JUVE Comment

This litigation firm highly recommended in patents was very visible in the central proceedings before the German courts. While Arnold was involved in the disputes over razor blades for Wilkinson and coffee capsules for ECC, Schumacher litigated in high-profile pharmaceuticals proceedings for Hexal and Forward Pharma. Both are also present in the central mobile communications battles, e.g. for Sisvel in the proceedings against Haier involving the interpretation of the ECJ’s FRAND ruling before the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht) and the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof). Overall, the team is slowly but surely catching up to the market-leading Düsseldorf boutiques thanks to its visibility and the quality of work, but esp. as it is growing at a faster pace than the competition: AR hired two associates and appointed a third partner in January 2017.

Strengths

Litigation concerning pharmaceuticals, medical technology and mobile communications patents.

European strategy

Like many litigation boutiques, AR is banking on its national independence and an established network of partner firms at key UPC locations. But it shares these contacts with some of its German competitors. Nonetheless, AR is well set in staffing terms to handle more major proceedings when the UPC launches. The lawyers are internationally qualified and more team-oriented than those at similar competitors like Krieger Mes or Wildanger.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Bernhard Arnold, Cordula Schumacher, Dr. Arno Riße.

Team

3 partners, 1 counsel, 6 associates

Practice

Exclusive activity in IP with a strong focus on patent litigation and trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

Sisvel against Haier and ZTE; Nokia Solutions and Networks against Apple; Nokia, Alcatel Lucent and Adtran against Intellectual Ventures (all regarding mobile communications); Forward Pharma regarding Tecfidera; Hexal and 1A Pharma regarding Pregabalin; Ethical Coffee Company (ECC) concerning coffee capsules; Wilkinson regarding razor blades.