The largest companies in the world, and the wealthiest families in America, value and respect the service, creativity, and commitment of the attorneys of Sideman & Bancroft. We bring the same dedication to all of our clients—those who have already arrived and those who are on their way or just getting started. Our clients know that when it comes to growing their businesses, litigating their interests, protecting their assets and planning for the future, it is crucial to engage professionals who understand who you are, what you want, and where you want to go—in business and in life.


Richard J. Sideman and David P. Bancroft left distinguished careers as assistant U.S. attorneys to found the firm in San Francisco in 1978. They are believed to be the first former federal prosecutors in Northern California to open their own firm. They brought deep expertise in tax controversy and criminal defense matters, which remain cornerstone practices in the firm today. More than four decades later, Sideman & Bancroft has grown to nearly 40 attorneys across twelve niche practice groups. Our firm’s reputation as a premier boutique in the United States is well deserved.

Sideman and Bancroft Europe

In response to the growing needs of our American clients for local European counsel, and of the needs of our European clients for support in their activities in the United States by professionals sensitive to their cultural and legal approach, Sideman & Bancroft Europe was launched, focusing on global intellectual property matters.

Our expansion to Europe embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and boldness that define the teams of Sideman & Bancroft and the firm’s desire to always align our services to our clients’ needs.

Our clients’ need for legal counsel transcends borders. Sideman & Bancroft Europe opened its first office in Paris to respond to client demand for legal expertise that is informed by an awareness of the different legal and cultural realities at work in the changing EU landscape.

Béatrice Martinet leads the Paris office of Sideman & Bancroft Europe . She brings deep expertise to this role, developed  through years of significant experience, both as Partner in the Brand Integrity and Innovation Practice Group  at Sideman & Bancroft LLP in California, as well as years of prior experience  in the intellectual property departments of major law firms in France.

Working closely  with the US practice teams at Sideman & Bancroft LLP, Sideman & Bancroft Europe provides counsel to businesses at all stages of growth, from startups to global  companies.

Our clients benefit from the unique capabilities developed by Sideman & Bancroft LLP’s  Brand Integrity and Innovation Group. This team brings together highly specialized attorneys –  several with backgrounds as former prosecutors – with other professionals, including former customs officials, former corporate brand protection executives,  and former investigators.

Together, we offer:

  • State-of-the-art,  worldwide trademark clearance solutions
  • Unique solutions for logo clearance and enforcement
  • A robust investigative network operating throughout the world
  • Global customs support programs
  • Proprietary  authentication software programs for grey market and infringement enforcement
  • Efficient and experienced  online anti-counterfeiting teams
  • Expert  infringement  and grey market investigation and enforcement teams
  • Deep expertise in supply chain and distribution channel integrity
  • Unmatched sales, discount and warranty fraud expertise
  • Innovative metrics and budget consulting services