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Summary
Co-managing partner, Maria specialises in offering tailored guidance on intellectual property matters to both local and international enterprises. In her capacity as an IP & ICT specialist, Maria has also represented various international brand owners and generic companies in their investment in Malta and with the corporate and tax department of the firm, she has worked on specific IP structuring plans offering trademark, patent, design, copyright, software, and new technologies protection. Maria's current main interest is the intersection of traditional laws with new technologies, including the impact of AI on traditional IP legislation and regulations and its effect of the artistic and inventor world.
Together with the corporate and tax departments, Maria plays a pivotal role in designing and implementing legal structures that safeguard and optimize the value of intellectual assets, particularly in the realm of software licensing and technology transfer, ensuring the protection of proprietary technologies and creations.
Maria also has a leading role in the Real Estate and Projects practice of the firm, providing personalized guidance to property investors looking to enter the Maltese market through diverse investment vehicles such as structured asset plans, private equity, real estate funds, SPVs, and trusts. Maria's engagements span various initiatives, including buy-to-let projects, commercial leasing businesses, and private rental plans.
Experience
Maria is the partner in charge of the firm's philanthropy & CSR arm. She works actively to match the firm's pro bono legal work with groups in need of assistance as well as matching clients and investors to meaningful causes and impactful projects.
Maria is a member of the Chamber of Advocates and the Society for Trusts & Estate Practitioners (STEP), is also a registered trademark and patent attorney and an approved European Patent Attorney (EPO). She is a consistent contributor to IP, ICT and real estate focused publications, offering a Malta legal perspective on her practise and various industries. Engaging actively in her fields of expertise, she regularly speaks at conferences, seminars and events.
Academic Record
- IFSP, Foundation Certificate in Trust Law and Administration
- University of Warwick, LL.M. (Int. Econ. Law)
- University of Malta, LL.D.
- University of Malta, Dip. Not. Pub.
Memberships
- International Tax Planning Association
- European Patent Organisation
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- STEP Malta Branch
- Chamber of Advocates
