Deep knowledge
Our standard is to provide the best possible advice and substantive solutions for your matter. We stay current through regular scientific publications and active participation in leading conferences and academic events.
Since 2005 · Vienna We let relationships grow.
We let relationships grow.
Step by step.
For us, a mandate often doesn't end when a legal matter is resolved — that's often when a relationship begins. We've worked with many clients for years, some since the firm was founded in 2005. From a first consultation grows trust, from trust a long-term partnership.
Dr. Bernhard Tonninger founded the firm — initially in a different configuration — in Vienna in 2005, with the standard that legal advice should be thought of in commercial, practical terms rather than formally and defensively. Mag. Clemens Schmied has been with the firm from day one — first as an associate, today as partner focused on family, succession and criminal law. Dr. Stefan Schermaier, whom Bernhard Tonninger has known since their shared years at Schönherr (1999–2003), joined as a partner in 2011. Mag. Dr. Markus Albrecht began his legal training at the firm in 2014 and has been a partner since 2026; Mag. Jan Gross joined the team in 2018. Today our core practice areas are intellectual property, copyright and unfair-competition law as well as corporate, commercial, real-estate and business law, including M&A.
Our connection to where we work matters: our office is at Rilkeplatz in Vienna's 4th district — right in the heart of the city, a short walk from Karlsplatz and the Naschmarkt, between the Vienna Commercial Court and the Supreme Court (OGH), both of which we can reach within ten minutes. That proximity isn't only practical — it stands for how we practise law: personal, accessible, with no filter layers between client and attorney.
What guides us
Four values. One promise.
Deep knowledge, strong networks, strategic acumen and growing together — the four dimensions that have shaped how we advise clients since 2005.
Strong networks
We've been a co-sponsor of the Heidelberger Wettbewerbstage since 2017 and are active in European IP networks. We also have a tightly knit national and international network of specialists across disciplines — and our clients benefit from it directly.
Strategic acumen
We don't just think in legal questions — we think in solutions, consequences and room to manoeuvre. We combine legal expertise with commercial understanding, tactical execution and long-term focus.
Growing together
Many of our mandates span years and even decades. Clients appreciate that we always put their commercial success first. We don't just provide legal advice — we help make strategic decisions with the long view in mind.
Recognition
Recognised by independent bodies.
National and international rankings and awards confirm year after year that the firm is among the leading boutiques in Austria in its core areas.
- Corporate INTL 2026Unfair Competition Law Firm of the Year — Austria
- DER STANDARD & Statista 2026TOP Law Firm Trademark & Unfair Competition Law
- JUVE Ranking 2025Ranked: IP / IT
- Global Law Experts 2025Unfair Competition Law Firm of the Year — Austria
- AI Awards 2025Leading Trademark Lawyers of the Year — Austria
- AI Awards 2024Leading Civil Litigation Lawyer of the Year — Austria
- JUVE Ranking 2023Ranked: IP / IT
- Corporate INTL 2022Unfair Competition Law Firm of the Year — Austria
- Corporate Insider 2017IT Law Firm of the Year — Austria
Ready to let a relationship grow?
In a short initial conversation we clarify whether and how we can help you best — free of charge and non-binding. On business days we respond quickly, within 24 hours at the latest.