JUVE Comment

This leading firm in patents is a European heavyweight when it comes to pharmaceuticals and biotech patents. This applies to prosecution and litigation to an equal degree. This highly visible specialty overshadows the fact that Vossius’ technical expertise is broad on the whole. The firm now tackled its international setup, which is still weak compared to Hoffmann Eitle or Grünecker, but concrete plans to cooperate with other European firms have been thwarted by the Brexit referendum. Vossius had set its sights on one of the main potential UPC locations, Düsseldorf. The launch here, with a litigation team of its own patent attorneys and lawyers, as well as an experienced lateral, shows that Vossius is striving towards a consistent mixed approach in the European market, also to offer its strong US client base a full service. The firm is also tackling the Asian market, where other Munich firms have the edge.

Strengths

Patent prosecution and litigation related to pharmaceuticals, biotech and chemicals patents.

Development potential

The Brexit vote has a positive side effect for Vossius, as it will not have to worry about having an office in London for its pharmaceuticals specialty for the team being, but instead can focus on expansion in Düsseldorf. A lateral with mobile communications experience would be ideal here.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Johann Pitz, Dr. Thure Schubert; patent attorneys: Dr. Hans-Rainer Jaenichen, Dr. Alexa von Uexküll, Elard Frhr. von Schenck zu Schweinsberg.

Team

51 patent attorneys, 7 lawyers

Practice

All-round IP activity. Approximately 80 percent of the practice activity involves technical protection rights. Strong patent prosecution department with three technical practices: chemicals, life science and technology. Disputes in integrated teams. Licensing contracts and strategic advice. Trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

LabPMM regarding biotechnological diagnostic model; Musion Eyeliner concerning hologram technology; nullity suit for ZTE against Huawei regarding mobile communications patent; all-round patents activity for: Boston Scientific, 3M, IMC Group, Iscar, LG, NEC, ResMed, Smith & Nephew, Sumitomo.