JUVE Comment

This firm, which is highly recommended for patents, enjoys an esp. good name in the pharmaceuticals sector, both for prosecution and litigation. The litigation team was much busier this year, partly because of Stief’s high-profile activity. But reducing Maiwald to a pharmaceuticals firm would be too simplistic, as the patent attorneys and lawyers cover a broader technical spectrum encompassing the auto sector, aircraft construction and medical technology. Maiwald bolstered its practice in mechanical patents with two patent attorneys experienced in litigation from Bird & Bird. The firm has yet to stand out, however, in mobile communications proceedings.

Strengths

Patent prosecution and litigation with technical expertise in biotech, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Excellent US contacts.

Development potential

Maiwald appears well equipped for the UPC, esp. given its mixed litigation expertise and excellent contacts among US companies. But it will have to defend these against British firms. With the firm’s strong pharmaceuticals and chemicals activity, establishing an office or close cooperation in London remains an unresolved task.

Recommended individuals

Marco Stief; patent attorneys:Dr. Volker Hamm, Dr. Regina Neuefeind.

Team

50 patent attorneys, 6 lawyers

Practice

All-round IP activity with a clear focus on patent prosecution. Broad technical spectrum with a large pharmaceuticals and chemicals practice. Opposition and nullity suits. Infringement proceedings with mixed teams. Own office in Zurich.

Clients

Airbus up to Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof); Mundipharma and Purdue in constitutional complaint against EPO; frequent litigation for Stada (public knowledge) and Fresenius Kabi; prosecution for Airbus, Alere, Bausch & Lomb, Robert Bosch, Borealis, Purdue.