INDIVIDUAL PROFILE
Massimo Sterpi

Massimo Sterpi

High Net Worth 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Gianni & Origoni

High Net Worth

Practice Areas

Massimo Sterpi is Co-Head of the Intellectual Property, TMT and Cybersecurity Department. He specialises in the Intellectual Property and has substantial experience in both transactional matters and litigation concerning patents, designs, copyright and trademarks. Over the last years, he has been very active on legal issues related to Disruptive Technologies, with particular focus on AI, Blockchain, robotics. He has litigated a very large number of IP cases, many of them involving cross-border issues, both before national and foreign courts, including the European Court of Justice.

A passionate art collector, he has also developed a unique and internationally renowned practice in art law, representing world famous artists, institutions and collectors.

Massimo graduated in Law “maxima cum laude” from the University of Turin in 1989 and with a Post-graduate Diploma in UK and EC Law of Copyright and Related Rights from King's College, London, in 2000. He was a visiting lawyer at leading international law firms in London and Munich.

In 2023 he was awarded “Lawyer of the Year - Art” at the Legalcommunity IP&TMT Awards. He has edited or contributed to a number of publications on IP and art law topics, mostly in foreign languages and is a frequent speaker in national and international conferences.

Massimo is included in WIPO's IP Arbitration and Mediation Center's List of Neutrals, as well as in WIPO's List of Art and Cultural Heritage Neutrals. He has been President of the International Bar Association’s Committee on Art, Heritage Law and Cultural Institutions and is the current President of the UIA‘s (Union Internationale des Avocats) Art Law Committee.

He is also the Italian member of the editorial board of "European Copyright and Design Reports" published by Sweet & Maxwell; a member of the Advisory Board of the Venice Peggy Guggenheim Collection; a member of Fondazione Prada’s Board of Directors, of the US Friends of MAXXI Foundation’s Board of Directors, and of the Italy-USA Relations Council.

He is admitted to representation before the Italian Court of cassation.

Languages Spoken

He speaks English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers High Net Worth

Art and Cultural Property Law - Italy

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Massimo Sterpi is a famous name in the Italian art law market. His broad practice sees him advise artists, lenders, collectors, foundations and galleries on IP issues, transactions, exhibition agreements, commissions and cultural property disputes.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • I could not be happier with Massimo’s responsiveness, understanding of the law, and ability to take action.

    Art and Cultural Property Law Chambers High Net Worth
  • Massimo is an absolute titan in this sector. He knows the art market inside-out and has incredible connections both in the art market and in government. He combines a deep legal knowledge with an acute commercial awareness with the effect that his advice is always technically sound but also pragmatic.

    Art and Cultural Property Law Chambers High Net Worth
  • Massimo is THE art lawyer in Italy. He's really a thought leader in many ways.

    Art and Cultural Property Law Chambers High Net Worth

Ranked Individuals at Gianni & Origoni (3)

Italy

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