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. In litigation, including technical support in national and cross-border infringement proceedings, the patent attorneys have a strong focus on the atomotive industry. Its client base includes manufacturers such as Renault Group but also suppliers such as Valeo. The firm enjoys an excellent reputation in mechanical engineering, with a diverse client base including many medium-sized enterprises.

Internally, the mid-sized patent attorney firm successfully develops its younger partners. Recently, they have been using their work alongside Renault in defending against legal claims relating to computer chips before German courts and the UPC to raise their profile. In such major cases, the patent attorneys are generally active before national courts and the UPC, and always work in collaboration with lawyers – in Renault’s case, alongside Bird & Bird.

The firm’s focus on the European automotive industry currently presents a challenge, as the sector is facing difficult economic conditions and the patent prosecution business is slowing down. It is therefore all the more important that the senior partners continue to invest in new areas of business, such as computer-implemented inventions and AI-related matters, and that they provide even greater support to the next generation of partners. Some clients consider Prinz & Partner’s competitors to be more innovative in this regard.

Strengths

Litigation regarding automotive and mechanics patents.

Recommended individuals

Thomas Kitzhofer (“highly competent in mechanical engineering”, competitor), Jochen Sties (“very experienced and skilled patent attorney in the automotive sector”, client; “extensive experience in patent infringement disputes”, competitor; both patent attorneys)

Team

15 patent attorneys

Clients

Litigation: Dehn against Raycap over surge protection; Renault against Avago over computer chips for navigation and telematics units; Schischek against Petz Industries over explosion-proof actuators. Frequent litigation for Valeo (some public knowledge)