JUVE Comment

Hogan Lovells underscored its position as one of Germany’s leading patent litigation practices with a strong presence in proceedings in a wide array of sectors. Von Falck’s team cemented its outstanding position in pharmaceuticals proceedings with cases like Eli Lilly regarding Alimta, where it won a precedent decision (together with König Szynka) involving equivalent patent infringement. On top of this, there were few high-profile mobile communications suits where Hogan Lovells was not involved. The team was active in central proceedings for regular clients HTC, ZTE, and now Apple. The firm worked for two defendants, ZTE and Vodafone, against NPE Intellectual Venture. From Munich, Steininger’s team is making visible inroads in the auto industry, with work for a consortium of Daimler, BMW and Audi concerning the acquisition of Nokia map service Here and a number of proceedings for suppliers. Because of this strength, the German team is holding its leading position within the European network. The European patents practice is in excellent shape with regard to the possible UPC launch, esp. as it stepped up cooperation with the small US patents practice in global proceedings.

Strengths

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

Development potential

As a pan-European patents practice with strong teams in Germany and London, the UPC uncertainty in the wake of the Brexit vote affects Hogan Lovells to a certain degree. If the UK should indeed not take part in the UPC, the British partners will be busy reorganizing their own practices. Structures will have to be found to serve both markets, which actually should have been growing closer together in the UPC, separately.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Andreas von Falck, Dr. Martin Fähndrich (“legally and technically qualified to an equal degree”, client), Dr. Martin Chakraborty, Christian Stoll, Dr. Steffen Steininger, Dr. Clemens Plassmann.

Team

9 partners, 1 of counsel, 6 counsel, 20 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. Trademarks and unfair competition

Clients

Apple against Ericsson; Vodafone and ZTE against Intellectual Ventures (both public knowledge); HTC against Saint Lawrence (all regarding mobile communications patents; Eli Lilly regarding Alimta; Dainese regarding motorcycle protective clothing; Daimler, BMW and Audi on acquisition of Here; frequent litigation for BlackBerry, Baxter, Honeywell, Medinol, Merck, Qualcomm, Shimano.