Studio Torta: a 145-year history looking to the future and innovation
Studio Torta turns 145!
Founded in 1879 by the brothers Vincent and Secondo Torta in Turin, the Firm, began its activity by devoting itself to the filing of patents, trademarks and designs, an innovative idea back at the time. The historical period in which Studio Torta was founded contributed to its success. At the end of the 19th century, the industrial revolution was already well established and expanding into new nations and markets with the first globalisation. Already in 1855, the Kingdom of Savoy had regulated the subject of industrial property, later extending this regulation to the united Italy. In addition, in 1883, the Paris Convention had established the first international rules in this field.
Studio Torta has been through two world wars and has undergone several corporate transformations, always maintaining the name of its founders. In 2011, a crucial step led to the transformation into Studio Torta S.p.A., a joint stock company in which the shareholders, by bylaws, must also be professionals working in the firm. The 2011 transition was a milestone, as the ownership of the firm, previously in the hands of three partners, was divided among a larger number of professionals through a management buyout.
Today, more than 200 people work in Studio Torta’s seven offices, 43 of whom are partners, all with an equal number of shares. A board of directors, made up of five partners, is elected every three years. This governance model is a distinctive feature that has proved very successful in terms of performance, which is reflected in turnover, and in terms of management innovation.
Data from IpPilot, an independent software company that analyses different firms’ filings, confirm Studio Torta’s success: it is the only Italian firm among the top 50 European firms, mainly German and English firms, for filing European patent applications. It is also in 5th place for the level of computerisation according to statistics provided by the European Patent Office.
The financial results also confirm the success of the chosen organisational set-up: turnover rose from EUR 20 million in 2011 to over EUR 54 million in 2023.
From a governance point of view, the high number of equal partners is stimulating for the achievement of common and shared objectives. Similarly, the Firm attracts young talents, thanks to a growth path that includes the opportunity to be part of the management and contribute to the administration of the Firm.
An essential aspect of this model is also top management turnover. The ability to renew oneself by adopting corporate and management forms in line with the changing times is the key to remaining young, even after 145 years of activity.
With a well-established history behind it, the Firm continues to modernise, keeping up with times and projecting itself into the future through a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.
On the occasion of this important birthday, Studio Torta celebrates its milestone, looking proudly to the past and looking forward to the coming years with increasing confidence and commitment.
