JUVE Comment

The litigation practice of Hosea Haag at Ampersand had been relatively quiet of late. The firm is known for representing NPEs in extensive lawsuits, primarily concerning mobile communications, with recent focus on wi-fi 6 and related technologies. NPEs such as Onebutton, Unwired Planet, WSOU and Arigna are among Ampersand’s regular clients. Many ongoing proceedings were in their final stages last year, and NPEs were cautious about initiating new lawsuits during the UPC’s start-up phase or opted for alternative representation. However, the firm is now emerging from this lull with the filing of new proceedings, some at the UPC.

Ampersand has continued to represent innovative SMEs and research institutions, such as Hirschvogel, which instructed the firm in its case against Schaeffler concerning engine technology.

In recent years, the firm has broadened its base with Jonathan Konietz. Recently, it successfully recruited a well-known litigation partner and associate. Stefan Eck, formerly of litigation boutique Klaka, brings extensive experience to the team. His notable work includes representing SRAM against Shimano and securing a victory for Virtual Paper Licensing against Sony in a dispute over digital books. This reinforcement marks an important step for the firm, particularly with regard to extensive UPC proceedings.

European set-up

The small team around Haag has extensive, long-standing experience in representing NPEs in German proceedings, which often form part of global strategies. To maintain this success in the long term, the team must establish itself as a flexible, compact unit capable of competing against large international law firms, including in UPC proceedings. The firm has begun by representing Siemens spin-off and transport management company Yunex Traffic against a competitor. This case exemplifies the first strand of regular clients from traditionally innovative manufacturing companies which place their trust in the firm.

Strengths

Litigation for NPEs regarding mobile communications, including SEPs and FRAND.

Recommended individuals

Stefan Eck (“exceptional”, competitor), Hosea Haag (“experienced and outstanding in managing multiple parallel cases”, competitor), Jonathan Konietz (“resilient, productive and highly experienced litigator despite his youth”, competitor)

Team

7 lawyers

Partner moves

Stefan Eck (from Klaka)

Clients

Litigation: Pantech against Google and Sony over SEPs; Imberatek against Apple and Samsung over chip technology (settled 2025); Onebutton against LG, Google, Verizon over touchscreens; Wsou against Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft over SEP (settled 2025); Hirschvogel against Schaeffler over balance shaft for engines; Arigna against BMW and Tesla over semiconductors; Unwired Planet against HTC over mobile communications; Intent IQ against Amazon, Samsung and Roku over personalised ads.