JUVE Comment

With the UPC approaching, this leading German patent litigation practice set a further strategic course. It grew its partnership from within its own ranks, underscoring the leading role played by the practice, even within the strong European team. HL is incorporating the still small US patents practice into the work of the global practice more and more, esp. in work for mobile communications companies, among which the European team is well represented. In this segment, the German team handled several major proceedings at once: whether for HTC against NPEs like IPCom and SLC, or for ZTE against Huawei before the ECJ, Hogan Lovells was virtually omnipresent. The partners were once again active in the central pharmaceuticals battles as well, e.g. for regular client Eli Lilly against Actavis. The depth of the practice’s activity in both of these sectors has led to it focusing entirely on certain key clients, for example selected originators in the pharmaceuticals sector.

Strengths

Strong international client base, large European IP practice, cross-border litigation, esp. related to pharmaceuticals and telecoms.

Development potential

The very large European patents practice appears ideally equipped for the UPC but it could give itself a better starting position by improving its international team structures and making the work of the individual partners and thereby their turnover more consistent, in particular to prevent rivalry between the national groups for mutual clients. The expansion of direct connections to US companies is another key to success before the UPC.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Andreas von Falck (“outstanding pharmaceuticals expertise”, client), Dr. Martin Fähndrich (“his combined technical and litigation expertise is impressive”, client), Dr. Martin Chakraborty (“first-class litigator”, competitor), Christian Stoll, Dr. Steffen Steininger, Dr. Clemens Plassmann.

Team

8 partners, 6 counsel, 17 associates

Practice

Litigation and strategic advice to an equal extent, incl. licenses, employee invention law and transactions. Specialties in the pharmaceuticals and healthcare, medical technology, electronics, telecoms, engineering and auto sectors. Strong trademarks and unfair competition practice.

Clients

HTC concerning mobile communications patents; ZTE regarding LTE patents up to ECJ; Eli Lilly against Orifarm and Actavis concerning Alimta; Astronics against Lufthansa Technik concerning aircraft technology; Dell and Toshiba regarding TV monitors; frequent litigation for BlackBerry, Baxter, Honeywell, Medinol, Merck, Qiagen, Shimano, Tyco.