JUVE Comment

This German patents group comes recommended for its litigation work and is now a permanent fixture within the fully integrated litigation team, which is highly visible across Europe. The firm boasts a strong position in London, Amsterdam and Milan, and is energetically building on the German practice. Like the European practice overall, the German team has a clear specialty in pharmaceuticals proceedings, which now stretches far beyond the well-known advice to Bayer. The team was also visible in several disputes in the cigarette industry, as well as work regarding defense technology. The team, which is still very small compared to others in the market, boasts broad sector expertise overall, but visibility in mobile communications suits could be stronger. The fact that the UPC launch is delayed, possibly without the participation of the UK, will affect S&S as it had sounded the charge on the European market leaders Bird & Bird and Hogan Lovells. To compete with these, at least on a national level, S&S will need to raise its associate headcount.

Strengths

Litigation related to pharmaceuticals. Strong European litigation team.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Peter Meyer, Dr. Thomas Adam, Dr. Ina vom Feld.

Team

3 partners, 5 associates

Practice

Clear focus on advice and litigation. Focus on the pharmaceuticals, electronics, medical products and telecoms sectors.

Clients

Fontem Ventures regarding e-cigarettes; Reemtsma concerning cigarette packaging; MStar Semiconductors regarding microprocessors; BTG regarding medical products; frequent activity for Airbus Defence, Bayer Group, litigation for Boehringer Ingelheim.