JUVE Comment

This leading firm in patents is a real heavyweight for litigation, both by patent attorneys and lawyers. No other German firm has so consistently embodied the mixed litigation approach over many years. The major proceedings conducted for the NPE Intellectual Ventures were among the highest-profile proceedings before the German courts. Beyond such NPE suits, Bardehle primarily litigates for industrial clients from a wide range of sectors, among them Amazon and Adidas. Visibility in pharmaceuticals suits, however, is low and will only improve with first-rate laterals. Overall the question arises as to whether the team of patent litigation lawyers urgently needs more partners (currently two equity partners), given the volume of work.

Strengths

Patent prosecution and mixed litigation practice primarily for mobile communications and software patents. Strong European presence and excellent US contacts.

European strategy

With its mixed litigation approach and the international focusing of lawyers and offices at the pivotal UPC locations in Düsseldorf, Paris and Munich, Bardehle is well on its way to becoming a top European firm. This progress suffered a setback when the Milan office had to close because a partner moved to Dentons. Bardehle now only has a small Italian office in Verona.

Recommended individuals

Johannes Heselberger, Dr. Tilman Müller-Stoy; patent attorneys: Peter Hess, Dr. Christof Karl, Johannes Lang.

Team

22 patent attorneys, 12 lawyers

Practice

All-round activity in trademarks and unfair competition and a clear focus on technical protection rights. Filing on a broad technical spectrum. Much litigation, litigation coordination and strategic advice. Many industrial contacts.

Clients

Public knowledge: Qualcomm against Parker Vision; Intellectual Ventures against DTAG, Telefonica and Vodafone; Amazon against SLC and Wilan (all regarding mobile communications); Adidas concerning sneakers; IMRA and Ivis regarding laser technology; frequent litigation for BMW; filing and opposition suits for Adidas, Apple, Dell, Kuka, Nintendo, Qualcomm, Wago.