JUVE Comment

BP is among the leading practices in patents thanks to its strong visibility in litigation, despite the fact that the mobile communications battles for Apple and Microsoft have slowed down. Instead, the firm stepped up litigation on behalf of regular clients like Adidas and Cisco. The team was, however, present in one of the largest mobile communications suits, where it represented intervener Amazon against SLC. With its setup and its offices in Milan and Paris, BP need not fear competition in the new UPC system, esp. as it bolstered both of its international offices with patent experts. BP is confidently facing up to the growing competition for its excellent US client base from British firms by consolidating contacts in the US industrial sector. There is still a gap, however, when it comes to life sciences patents. If the litigation-focused firm hopes to use prosecution work as a springboard into high-end pharmaceuticals litigation, which it has so far had to surrender to the Düsseldorf litigation practices and Munich competitors like Hoffmann Eitle, it will need to bring in patent attorneys.

Strengths

Patent prosecution and mixed litigation practice primarily for mobile communications and software patents. Strong European presence and excellent US contacts.

Recommended individuals

Johannes Heselberger, Prof. Dr. Tilman Müller-Stoy (“young lawyer with enormous litigation experience”, competitor), patent attorneys:Peter Hess, Dr. Christof Karl, Johannes Lang, Dr. Hans Wegner.

Team

26 patent attorneys, 18 lawyers

Practice

All-round IP activity with a clear focus on technical protection rights. Filing on a broad technical spectrum. Opposition and nullity suits and infringement proceedings. Litigation coordination and strategic advice. Many industrial contacts. Strong international client base.

Clients

Public knowledge: Amazon against SLC regarding mobile communications patents; Vestel regarding monitors; Adidas regarding sneakers; Microsoft concerning smartphones; frequent litigation for Cisco, Nintendo, Amer Sports; filing for Adidas, Apple, Dell, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nintendo, Qualcomm, Wago.