Dr Katharina Schmid

Dr Katharina Schmid is the owner and principal attorney-at-law (Rechtsanwältin) of schmid-ip, a specialist intellectual property law firm based in Vienna, Austria. The firm has been named Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in Austria at the Corporate INTL Global Awards 2026, a recognition that reflects Dr Schmid’s focused dedication to protecting the intellectual property rights of her clients across Austria and internationally.

A dedicated intellectual property boutique in Vienna

schmid-ip is a boutique practice built entirely around intellectual property, an approach that allows Dr Schmid to offer clients concentrated expertise rather than the generalist service of a full-line firm. Operating under the memorable tagline “Surfin’ IP law. As easy.”, the firm sets out to make the often complex world of intellectual property protection accessible and navigable for its clients. The practice serves clients in both German and English, reflecting the international character of trademark and IP work and the cross-border needs of the businesses it advises.

The firm operates as a lean, close-knit team. Alongside Dr Schmid as founder and owner, the practice includes trademark specialists who support the firm’s filing and portfolio work, giving clients direct and personal access to senior expertise on every matter. The firm has confirmed that it is relocating to new premises at Museumstraße 5/19, 1070 Vienna, keeping the practice at the heart of the Austrian capital.

Trademark and intellectual property expertise

Dr Schmid’s work centres on the protection of intellectual property, with a particular emphasis on trademark matters. In Austria, as across the European Union, a well-managed intellectual property portfolio is a core commercial asset, and the strategic protection of brands, signs and creative output is essential to businesses seeking to build and defend market position. Trademark protection in the Austrian and EU context typically involves the selection and clearance of marks, national filings before the Austrian Patent Office, European Union trade mark applications through the EUIPO, and international registrations under the Madrid System. Dr Schmid guides clients through this framework, developing what the firm describes as intelligent protection strategies tailored to each client’s commercial objectives.

Beyond registration, an effective IP practice must also address enforcement and the defence of rights, including opposition proceedings, monitoring, and the management of disputes where third parties encroach on protected marks. A boutique structure of this kind is well suited to advising owners of brand portfolios, creative businesses and enterprises for whom intellectual property is central to value.

Recognition and reputation

The quality of the practice has attracted external recognition. schmid-ip has been noted in the World Trademark Review 1000 rankings, a respected international guide to trademark practitioners and firms, and the firm has also received a 2025 Global 100 award and a 2024 GLE award. The addition of the Corporate INTL Global Awards 2026 title for Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in Austria further underlines the standing that Dr Schmid has built as a specialist adviser in her field.

To broaden the range of services available to clients beyond its core IP focus, the firm maintains a cooperative relationship with a wider Austrian legal practice, allowing it to draw on additional resources where a matter calls for support outside pure intellectual property work.

Corporate INTL Global Awards 2026

The Corporate INTL Global Awards 2026 — Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year in Austria recognises schmid-ip and Dr Katharina Schmid for the firm’s specialist contribution to intellectual property law in the Austrian market. For businesses seeking a focused, personal and internationally minded partner for the protection of their trademarks and intellectual property in Austria, schmid-ip offers a boutique practice led by an experienced attorney-at-law with a clear commitment to the field.