ELZABURU obtains the Gold Position in Prosecution at WTR 1000

Seven professionals from the firm have been recognized in this year's edition. Madrid, January 29, 2026. – ELZABURU, a firm specializing in industrial and intellectual property, has been recognized with the Gold Position in Prosecution and the Silver Position in Litigation in the World Trademark Review 2026 directory, the international guide that distinguishes the most outstanding firms and professionals in brand strategy and management. Regarding the firm's professionals, the guide highlights Luis Baz with the Prosecution Gold award, as an expert in trademark prosecution, describing him as “a profound strategist with extensive experience in availability searches and global registrability assessments, which guarantees the protection of trademarks and ensures their development and growth.” It also highlights Miguel Ángel Medina, “who exercises absolute mastery in trademark law with a comprehensive commercial perspective,” and Javier Úbeda-Romero, whom it identifies as a leading figure in trademark prosecution; both are recognized in this year's edition with the Prosecution Silver award. The board also recognizes Carlos Morán, “the architect of dismantling counterfeiting networks with surgical precision,” and Enrique Armijo, “a litigator of formidable reputation who masters litigation thanks to his decades of experience,” with the Litigation Silver award. Cristina Arroyo receives the Prosecution Bronze award “for her understanding and ability to connect complex legal issues with broader business objectives, providing solutions that are legally sound and commercially astute.” And Fernando Ilardia is recognized with the Litigation Bronze award “for his ability to bring a rare combination of technical depth and pragmatism to brand strategy, as well as for his capacity to balance rigor with market realities.” WTR 100 highlights that “Elzaburu is undoubtedly the best intellectual property firm in Spain and the one that offers the most consistent level of excellence. What sets it apart is its comprehensive approach to intellectual property: it brings together under one roof legal, technical and strategic expertise, as well as a deep understanding of how intellectual property works in real business environments.”

ELZABURU has 35 professionals listed in the 18th edition of Best Lawyers in Spain

Madrid, November 13, 2025 – ELZABURU, a firm specializing in industrial and intellectual property, has achieved excellent results in the Best Lawyers in Spain awards, a professional recognition based on the consensus opinion of leading lawyers regarding the professional capabilities of their colleagues within the same geographic area and legal practice. With 35 lawyers and technical experts referenced and a total of 43 mentions, ELZABURU consolidates its position as the industrial and intellectual property firm with the most recognized professionals in this edition, thus reinforcing its leading position in the Spanish market. Regarding the individuals referenced in this year's edition, these are the ELZABURU professionals who appear in the ranking: Intellectual Property Law: Colm Ahern, Agustín Alguacil, Mónica Amores, Enrique Armijo, Cristina Arroyo, Luis Baz, Luis Beneyto, Catherine Bonzom, Ignacio Diez de Rivera Elzaburu, Alfonso Diez de Rivera Elzaburu, Cristina Espín, Mercedes García, Irene Gascón, Fernando Ilardia, Mabel Klimt, Xavier Lamíquiz, Miguel Ángel Medina, Carlos Morán, Tránsito Ruiz, Francisco J. Sáez, José Ignacio San Martín, Ruth Sánchez, Ana Sanz, Pedro Saturio, Rosa Torrecillas, Cristina Velasco and Manolo Mínguez. Litigation: Enrique Armijo, Alba Mª López, and Carlos Morán; Information Technology: Ruth Benito; Privacy & Data Protection: Ruth Benito; Technology Law: Ruth Benito; Communications Law: Mabel Klimt; Entertainment Law: Mabel Klimt; Competition: Carlos Morán. Regarding the Ones to Watch distinction, which recognizes lawyers in the early stages of their careers who have already demonstrated outstanding excellence in their legal practice, the recipients were: María Cadarso and Alberto Gallo in Litigation; and Inés de Casas, Sara Navarro, Paloma Querol, and, again, Alberto Gallo, in Intellectual Property. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, thorough, rational, and transparent survey process designed to obtain meaningful and substantive assessments of the quality of legal services. According to this organization, “the quality of a peer-review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.”

Strategies for registering and differentiating a wine brand in the international market

In the competitive world of wine, a brand represents much more than a name: it is a promise of quality, a story, and a bridge to consumers. However, registering and protecting a wine brand in international markets is not a simple administrative procedure. It is a comprehensive strategy that combines legality, identity and differentiation. 3 key aspects in international trademark registration 1. Trademark registration in strategic markets Using the Madrid System can simplify trademark protection in multiple countries. However, it's essential to note that some markets, such as the United States and China, have specific requirements and deadlines that may require additional action. 2. Protection of By-Products and Secondary Brands Many wineries have additional product lines, such as limited editions or premium wines, that require specific protection. Additionally, registering brand-related domain names helps prevent conflicts in the digital realm. 3. Protecting the Brand Narrative Wine brands are often built around stories related to family tradition, terroir, or production methods. These narratives should not only be part of branding, but also be protected through intellectual property rights. Building a differentiated brand identity: the key to avoiding market dilution Beyond legal protection, a brand must stand out visually and emotionally. This is especially relevant in the wine sector, where consumers often make decisions based on cultural, visual, and storytelling aspects. Design of distinctive labels. A unique label not only attracts consumers, but also provides protection against competitors who try to imitate the design. Brand narrative. Building your brand around stories related to the winery or vineyard allows you to create experiences and connect with consumers. These narratives must be reflected in the brand's visual identity: labeling, digital channels, wineries, etc. Strategies to avoid dilution. In highly competitive markets, such as Germany or the United Kingdom, there is a risk that a brand will lose its exclusivity. An original design and advertising campaigns that reinforce its unique character can prevent this problem. When choosing a name, remember to avoid generic or protected terms. Terms such as "Cava", "Prosecco" or "Chablis" are often protected as geographical indications. Even if they appear generic in one context, their use in a trademark may be prohibited if the necessary conditions are not met. You can read this other article about the main legal challenges of protecting wine trademarks abroad and how to address them. Ultimately, registering and marketing a wine brand in international markets is a challenge that goes beyond legality. It requires a strategic vision that combines legal protection, innovative design, and authentic storytelling. By doing so, you not only ensure the brand's expansion and protection against potential counterfeiting, but also strengthen its market position. Miguel Ángel Medina, Associate Partner in the Trademark Area

Elzaburu awarded double GOLD distinction in the WTR 1000 2025 ranking

Madrid, January 30, 2025 – Elzaburu has been recognized in the prestigious World Trademark Review 2025 ranking with the highest GOLD distinction in the categories of “Prosecution and Strategy” and “Enforcement and Litigation”, consolidating its position as one of the leading firms in the field of intellectual property. The WTR 1000 is a global ranking that annually recognizes the best firms and professionals in the field of trademarks and industrial property, based on an exhaustive analysis that includes the opinion of clients, experts and the evaluation of success stories. In its 2025 edition, WTR 1000 has described Elzaburu as “an undisputed leader in the field of intellectual property, with a team of specialists who perfectly master trademark provisions. The firm stands out for its excellence in litigation and strategic trademark management, in addition to having a solid track record in the fight against piracy and counterfeiting.” Likewise, seven of the firm’s professionals have also been individually recognised in this year’s ranking: “Prosecution and Strategy” category Luis Baz – GOLD Javier Úbeda-Romero and Miguel Ángel Medina – SILVER Cristina Arroyo – BRONZE “Enforcement and Litigation” category Enrique Armijo and Carlos Morán – SILVER Fernando Ilardia – BRONZE Among the distinguished lawyers, Luis Baz has stood out for his leadership in the area of ​​“Trademark Prosecution”, where he has more than 30 years of experience. Fernando Ilardia has been recognised for his specialisation in the management and protection of intellectual property portfolios of large multinationals, successfully representing clients before the OEPM and EUIPO. In the area of ​​litigation, Enrique Armijo and Carlos Morán have been singled out as experts in the resolution of unfair competition cases and highly complex international litigation. Finally, Miguel Ángel Medina, Cristina Arroyo and Javier Úbeda-Romero have also been recognised for their key contribution to the firm's growth and prestige. This recognition reinforces Elzaburu's position as a benchmark in the intellectual property sector, highlighting its commitment to the protection, defence and valuation of intangible assets.

3 legal challenges of protecting wine brands abroad and how to deal with them

Spanish wine has achieved a privileged place in international markets thanks to its quality and the richness of its tradition. However, taking a wine brand abroad is not limited to standing out for its organoleptic characteristics or an effective commercial strategy. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring legal protection of the brand in the face of the complexity of international regulations and competitors in the sector. The wine industry faces unique challenges in terms of intellectual property due to the importance of geographical indications, traditional appellations and strict labelling regulations. Ignoring these particularities can lead to costly legal conflicts and loss of prestige in the market. Specific legal challenges of registering wine trademarks 1. Geographical Indications and Denominations of Origin (DOP/PGI) DOP/PGI are key elements in the marketing of wine, as they guarantee the authenticity of the product to the consumer. Registering a trademark that refers to a protected geographical region, such as “Rioja” or “Champagne”, is strictly regulated. Any non-compliance could result in denial of registration or even penalties. 2. Traditional wine designations In many markets, terms such as “crianza”, “gran reserva” or “grand cru” are protected to preserve the cultural and quality link they represent. Its misuse may be considered an infringement, even if the term is common in the language of the target market. 3. Labeling Regulations Labels represent not only a distinctive visual element, but also a regulated source of information. In addition, the label design must comply with both trademark protection requirements and food and beverage labeling regulations. Health warnings, alcohol content and origin information must comply with local laws. How can you face these challenges and expand your wine brand in the international market? To effectively protect a wine brand, it is necessary to adopt a legal and preventive strategy. Some key actions include: Conducting prior research: This includes looking for potential conflicts with already registered trademarks and verifying that the trademark does not infringe rules on protected names in the target market. Ensure the originality of visual elements: Logos, labels and other distinctive features must be unique. A well-designed visual identity also makes it easier to defend against possible imitations. Obtain local legal advice: Each market has specific regulations. An intellectual property lawyer in the destination country can prevent unexpected problems. Ultimately, protecting a wine brand in foreign markets not only ensures its commercial success, but also preserves its legacy and authenticity. In such a competitive sector, a solid legal strategy can be the difference between sustained growth and legal conflicts. Investing in brand protection paves the way for smooth international expansion. Miguel Ángel Medina, Associate Partner in the Brands Area of ​​Elzaburu

Carlos Moran and Miguel Angel Medina named knights of the Order of the Champagne Coasts

At an event organised as part of the AIDV Annual Conference, 18 lawyers representing and defending the Champagne PDO around the world were awarded this honour MADRID, 31 October 2024.- Carlos Morán, Partner at Elzaburu, and Miguel Ángel Medina, Associate Partner, attended the annual conference organised by AIDV (Association Internationale des Juristes du Droit de la Vigne et du Vin) last week. This year, the conference focused specifically on aspects relating to trademarks and geographical indications. During the closing dinner of the conference, the two lawyers from Elzaburu, together with 16 other lawyers from different countries who represent and defend the Champagne Protected Designation of Origin around the world, were surprisingly awarded the Chevaliers de l'Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne on the proposal of the Comité Interprofesionel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), the equivalent of the Champagne PDO Regulatory Council, in recognition of their merits in defending the legal protection of the Champagne PDO. Charles Gomaere, Director General of the CIVC, participated in the ceremony, as well as other executives from the most important Champagne wineries in the world. The CIVC took advantage of the AIDV conference being held in the city of Reims to invite its lawyers around the world to an event that began with a visit to an interactive centre where they were shown aspects of the history, production and characteristics of Champagne PDO wines, followed by a meal and a visit to the CIVC offices and facilities. On Sunday 27th they visited the Henri Giraud winery and other facilities where they were explained how the Champagne DOP wine was made, as well as other experiences to obtain the best quality and performance for the DOP wines. For Carlos Morán and Miguel Ángel Medina, “this distinction is a great honour; the Champagne DOP is considered the flagship of geographical indications and is distinguished by working with the best and being the guide that paves the way for the protection of geographical indications worldwide.”

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"Towards a digital jurisdiction", debate at the Annual Marques Conference. Brands and institutions must adapt to meet new consumer expectations. Our Associate Partner Miguel Ángel Medina, member of the MARQUES Council, chaired a session in which the movements towards a digital jurisdiction were analyzed. In this panel, our partner Javier Fernández-Lasquetty spoke about how the growing digitalization of the economy has caused a gap between the “digital” problems suffered by #IP rights holders and the response of the courts of law. He described the evolution in this field and how, in practice, digital platforms have offered a quick and cheap, but imperfect solution. For this reason, he proposed the creation of a supranational system that rights holders can access to resolve disputes and that the decisions adopted are enforceable throughout the "digital territory." Leandro Toscano, Head of the Business Development Unit of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center in Switzerland, and Ricardo Pérez, from Kantar, also participated in the interesting debate.

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The associate partner of ELZABURU, Miguel Ángel Medina, contributes his experience in trademark protection, in a round table with various experts in the field of domain names. Source: Elzaburu. Barcelona Author/s: Miguel Ángel Medina González

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ELZABURU is pleased to invite you to a working breakfast where the main conflict resolution policies in the field of domain names will be discussed, as well as the best trademark protection procedures in relation to their use as a .es domain. The associate partner of ELZABURU, Miguel Ángel Medina, contributes his experience in trademark protection, in a round table with various experts in the field of domain names. Date: 23.10.2018/09/00 Hours 10:45 a.m. to 216:9 a.m. Place: ELZABURU. C/ Rosellón, XNUMX, XNUMXº, Barcelona. Source: Elzaburu. Barcelona Author/s: Miguel Ángel Medina González

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Miguel Ángel Medina, associate partner of Elzaburu, participates in the round table on GIs held within the framework of the annual MARQUES conference. Available at: https://www.worldipreview.com/news/marques-2018-the-scope-of- gi-protection-16680 Source: World Intellectual Property Review Author(s): Miguel Ángel Medina González [Show News]