Sérvulo has distinguished itself in providing advice to companies relating to practices subject to Competition Law. It has a particularly growing role in merger proceedings, namely before the Portuguese Competition Authority, both as notifying party and as interested party, as well as providing advice to clients concerning absence of obligation to notify and omitted mandatory notifications. Another essential aspect to our practice has concerned the interpretation and enforcement of the rules relating to anti-competitive practices (cartels, abuse of dominant position, abuse of economic dependence). This has included the drafting and implementation of compliance programs and analysis of contracts and commercial practices in light of competition law and of the law on individual practices in restriction of trade. Sérvulo has been especially active in the defense of company’s rights under Competition Law before national courts, with significant private enforcement experience. Lastly, Sérvulo is well experienced in providing counsel to public and private bodies concerning the enforcement of European state aid rules.

Acting for public and private clients, Sérvulo has intervened in both administrative or pre-litigation procedures, namely before the European Commission and European regulatory authorities (such as the EMA), and in proceedings before the European Court of Justice, in the framework of infringement proceedings, annulment proceedings against decisions of supranational authorities and liability suits.

Sérvulo advises its clients in a wide array of subjects relating to the free movement of persons (EU citizens, third country nationals, workers) and services (e.g. freedom of establishment for companies), being currently particularly specialized in the regime arising from the so-called Services Directive. Equally, in what concerns the free movement of goods, its team has taken part in procedures aimed at the removal of obstacles to free trade in Portugal and in other markets. Lastly, as for free movement of capital, Sérvulo has counseled a growing number of clients, namely by assisting with corporate restructuring in accordance with the case-law of the ECJ.

Sérvulo has routinely advised a number of clients on issues relating to European regulation of medicines and other health products, telecommunications, energy, water, waste and transport, linking in to other practice areas, whenever necessary.

Sérvulo further holds well established experience in regulatory counseling to companies within the health sector, with a special focus on the innovative pharmaceutical industry and its representing bodies, namely providing regulatory counsel and instructing procedures before INFARMED, concerning medicines (for human or veterinary use), medical devices and cosmetic and hygiene products – including national and European authorization procedures, reimbursement, parallel imports and advertising.