JUVE Comment

This Düsseldorf IP boutique has built a strong reputation for patent litigation across a broad technical spectrum. With its core client base of technology-focused German SMEs continuing to prioritise domestic litigation, Krieger Mes ranks among the most active patent litigation firms in Germany. In many cases, including matters for Brose, Melita, and Leifheit, the firm leverages close relationships with German patent attorney firms that refer clients.

Partner Axel Verhauwen has long maintained a strong reputation representing NPEs from the telecommunications sector in litigation. He is currently working alongside Cohausz & Florack on a major case for Via LA against Amazon before Düsseldorf Regional Court.

A defining characteristic of the firm is that partners such as Michael Bergermann, Jochen Bühling, Dirk Jestaedt, and Verhauwen are not experts confined to specific technical fields but possess in-depth knowledge across multiple industries. This contrasts with many competitors, where partners typically specialise in just two areas.

Krieger Mes made a slower start at the UPC than firms such as Kather Augenstein but has gained considerable ground over the past year. As with national proceedings, growing numbers of clients now instruct the firm, valuing its independent approach even in international litigation. Partner Jestaedt has gained particular visibility through instructions such as for the electronics retailer Expert Klein in the LED dispute before the UPC.

Strengths

Infringement proceedings across a broad range of technical fields, especially telecoms and software. Litigation for NPEs. Employee invention law.

Recommended individuals

Michael Bergermann, Jochen Bühling (“thorough and goal-oriented”, competitor), Dirk Jestaedt (“excellent”, competitor), Gereon Rother, Axel Verhauwen (“outstanding and very well connected”, competitor)

Team

8 lawyers

Clients

Litigation: Via LA against Amazon over HEVC technology; Fresenius Kabi against Biogen und Samsung Bioepis over biosimilar Imraldi/adalinumab; Ophthalmic Pro against Hoya Surgical Optics over intraocular lenses; Via LA against Microsoft over video compression standard HEVC; KPN against Xiaomi and Oppo over mobile communications; Brose against Kickert over boot locks for cars; BSH against Electrolux over vacuum cleaners; Conrad Electronic against Seoul Semiconductor over LEDs; BMA against EnerDry over large-scale biomass drying plants; ThyssenKrupp in entitlement action over green hydrogen (settled 2025); Transsion/Tecno Mobile against Qualcomm over navigation receivers (settled 2025); frequent litigation for Melitta and Leifheit (all public knowledge).