JUVE Comment

This Munich-based patent attorney outfit emerged from the merger of Lederer & Keller and Kraus & Weisert at the beginning of 2024. It combines the former’s in-depth expertise in patent litigation for clients from the pharmaceutical, biotech and chemical sectors with the latter’s comprehensive prosecution work across a broad technical spectrum, including electronics, mobile communications and mechanical engineering. The firm also maintains close relationships with Asian clients such as Oppo and Otsuka Pharmaceutical.

In addition to prosecution work for regular clients such as Sandoz, Nvidia and Infineon, the patent attorneys are regularly seen in EPO oppositions and nullity proceedings. Law firms often call on senior partner Michael Best for technical advice to well-known pharmaceutical clients such as Teva in infringement proceedings.

The merger and the associated expansion of technical expertise harbours the potential to extend litigation work to other sectors such as mobile communications or automotive. Younger patent attorneys would need to follow Best’s example and make a name for themselves in their specialist areas. This applies all the more to the UPC, which is likely to become increasingly important for many of the firm’s clients.

European set-up

The merger has brought Kraus & Lederer a size and technical breadth that will stand it in good stead for UPC cases. The patent attorneys regularly represent clients in EPO oppositions and the team also has extensive experience in patent infringement proceedings, particularly in life sciences, including in a pan-European context. For example, Best worked alongside the lawyers from Bird & Bird for Ratiopharm and Teva in the cross-border dispute over Nexavar. Kraus & Lederer is also likely to be an attractive cooperation partner for law firms at the UPC, especially those without their own patent attorneys. To achieve this, however, younger patent attorneys from specialties outside the life sciences must position themselves more strongly for patent litigation.

Strengths

Pharma litigation for generics manufacturers.

Recommended individuals

Günter Keller, Michael Best (“gives very quick, clear and concise advice”, “outstanding knowledge of technology and litigation tactics”, competitors), Stephan Teipel (all patent attorneys)

Team

26 patent attorneys

Clients

Litigation: Teva/Ratiopharm against Biogen/Acorda over Fampyra/fampridine; Sandoz against Biogen over MS drug Tecfidera; Solvay against Neo in revocation suit over catalytic converters. Opposition for Hexal (opponent) against BMS over apixaban (all public knowledge).