JUVE Comment

Because of its broad litigation work and the large number of partners visible in the market, ROKH is undisputedly one of Germany’s leading patent litigation practices. Thanks also to its size, the boutique is now putting distance between itself and its competitors in Düsseldorf, and has also appointed another partner from its own ranks. These developments are based on excellent visibility in litigation in various technical fields, in a breadth otherwise seen only at Krieger Mes. Getting ahead of the pack, ROHK went on the offensive to tackle the upcoming UPC: two European IP heavyweights with strong visibility in mobile communications and pharmaceuticals cases are joining forces to form Hoyng ROKH Monegier. ROKH is hoping to complete the merger with Hoyng Monegier by the end of 2015. The precise structures have yet to be defined, but market observers consider a full merger unlikely. On the one hand, with 100 IP lawyers and five offices, incl. Amsterdam, Brussels, Düsseldorf and Paris, the new continental European firm will rival the strong IP teams in large firms like Hogan Lovells and Bird & Bird. And on the other, this will increase the pressure on the leading pan-European IP boutiques, as with every merger they lose potential alliance partners. But the merger will only put pressure on competitors if both parties standardize their structures and consistently develop work together. The decision to litigate only for originators in pharmaceuticals proceedings in the future was an initial sign that this will be the case. ROHK used to be very visible among generics manufacturers. Against this backdrop, however, some in the market wonder whether the merger is really wise, without a presence in London.

Strengths

Litigation specializing in pharmaceuticals, electronics and telecoms patents.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Thomas Reimann, Klaus Haft, Prof. Dr. Christian Osterrieth, Dr. Martin Köhler (“first-class”, competitor), Kay Kasper, Dr. Christine Kanz, Dr. Mirko Weinert, Dr. Tobias Hahn.

Team

9 partners, 11 associates

Practice

All-round activity in IP focusing on patent infringement proceedings and nullity suits. Also licenses, R&D cooperations and transaction advice. Trademarks and unfair competition. Strong international client base.

Clients

Public knowledge: Deutsche Telekom against SLC, Vringo against ZTE and Samsung against Unwired Planet (all regarding mobile communications patents); Gilead regarding hepatitis C drug Sovaldi; frequent litigation for Alcatel Lucent, Carl Zeiss, Energizer, Teva, Willkinson, French pharmaceuticals corporate and US chip manufacturer.