We provide legal advice in the following areas:
The Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński law firm was established by recognised experts in pharmaceutical and medical law - Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik, Advocate, Ewa Rutkowska, Advocate, and competition law - Marcin Kolasiński, Legal Advisor. The law firm comprises an experienced team, which has worked with the founders for a long time.
We all have many years of experience of working in international law firms (including Baker & McKenzie, Hogan Lovells and CMS Cameron McKenna).
We have been regularly recommended as leading law firm and lawyers in pharmaceutical law and competition law by Polish and international rankings of law firms and lawyers, such as Chambers Europe, The Legal 500 and ranking of one of the best known Polish daily papers Rzeczpospolita. Since 2014 the prestigious international Chambers Europe ranking has acknowledged our law firm as the best Life Sciences practice in Poland.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.
Healthcare and life sciences – TIER 1
Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. fields a team of „seasoned experts” who have extensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetic sectors. As well as receiving instructions from national and global industry leaders, the firm also counts the Employers’ Union of Innovative Pharmaceutical Companies among its clients. Alongside its advisory work, the group frequently handles contentious mandates. Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik and Ewa Rutkowska oversee the department; the former regularly advises on reimbursement issues, while the latter is a particular specialist in product liability work. Michał Tracz is another key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik; Ewa Rutkowska
‘‘Exceptionally competent team demonstrating very good knowledge of the relevant laws in combination with their practical implementation.”
‘‘The lawyers demonstrated deep knowledge of law and practices of local authorities which enabled them to provide bespoke, client-oriented practical advice. The team was easily available and demonstrated a sense of urgency.‘”
‘‘Smart, open-minded, experienced, positive thinking, focused on problem solving.”
Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is differentiated by its focus on matters at the intersection of competition law and life sciences; this „unique specialisation” is much lauded by clients, and ensures that the firm is instructed by a sizeable roster of leading names from the healthcare sector. Distribution agreements between market players, merger control issues and abuse of dominance cases are the key areas of activity. Marcin Kolasiński leads the team of „seasoned experts.”
‘‘‘Smart, open-minded, experienced, positive thinking, focused on problem solving.”
‘‘This law firm really works as a team! The resources are allocated to tasks based on experience but also allowing younger members to learn. However, it is without any drawback for the client.”
‘‘The team has a solution-based approach and are always interested in how things work in practice. Moreover, certain members of the law firm are also engaged in discussions about shape of the laws in various committees so from the very beginning they are aware of upcoming changes and possible results.”
Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. represents leading names from the gamut of industry sectors in disputes with competitors, consumers, and adminstrative authorities. Contractual issues and product liability claims are the core pillars of the practice; team lead Ewa Rutkowska‘s in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry remains instrumental in maintaining the firm’s reputation in the latter sphere.
‘‘Smart, open-minded, experienced, positive thinking, focused on problem solving.”
‘‘Able to successfully perform as experts / professionals / advisors / business partners all at the same time.”
‘‘The team is commercial and highly expert. The turnaround time is impressive and excellent value.”
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński acknowledged as Pro Bono Law Firm.
"The healthcare and life sciences department at boutique firm Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. supports businesses operating in regulated markets, such as the pharmaceutical, medicinal, food and cosmetic sectors. The team also increasingly advises on mandates regarding new technology such as AI and e-Health. Paulina Kieszkowska Knapik and Ewa Rutkowska jointly lead the team. The team has undergone changes with the addition of senior associates Michał Tracz, who has expertise in food and cosmetic law (...) in September 2020, and Bartłomiej Sasin, who specialises in pharmaceutical and medical law, (...) in April 2021. Michał Chodorek was promoted to partner in June 2021.
Testimonials:
Diversity is a very strong asset of the team. This is a boutique law firm, with great specialists in place. I think that what makes it special is also their pro bono work, especially for patients and patient organisations. The team is full of energy with a business approach.
KRK law firm has a number of seasoned legal experts that have deep understanding of the market and legal environment makes this law firm special in the field they operate in. The expertise coming from KRK is based on a very practical approach to the cases they work on, deep legal expertise and excellent understanding of the market dynamics.
We have worked with KRK for many years for the simple reason that this is one of the best Healthcare practices in the Polish market. They are real experts in the field, very flexible, professional and open-minded. They promptly respond to our requests. We can rely on them; we simply trust their legal and business-based solutions. Last but not least, they are very pleasant to work with."
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. advises on regulatory and competition issues to clients in the FMCG, financial services, media and pharmaceutical sectors. Of note is the team's assistance with competition law issues relating to distribution and cooperation agreements and cases of abuse of a dominant position. Marcin Kolasiński heads the practice and is able to draw on his previous role in the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.
Testimonials:
Very responsive and they treat you as their only client. Always help, even after hours.
The team is very dedicated to their duties and the needs of the customers. Additionally, the lawyers understand the business specifics, and this is what makes them special and different to other law firms. I always get the feeling that they are deeply engaged in each and every problem that we face."
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is a boutique focusing on medical and pharmaceutical law. As such, the dispute resolution group, has an impressive product liability and personal injury practice, particularly in relation to clinical trials and issues surrounding medical products. The department is led by founding partner Ewa Rutkowska, whom clients praise as a superb lawyer with a very sophisticated understanding of the relevant science and law. Promoted to counsel in 2021, Ewa Auleytner is regularly instructed by Polish and international medical industry clients to defend product liability claims and assist with crisis situations.
Testimonials:
I work with the firm primarily on pharmaceutical litigation matters, and the lawyers are incredibly knowledgeable about the relevant scientific issues as well as of course the substantive, procedural, and strategic components of Polish law."
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński acknowledged for pro bono support for Polish health service during Covid-19 pandemic.
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is a life sciences boutique focusing on advising clients in regulated markets, including the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetics sectors; offering a unique combination of ethical approach and pro-business solutions. In addition to non-contentious regulatory advice, the group is also highly experienced in product liability cases. The team also advises industry bodies, including Infarma, on issues such as the Reimbursement Act and pharmaceutical law. Co-leading the team are founding partners Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik (a legend of the practice) and Ewa Rutkowska, whom clients rate for product liability disputes. Patent and trade mark attorney Piotr Zawadzki's arrival in March 2021 bolsters the firm's IP offering to clients operating in the healthcare and life sciences space.
Testimonials:
Wonderful team, 100 % dedicated to the life sciences practice. Very knowledgeable. On the top of every development, it is the best life sciences practice in Poland.
Ewa Rutkowska is my main contact. Very nice to work with, very responsive, very knowledgeable. I also work from time to time with Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik who is also on the top of the HLS practice.
Vast experience in life sciences, practical approach to problems, able to perform reasonable risk assessment: a good mix of theory and practice, perfect understanding of customer’s needs due to expertise about external and internal environment."
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j.'s competition and antitrust practice is well-placed to handle matters arising from the life sciences sector, which is the focus of the wider firm. The main contact is former deputy director of the competition protection department at the Polish competition authority Marcin Kolasiński, whose expertise spans competition, consumer protection and public procurement law and is praised for his 'ability to clearly define what is the key legal issue and also to explain it to members of business organisations.
Testimonials:
Practical approach, solutions oriented, very deep understanding of pharmaceutical sector, advice based on analysis of legal risks resulting from practice of National Competition Authority.
Advice is very practical, which is possible only because team members know the pharmaceutical market and competition law concerns that are discussed inside and out."
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is a healthcare and life sciences boutique, and its dispute resolution department reflects this specialism; representing clients in disputes involving unfair competition and advertising, consumer protection, as well as regulatory disputes before the administrative authorities. The group also has substantial experience representing pharmaceutical clients in reimbursement disputes regarding decisions of the ministry of health and the national health fund. Co-founding partner Ewa Rutkowska heads the team and is particularly adept in product liability cases. Senior associate Ewa Auleytner focuses on contractual disputes, often arising from the performance of civil contracts.
Testimonials:
This team is agile, in addition to being highly skilled and motivated."
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński acknowledged for:
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is a healthcare and life sciences specialist firm, which caters to clients in the pharmaceutical, medical, food and cosmetics sectors. The 'extremely knowledgeable' group is well placed to advise on regulatory, competition and consumer issues, as well as representing clients in disputes with competitors and administrative authorities.
A Client says: This is the strongest, most reputable legal team in the sphere of life sciences in Poland. They have vast experience and know how in this area. They built their reputation through years of advising innovative companies and industry associations."
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. is focused on providing regulatory and competition advice to entrepreneurs with operations in Poland, with particular expertise in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.
Clients say:
Exceptional knowledge of various competition legal aspects and international environment, deep involvement in client matters, solution-oriented approach.
Ability to find an acceptable and balanced solution for every problem."
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.
"At Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j., co-founders Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik ('an undisputed leader in the sector') and Ewa Rutkowska are noted for their high degree of specialisation in life sciences and anti-monopoly law. The group is frequently instructed on contentious and non-contentious matters, involving pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food and cosmetics. Other key individuals include 'recognised expert in pharmaceutical law' Natalia Łojko and Agnieszka Zielińska-Krywoniuk, who focuses on clinical trials, distribution safety and product advertising. The impressive client roster includes Polish industry bodies Infarma and the Polish Association of Producers and Importers of Veterinary Medicinal Products."
"Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j. predominantly advises clients in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors on regulatory and competition law. The group has particular expertise in public procurement and anti-monopoly proceedings. Name partner Marcin Kolasiński leads the team, which consists of seasoned experts with deep understanding of the market and legal environment."
"Healthcare and life sciences boutique Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasinski Kancelaria Prawna sp. j., has developed a new technology law practice under the leadership of Marek Świerczyński, which handles the implementation and development of agreements relating to IT systems, service-level agreements and outsourcing contracts. Senior associate Michał Chodorek is another key contact, with expertise at the intersection of pharmaceutical law, IP and personal data."
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński recommended in Medical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński recommended in Competition & Anitrust Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński ranked TIER 4 in Competition / Antitrust and recommended in Dispute Resolution.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński ranked TIER 4 in Competition / Antitrust and recommended in Dispute Resolution.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Group 1 for the third time in the category of Pharmaceutical Law and recommended in the category of Competition Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
Competition / Antitrust and Dispute Resolution – KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński recommended.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Group 1 in the category of Pharmaceutical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – leader in Pharmaceutical Law.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Law firm of the year – Poland.
KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński – Group 1 in the category of Pharmaceutical Law.
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik – lawyer-leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law.
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik on the Puls Medycyny List of 100 most influential people in the Polish healthcare system in 2022.
"Co-leading the team Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is a legend of the practice.
A client says: Paulina Kieszkowska Knapik is on the top of the HLS practice."
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik honored by the Supreme Bar Association with the "Meritorious for the Bar" badge for activities related to the defense of the rule of law in Poland.
"(...) Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik is a noted expert in pharmaceutical and healthcare law (...).
A client says: Paulina Kieszkowska Knapik is a strategic thinker, understanding business and the market. Her advice goes beyond classic legal work."
"Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik (an undisputed leader in the sector) is noted for her high degree of specialisation in life sciences and anti-monopoly law. She is frequently instructed on contentious and non-contentious matters, involving pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food and cosmetics."
Paulina Kieszkowska-Knapik recommended in Life Sciences.
"One of the most consistent and militant critics of the Reimbursement Act. Author and co-author of numerous pharmaceutical analyses. Thanks to her personal involvement, last year PricewaterhouseCoopers and IMS Health - a provider of insights into the pharmaceutical market, prepared two large reports summarising the effects of the Reimbursement Act. Her legal opinions have a large impact on the amendment of defective healthcare regulations. She was the first to raise the alarm about the adverse effects on patients’ welfare of the regulations of the Reimbursement Law which banned pharmaceutical companies from donating medicines to hospitals. Last year, the Ministry of Health amended the regulations at issue, and hospital donations were again permitted. Her major success was also bringing about the resolution of the eight-year long court battle to recognise that innovative, research-based producers have a legal standing in assessments of the legality of copies of their pharmaceutical products. As a member of the Batory Foundation’s Civic Forum on Legislation, Mrs Kieszkowska-Knapik fights for the introduction of European law-making standards in Poland. She enjoys voluntary work. She advises patients’organisations pro bono, including the Polish Coalition of Oncological Patients Organisations, the Rak’n’Roll Foundation and the Polish Patients' Federation."
Ewa Rutkowska – lawyer-leader in Pharmaceutical and Medical Law
Healthcare and life sciences – LEADING INDIVIDUAL
Dispute resolution – Recommended lawyer
Dispute resolution – Ewa Rutkowska – Recommended lawyer
"I’ve worked most closely with Ewa Rutkowska for well over a decade and she is a superb lawyer with a very sophisticated understanding of the relevant science and law. She is also an excellent communicator and excels at explaining Polish law issues to foreign clients.
Ewa Rutkowska is an excellent lawyer, and a standout in biopharmaceuticals and life sciences. An excellent choice in Poland."
“Ewa Rutkowska has a strong depth of expertise in multiple areas of the product liability sector.”
“Ewa Rutkowska is lauded by peers as the best in Poland for product liability proceedings.”
“Ewa Rutkowska stands out as a go-to for product liability disputes in Poland thanks to her long-standing experience in the area.”
"Clients rate Ewa Rutkowska for product liability disputes.
A Client says: Ewa Rutkowska is my main contact. Very nice to work with, very responsive, very knowledgeable."
Dispute resolution – Ewa Rutkowska – Recommended lawyer
"Co-founding partner Ewa Rutkowska heads the team and is particularly adept in product liability cases.
Ewa Rutkowska is a great lawyer and leader of her team."
“Ewa Rutkowska is highly recommended and great to work with effuse sources who regard her as the person you want to see for life sciences litigation in Poland.”
“Ewa Rutkowska is absolutely fantastic and gains high praise as the best Polish product liability defence counsel and a true leader of the bar.”
"(...) Ewa Rutkowska has developed a strong focus on product liability.
A Client says: Ewa Rutkowska has exceptional knowledge and differentiated, long-term experience in all aspects of the life science sector."
Ewa Rutkowska recommended in 2 catgories: Life Sciences – Regulatory and Life Sciences – Product Liability.
"Ewa Rutkowska at KRK Kieszkowska Rutkowska Kolasiński is the go-to person in Poland. One peer effuses: I’ve worked with her for a very long time – the recognition is very well earned.”
"Ewa Rutkowska is noted for her high degree of specialisation in life sciences and anti-monopoly law. She is frequently instructed on contentious and non-contentious matters, involving pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food and cosmetics."
"Marcin Kolasiński heads the practice and is able to draw on his previous role in the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection
Marcin Kolasiński is very engaged personally in supporting the clients. He always wants to understand the context and cares about the practical aspects of his advice. Very trustful partner."
"A Client says: Marcin Kolasiński is responsive, with the ability to clearly define what is the key legal issue and also to explain it to members of business organisations."
"Competition, consumer protection and public procurement expert Marcin Kolasiński is noted for his experience in merger control proceedings before Polish and EU authorities.
A Client says: Marcin Kolasiński has exceptional knowledge in various competition legal issues and the international environment."
Marcin Kolasiński recommended in Competition and Antitrust.
"Name partner Marcin Kolasiński leads the team, which consists of seasoned experts with deep understanding of the market and legal environment."
"Very professional (…) Marcin Kolasiński heads the practice, and creatively challenges the status quo to find new strategies."
“(…) Marcin Kolasiński has a charismatic personality.”
“Clients praise Marcin Kolasiński’s brilliant mind, analytic personality and pro-business approach."
Trade mark star 2023 – IP STAR published by Managing IP - recommended lawyer
"Senior associate Michał Chodorek is another key contact, with expertise at the intersection of pharmaceutical law, IP and personal data."
Dispute resolution – Ewa Auleytner – Recommended lawyer
"Promoted to counsel in 2021, Ewa Auleytner is regularly instructed by Polish and international medical industry clients to defend product liability claims and assist with crisis situations."
Dispute resolution – Ewa Auleytner – Recommended lawyer
"Ewa Auleytner focuses on contractual disputes, often arising from the performance of civil contracts."
Healthcare and life sciences – Rising Star
"Patent and trade mark attorney Piotr Zawadzki's arrival in March 2021 bolsters the firm's IP offering to clients operating in the healthcare and life sciences space."
"(…) Bartłomiej Sasin’s experience spans negotiating agreements and representing medical and pharmaceutical companies in court and administrative proceedings."
Dispute resolution – Julia Łokaj – Recommended lawyer
Dispute resolution – Julia Łokaj – Recommended lawyer
Dispute resolution – Mateusz Winczura – Recommended lawyer
Dispute resolution – Mateusz Winczura – Recommended lawyer
Marek Świerczyński on the List of 100 people who, thanks to their actions, contributed to the development of digital skills in Poland.
"A new technology law practice under the leadership of Marek Świerczyński handles the implementation and development of agreements relating to IT systems, service-level agreements and outsourcing contracts."
