JUVE Comment

The IP practice at this full-service firm enjoys a good reputation for trademarks and unfair competition as well as patents, but its profile is considerably higher in the former. The team’s strength lies in complex proceedings with international elements. Patent infringement suits play an important role, as demonstrated by the team’s litigation on behalf of medical product manufacturer B. Braun Melsungen and a European pharmaceuticals corporation. The practice’s patent work is heavily pharma-related, while know-how protection is gaining in significance. One example is the advice to Biomet. On the whole, however, there is room to improve the profiles of the individual lawyers, especially the junior lawyers, who have so far struggled to gain a foothold in the market. In contrast, practice head Georg Kresbach is well known. The quality of instructions, however, provides a good platform for the junior lawyers to raise their game.

Recommended individuals

Georg Kresbach (“makes a very professional impression, that’s why we poached him from the opposing side”, client)

Team

1 equity partner, 3 associates, 4 trainee lawyers

Specialties

Broad IP practice (trademarks, design law, fair trading and copyright law). Patent infringement proceedings. Advice on the interface with IT law and integrated in the firm’s the →M&A practice. Focus on the healthcare, pharma and consumer goods sectors.

Clients

B. Braun Melsungen in infringement proceedings against Becton Dickinson over damages concerning IV catheters; Biomet Austria in suit against Heraeus-Kulzer over know-how infringement in bone cement; European pharma corporate on defence against generic drugs.