JUVE Comment

This Munich-based IP boutique’s patent attorneys support clients across a broad technical spectrum in national nullity proceedings, EPO oppositions and prosecution. The firm enjoys an excellent reputation, particularly in mechanical and electrical engineering, with a diverse client base spanning large mechanical engineering companies and medium-sized enterprises.

The team provides close and constructive advice on the technological transformation in the automotive industry, especially for several suppliers currently shifting their technological focus. In oppositions, the team consistently proves itself among the best for its clients.

Internally, the medium-sized patent attorney firm successfully develops its younger partners, with clients increasingly entrusting them with greater responsibility in oppositions and infringement proceedings.

European set-up

With a team led by renowned partners Jochen Sties and Thomas Kitzhofer, the patent attorney firm is well-positioned to represent its core client base in UPC cases. These clients have confidently instructed the team in their first cases. In doing so, they benefit from the firm’s well-established relationships with law firms such as Taylor Wessing and Bird & Bird stemming from national proceedings.

However, as an independent national IP firm, it also relies on its network of similarly positioned firms from other jurisdictions. For instance, Prinz & Partner is a member of the AIPEX network, which includes law firms from countries such as France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK. Through this cooperation, the firm is gaining its first insights into proceedings brought by other law firms before the UPC, though it has not yet appeared in such cases itself.

Strengths

Litigation regarding automotive and engineering patents.

Recommended individuals

Jochen Sties (“highly experienced and skilled patent attorney”, client), Thomas Kitzhofer (“highly competent advice that covers multiple perspectives and supports us perfectly”, client; both patent attorneys)

Team

16 patent attorneys

Clients

Litigation: Schischek against Petz Industries over explosion-proof actuators; PLF International Limited against Optima Consumer over machines for bottling powdered baby milk.