Feb. 4 – Born in Calabria, educated in humanistic studies between Italy and the United States, the Italian-American Frank Ferrante now lives in New York, where he founded the Ferrante law firm in Manhattan. The firm assists both in Italy and abroad some of the most influential players in the field of real estate, fashion, design, technology and restaurants. It helps open its doors to China and Brazil, because “now more than ever – says Ferrante – it is time to differentiate and focus on markets that may be more lucrative than the domestic one. I am an advocate of the Italian movement abroad: in emerging countries – Brazil, China, Russia and India – and in already developed economies as the United States, Canada and Europe. In particular, we operate in the United States, Brazil and China as well as in Italy, a country from which the vast majority of our customers comes.” In these times of economic crisis, according to Ferrante, “the worst thing is to stand still and wait: looking abroad is not an option but a survival strategy.” “The SMEs can protect themselves by looking at markets” that “should not be seen as a threat but as an opportunity. Globalization will always be stronger.” “When it comes to product quality, Italy is ahead of everyone else.” However, says the lawyer, “the role of entrepreneurs is to always reinvent themselves and their businesses. For example, because the current business scenario is dominated by the Internet and social media, it is crucial for a business owner to build on this trend, otherwise there is the risk of becoming obsolete, even with excellent products. Marketing is also becoming increasingly important, and I am very attentive to this aspect for my law firm. You have to convey the right message through the right channel to the right people.” Furthermore, “in international trade – says Ferrante – it is essential to adapt to the different markets. A product or service can be effective in one country but completely fail in another. I see it every day with our customers. The watchword here is innovation.” When discussing authentic Made in Italy products and the relative spread of ‘fake’ products, Ferrante is an expert, as his main role is to protect Italian brands and their trademarks in the world: “I’m particularly engaged in the battle to protect the genius of Italian fashion, that is, I think, less protected than other areas” and he does so by registering trademarks, patents, patents and slogans.”
The lawyer who defends made in Italy around the world
