all in relation to an international cartel
• A leading Korean electronics manufacturer in connection with an international cartel investigation by the Czech and Slovak competition authorities

Litigation and Arbitration

Litigation and Arbitration are a key practice area for our firm. We have helped many clients land major victories and financial payouts, and have successfully defended other clients as defendants.

We handle all areas related to Litigation and Arbitration, including:

• All court proceedings before Czech and Slovak courts
• Proceedings before the European Court of Justice
• Arbitration proceedings

Our lawyers have successfully represented:

• A large Japanese corporation before Czech and Slovak competition authorities, courts and ensuing proceedings before the European Court of Justice
• Several international pharmaceutical companies before Czech and Slovak regulatory authorities and courts
• An Australian mining company before the Czech Ministry of Industry and Czech courts
• Pharmacy owners against Czech regional governments in unfair competition disputes
• A major Czech developer in a dispute with a construction company
• A leading Czech bank in several disputes relating to assumed receivables from another bank
• A leading international construction company in arbitration dispute with the investor
• A prominent Czech travel agency with another travel agency in an unfair competition dispute
• Czech clients in disputes with environmental authorities

Mergers & Acquisitions

We provide premium legal services in Mergers and Acquisitions. Our lawyers have extensive experience with both share and asset deals.

We handle all areas related to Mergers and Acquisitions, including:

• Consultancy on transaction structuring
• Due diligence and comprehensive guidance through the due diligence process;
• Preparation of all key documents including confidentiality and exclusivity agreements, memorandums of understanding and non-binding offers and preparation and negotiation of acquisition contracts, as well as the implementation of all corporate or other formalities until the transaction is complete.
• Preparation and negotiation of financing documents

Our lawyers have successfully advised:

• A multinational computer and computer parts manufacturer on establishing a Czech company
• A leading real estate developer on corporate restructuring, including a number of mergers and changes in the legal forms of companies
• A global airline on the planned acquisition of a Czech national carrier in connection with their planned privatization
• Various foreign and Czech clients on buyers’ or vendors’ corporate audits
• Various foreign and Czech clients on increase and decrease of registered capital, additional payments outside of registered capital, preparation of contractual documentation for the acquisition of assets within the group and their valuation, revision and modification of corporate documents (articles of association, memorandum of association), establishment and liquidation of companies and branch offices
• A multinational company on its purchase of a major Czech telecommunication service provider
• A prominent European logistics company on its acquisition and financing of a Czech truck transport company
• A multinational company on its acquisitions of Czech IT services companies
• A multinational company on spin-off of an undertaking specializing in the construction and reconstruction of fuel depots, pipelines and terminals for fuel reception and delivery
• A leading Czech company on a merger of companies specializing in the production of technical textiles from polypropylene fibers for ships and climbing ropes
• A leading Czech company on merger of the undertakings specializing in metal parts and surface finishing in the automotive industry
• A major Czech IT company on a spin-off with the creation of a new company
• A prominent Czech logistics company on its acquisition of a competitor
• A multinational company on its sale of a leading Czech company operating in broadcasting, telecommunication and ICT services

Public Procurement

Public procurement has always been an important part of our legal practice. Our extensive experience in this area means we can give you high-quality, practical advice on all aspects of public procurement.

We handle all areas related to public procurement, including:

• Organization of public tenders
• Assisting clients in preparing bids
• Filing objections to the contracting authority
• Filing complaints with the Czech Office for the Protection of Economic Competition and the ensuing appeals and court proceedings
• Unfair competition cases related to public procurement

Our lawyers have successfully advised:

• Several international pharmaceutical companies on their public tender participation
• Several international medical devices producers on their public tender participation
• A major Polish electronic devices producer on its public tender participation
• A German design studio on its public tender participation
• A leading Czech travel agency on numerous public tenders made by health insurance companies
• A major international utility company on its registration into the List of Qualified Suppliers
• A leading Czech provider of parking services on public tenders made by the Prague Airport

Insolvency law

Insolvency laws become a theme of these days. Governments and legislators alike want to alleviate the effects of the global financial crisis. In this environment of continual change, you need an experienced partner who can guide you through the relevant laws, regulations, and policies to achieve successful commercial outcomes for your business.

Our lawyers understand the issues you face. We regularly act for debtors, lenders and/or insolvency practitioners. We view your transactional matters from all angles. We can advise you on the local legal framework and guide you on how best to protect your interests.

Extensive knowledge sharing among our lawyers and globally cooperative legal partners means we keep you one step ahead of important industry changes.

Our legal advisory includes:

• Loan restructuring and refinancing
• Creditor advisory services
• Corporate restructuring
• Distressed and insolvency-related M&A
• Insolvency litigation
• Restructuring / insolvency plan proceedings
• Advice to managing directors on their duties in relation to potential insolvencies

Intellectual Property Law

Our lawyers protect and enforce companies’ most important assets—domestic and international IP rights spanning patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and trade secrets.

Our lawyers litigate and counsel on all aspects of IP for clients in key, economically vibrant industries where cutting-edge IP protection and brand integrity are critical, including technology, life sciences, medical device, consumer goods, food and beverage, fashion and luxury, and media.

Our knowledge and results across jurisdictions has earned us the reputation as a go-to firm handling complex, high-stakes cases, where the right to make or sell core products may be at risk.

We have advised our clients on all aspects of IP, including:

• Creating and setting license terms for copyrighted works and other intellectual property
• Ensuring compliance with open-source licenses
• Licensing and transfer of rights to software and databases
• Trademark, industrial design and patent research, registration and representation in related proceedings before the Czech Industrial Property Office, EUIPO and EPO
• Enforcement of intellectual property rights and litigation
• Advising Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on their responsibility for published content
• Protection of trade secrets

Our lawyers have successfully advised:

• An international pharmaceutical company in a dispute involving a supplementary protection certificate infringement
• A major Czech developer on setting up licensing agreements with the authors of an architectural design
• A major Czech ISP on compliance with article 17 of the Digital Single Market Directive
• A major Czech online retailer of sports equipment and clothes in an international dispute involving copyright and trademark infringement
• A major Czech IT company on the patent protection of their software solutions