JUVE Comment

In patent law, the team led by the ambitious Dominik Göbel and Manuel Wegrostek stands as the undisputed market leader. Through strong relationships with regular clients in the life sciences sector, the firm has established itself as the premier choice for all economically significant pharmaceutical and biosimilar disputes in Vienna. Notable successes include representing Bayer in preliminary injunction proceedings against Stada concerning the blockbuster drug Xarelto, part of one of Europe’s largest ongoing pharmaceutical disputes. The team also demonstrates significant expertise in SPCs and second medical use patents, whilst regularly advising clients on matters bridging pharmaceutical regulation and reimbursement issues.

Gassauer-Fleissner remains one of the few Vienna firms not experiencing a downturn in patent litigation work, as pharmaceutical companies continue to pursue pan-European proceedings through national courts and Gassauer-Fleissner is the first port of call for such clients in Vienna. However, if these clients migrate to the UPC as dramatically as those from other sectors, the firm could face pressure. Many clients maintain relationships with other firms across Europe, some of which have already accumulated more UPC experience or can deploy internationally mixed teams. Nevertheless, as a leading firm in Austria – a key location for life sciences manufacturing – it maintains an excellent position for national proceedings. The firm has also gained valuable UPC experience in other technical fields, notably securing success for Chinese company Chainzone Technology against Swarco Futurit and Strabag Infrastructure & Safety Solutions in a case concerning LED displays at the Vienna local division.

The practice has deftly managed its generational change, developing two highly respected partners. Name partner Christian Gassauer-Fleissner has successfully moved into an active of counsel role. Simultaneously, the team strengthened its ranks with Michaela Petsche from Baker McKenzie, an experienced patent and trademark lawyer who brings valuable international connections.

The team continues to expand its solid client base in trademarks and unfair competition law, combining advisory work and trademark management with robust court representation.

Strengths

Strategic advice and litigation, specialisation in pharma patents and know-how protection.

Recommended individuals

Dominik Göbel (“strategic, solution-oriented, open and pragmatic”, competitor), Manuel Wegrostek

Team

5 lawyers, 1 trainee

Partner moves

Michaela Petsche (from Baker McKenzie in 2025)

Clients

Litigation: Bayer against Stada in PI over Xarelto/rivaroxaban; frequent activity for Novartis and Eli Lilly (all public knowledge).