JUVE Comment

This leading litigation team in patents has stood out in pharmaceuticals patents from day one. This year saw TW make the breakthrough in mobile communications suits, e.g. for two auto manufacturers in the dispute against Synchronicity. The team boasts a technical breadth otherwise seen at Hogan Lovells and Bird & Bird. However, compared to its main competitors, TW lacks a regular involvement on the plaintiff side of high-profile proceedings. The team does, however, boast a large number of young, well-positioned litigators. Throughout Europe, TW has long played in the same league as Hogan Lovells and Bird & Bird, as the patents practice has well-placed teams at all relevant UPC locations. There is a certain gap in Italy and Scandinavia, but the German group boasts a strong Asian practice.

Strengths

Litigation related to pharmaceuticals and telecoms. Large European patents team. Good contacts in China and Japan.

Development potential

The patents team does not make use of the Silicon Valley and New York offices enough yet to position itself for the major US mobile communications players. Regardless of when the UPC launches, TW will have to step on the gas as Hogan Lovells is consistently polishing its US litigation practice.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Sabine Rojahn, Dr. Michael Samer, Christoph de Coster, Dr. Christian Lederer, Dr. Dietrich Kamlah, Dr. Gisbert Hohagen.

Team

7 equity partners, 4 salary partners, 9 associates, 2 of counsel

Practice

All-round activity in IP. In patents, activity focuses on infringement proceedings. Very close cooperation with the European patents team and international life science practice. Also licensing and cooperation contracts.

Clients

Peugeot and Citroen against Synchronicity regarding emergency call system; Metatron regarding gas injection system; Hisense against Sisvel concerning mobile communications; frequent litigation for Ericsson, Gore, Nichia, Sandoz/Hexal, Hospira and ThyssenKrupp. Computer manufacturer and Chinese mobile communications company concerning mobile communications standards.