JUVE Comment

For pan-European patents matters, the leading patents practice of this US firm is appearing ever more frequently, with a well-positioned team of patent attorneys and a firmly established litigation team. JD plays a central role in pharmaceuticals disputes – opposition suits and infringement proceedings – involving new active agents. A prime example is work for Akebia involving erythropoietin and Celgene concerning a cancer drug. For Akebia, JD actively brought its US law expertise into play by pushing through a US inspection procedure. JD now defines its German patents team as the central anchor for technical protection rights in Europe. The firm is visible in numerous UPC markets, but only in London is it similarly positioned to Germany. The other European teams also draw on the broad technical expertise of the well-established German patent attorney practice. With regard to JD’s ambitions of closing the gap on the market-leading European practices of Bird & Bird or Hogan Lovells, the litigation team lacks visibility on the frontline in mobile communications suits, where it is only occasionally active. There is also room for development in terms of the litigators’ visibility in Düsseldorf.

Strengths

Patent prosecution with technical expertise in the pharmaceuticals, biotech and auto sectors. Pharmaceuticals proceedings. Very strong US practice.

Recommended individuals

Gerd Jaekel, Dr. Christian Paul; patent attorneys: Dr. Martin Weber, Dr. Dorothée Weber-Bruls.

Team

13 patent attorneys, 6 lawyers

Practice

All-round IP activity with a focus on technical protection rights. Prosecution practice with broad technical expertise. Opposition and nullity suits and infringement proceedings. Licensing contracts, transactions and advice on patent strategies.

Clients

Celgene against various generics manufacturers concerning cancer drug; Akebia in opposition suits concerning erythropoietin; Idenix regarding hepatitis C drug; Lufthansa Technik concerning aircraft electronics; SMI concerning self-extinguishing cigarette paper; TTE against Valeo regarding distance warning system; all-round activity for Celera, Celgene, Rational, SMR Automotive, Sunrise Medical, Woco.