Claire Leonelli

With over 20 years of experience, Claire is a recognized advisor and litigator in intellectual property, information technology, data, and commercial law. She advises international corporations, SMEs, and public institutions, offering strategic and pragmatic legal solutions and training tailored to their business needs. Claire is known for her ability to navigate complex matters with a creative, solution-oriented approach, particularly in high-stakes negotiations, dispute resolution and innovative tech-driven projects. She has been consistently ranked in major legal directories for over a decade (including The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, WTR 1000). Claire is a member of AIPPI Luxembourg and ECTA and a former lecturer on IP and IT law at the University of Luxembourg.

Professional Background

• Attorney registered with the Luxembourg Bar
• 20+ years of experience, including partnership in a reputable Luxembourg law firm before cofounding /c law in 2016
• Dual expertise in both advisory and litigation, allowing her to handle complex cases from strategy to dispute resolution
• Advises international blue chip clients and institutions, local companies, SME’s and public entities
• Postgraduate in IP Law from Paris II-Assas University and in European Law from Paris I-Sorbonne University

• • Fluent in French and English

Expertise

• Intellectual Property
• Strong expertise in strategic protection and management of intangible assets, including IP portfolio audits and rights structuring
• Advises on complex copyright matters, particularly in digitalization projects and emerging technologies
• Assists with complex contractual IP issues, including licensing, co-existence agreements, rights transfers, and technology transfer contracts

• • Key contact for Trademark Desk and IP Screening

• Information Technology (IT), Digital & Tech
• Strategic guidance and risk management for complex IT contracts, particularly in exiting high-risk projects
• Expertise in IT litigation, handling software infringement, contractual breaches and payment recovery
• Supports companies in ensuring compliance for digital platforms, e-commerce, and emerging technologies

• • Key contact for OSS Impact Audit

• Data Protection (personal data, trade secrets, data governance, AI)
• Pragmatic and business-driven approach to GDPR compliance, especially to meet SMEs needs
• Expertise in trade secret protection, managing information leaks, and implementing security strategies for sensitive data
• Advises on data governance and AI regulations, including legal implications of algorithmic models and upcoming legislative frameworks

• • Key contact for GDPR Light and IP Screening

• Distribution, Commercial Practices, Advertising, E-commerce
• Structuring and negotiation of distribution, agency, and franchise agreements, with a focus on adapting to regulatory changes
• Advises on advertising and digital marketing law, including sponsorship and influencer agreements
• Supports businesses in ensuring compliance with online commercial practices, including platform regulations and e-commerce obligations

• • Key contact for Legal Kick-Start Package

• Press Law, Image Rights, Media
• Advises on contractual and regulatory issues related to advertising, publishing and image rights
• Handles litigation in defamation and unauthorized use of image rights

Professional Involvement

• Member of AIPPI Luxembourg and ECTA
•  Former lecturer in IP and IT law at the University of Luxembourg
• Frequently speaks at industry conferences and contributes to publications on IP, IT, and data law

Rankings, recognition and client testimonials

• Consistently ranked in The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, WTR 1000, and Managing Intellectual Property (IP Star) for over a decade
• Recognized for her strategic and innovative approach in both advisory and litigation matters
• Clients describe her as pragmatic, solution-oriented, and highly responsive, known for her clear, actionable advice in high-stakes negotiations and dispute resolution