JUVE Comment

This litigation team is highly recommended in patents and remains a solid player in the Düsseldorf patent market with its broad spectrum of sectors and an established team. The hallmark is pharmaceuticals litigation, where Bopp is a prominent name throughout Germany. However, he exemplifies the current overhaul of personnel: Bopp changed to of counsel status and now focuses exclusively on litigation. Team leadership was taken over by young partner Sonntag, who is well established in the market. GL thus took care of the generation change – surprisingly early, according to many competitors. But it is also doing so at a time when the team behind Sonntag lacks a visible associate base. To remain competitive in complex proceedings, esp. mobile communications suits, GL will have to expand its team. As things are now, the firm would hit its limits with several major proceedings of the same caliber as the rivastigmine dispute.

Strengths

Litigation for pharmaceuticals and telecoms patents.

Development potential

With the upcoming UPC, the patents team will have to sort out its European cooperation partners at the other important UPC locations. Exclusive ties seem to be virtually ruled out, given the firm’s policies up to now. Considering this and GL’s strong pharmaceuticals focus, a presence in London would be a logical move.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Thomas Bopp, Dr. Matthias Sonntag (“tenacious opponent”, competitor), Dr. Herwig Lux.

Team

2 partners, 2 counsel, 1 of counsel, 4 associates

Practice

All-round in IP, esp. trademarks and unfair competition and patent litigation. Patents work centers on nullity suits and infringement proceedings. Employee invention law, R&D cooperations, licenses and M&A transactions.

Clients

Acino concerning rivastigmine; Syngenta concerning plant-variety protection for winter wheat; frequent litigation for Actavis, Kärcher, Robert Bosch, Procter & Gamble, TomTom, Viewsonic.