JUVE Comment

This international firm’s respected patents team has made Munich its center for patents. Here, Herr is dual-qualified as a well-regarded litigation specialist and patent attorney. The team is thus very visible in opposition/nullity suits and infringement proceedings. Though it enjoys a loyal base of regular clients and is acquiring more and more clients from the international network, the firm is not growing, unlike many competitors. Another partner could improve Baker’s starting position at the UPC and help it to tap the potential lying dormant in the network.

Strengths

Litigation with technical and legal expertise. Arbitration.

European strategy

With teams in London, Paris and Munich, the European patents practice has a respectable setup for the UPC launch. It would also cover two more UPC locations, Warsaw and Barcelona, if Poland and Spain were to join. But none of the B&M offices are among the market leaders.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Dr. Jochen Herr.

Team

2 equity partners, 6 associates

Practice

IP work focuses more on trademarks and unfair competition than technical protection rights. Much litigation with technical specialties in chemicals, electronics and mechanics patents. Patent-related arbitration, transactions, licensing contracts and antitrust.

Clients

Frequent litigation for Osram regarding LED (public knowledge), ITT Corp., Rehau, RealID; Pelikan regarding printer cartridges, Becton Dickinson concerning medical products; security system manufacturer concerning mobile security.