JUVE Comment

This leading litigation practice for patents displayed its strength in major proceedings, for example landing Sony as a new client in SEP proceedings against NPE Saint Lawrence. FBD benefited further from NPEs’ litigious spirit, as another series of proceedings was initiated by TLI against regular client Apple. In its second key pillar, the pharmaceuticals sector, the practice was visible within existing client connections, e.g. to Novartis Group. Once again this year FBD lost a distinguished counsel. Dr. Arno Riße went to Freshfields spinoff Arnold Ruess. Even more relevant as regards practice development, however, was the appointment of Prinz zu Waldeck und Pyrmont as partner; he already made a name for himself in litigation for Apple. With the UPC approaching, the team will now have to establish additional experienced young lawyers of the same caliber, so that it can continue to master complex proceedings. However, it will not be able to offer all of its young talent partner prospects in the years to come.

Strengths

Litigation, esp. related to pharmaceuticals and telecoms, licensing contracts on the interface with IT, advice on the interface with antitrust.

Development potential

With offices in London, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf and Munich, FBD is already well positioned at the key UPC local divisions. Expanding the Paris office would close a gap in the litigation practice.

Recommended individuals

Prof. Dr. Peter Chrocziel, Dr. Frank-Erich Hufnagel (“outstanding litigator”, competitor), Wolrad Prinz zu Waldeck und Pyrmont (“precision, down to the smallest detail”, competitor).

Team

3 partners, 7 associates

Practice

Patents work in Düsseldorf and Munich focuses on litigation, also transactional advice and licenses. Hamburg: licenses and advice to the biotech sector. Clients: predominantly companies from the pharmaceuticals, telecoms and automotive sectors. Close cooperation with antitrust and commercial litigation and liability.

Clients

Sony Mobile against Saint Lawrence concerning mobile communications; Continental concerning car tires; Audi on acquisition of patent portfolios for fuel cells; Novartis regarding rivastigmine; Hexal concerning pregabalin; Hexal/Sandoz concerning gemcitabine; Microsoft regarding SEPs; Apple concerning mobile communications patents (public knowledge).