JUVE Comment

Unlike many patent attorney firms, this Hamburg IP boutique, which is highly recommended for patents, is geared primarily towards litigation, not only filing. U&S litigates in cooperation with external lawyers. The patent attorneys themselves are very active for regular clients like Exxon Mobil in opposition suits. Agricultural corporate Monsanto is also a source of much litigation work, e.g. concerning plant cultivation. At international level, the patent attorneys mainly advise US clients who hire U&S directly, some of whom have been working with the firm for decades. The firm also landed new clients, e.g. Presspart, an instrument manufacturer for pharmaceuticals companies. If patent attorneys experienced in litigation for major proceedings are sought once the UPC is launched, U&S will be able to profit. However, the firm’s contacts among external lawyers and international partners, esp. its US contacts, will be tested when faced with competition from British firms. A London office could be an advantage.

Strengths

Patent litigation with a technical focus on pharmaceuticals, biotech and chemicals.

Recommended individuals

Albrecht von Menges, Peter Franck, Dr. Ulrich-Maria Gross, Dr. Heinz-Peter Muth. (“years of litigation experience”, competitor; all patent attorneys).

Team

19 patent attorneys

Practice

All-round IP practice focusing on patent prosecution with broad technical expertise. Frequent litigation, often with external litigators. Also trademarks and unfair competition. Predominantly international clients.

Clients

Public knowledge: ongoing filing and opposition suits for: ExxonMobil, Ivoclar, KRKA, Monsanto, Black & Decker, W. R. Grace, Airbus; Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceutical on opposition suits; Sealed Air on opposition suits, filing for Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht and Presspart.