JUVE Comment

This Munich-based mixed IP firm maintains a strong position in electronics and electrical engineering. It has been very active on behalf of Tridonic for many years in litigation against competitors in the field of LEDs and other lighting technologies. Among other things, the firm is also representing this long-standing client in UPC proceedings against a competitor. The team is also representing heat-pump manufacturer Grundfos in UPC proceedings against two Chinese copycat manufacturers. It is another long-standing client from the prosecution practice and regularly instructs the patent attorneys in infringement and invalidity proceedings.

However, the good relations with Huawei have recently paid off less consistently when it comes to advising on technical aspects in mobile communications-related infringement proceedings. In this sector, the firm has lost ground to competitors such as df-mp. In patent prosecution, including EPO opposition proceedings, the patent attorneys remain firmly in the driving seat with the Chinese electronics giant.

Their current litigation cases demonstrate that Mitscherlich’s strength lies in convincing long-standing SME clients from the patent prosecution practice such as dental technology company Kavo or chemical producer Arlanxeo to rely on the firm in litigation as well. Its mixed approach offers the opportunity to provide more comprehensive litigation support to companies in sectors such as medical technology or chemicals – whether at national level or before the UPC. Nevertheless, Mitscherlich does not yet make full use of this potential.

Strengths

Litigation regarding electronics.

Recommended individuals

Thomas Körfer (“high level of experience in litigation”, competitor; patent attorneys)

Team

21 patent attorneys, 4 lawyers, 1 dual-qualified lawyer

Clients

Litigation: Tridonic against TCI in nullity case over LEDs; Tridonic against Ikea in nullity and infringement case over retrofit; Arlanxeo against Zeon over battery binder;

KaVo against MK-Dent over dental turbines.