JUVE Comment

This leading firm in patents successfully pursues a litigation focus. Work for Philips is increasingly extensive, e.g. concerning implementation of the Dutch company’s huge patent pool. The patent attorneys and lawyers not only conduct litigation for their most important regular client in mobile communications, but in a broad spectrum ranging from lighting to white goods. Just how consistently Eisenführ now works with mixed teams for litigation was shown by its work for Dolby regarding audio coding and for regular client Sisvel in mobile communications. Although the latter also carried out high-profile proceedings with lawyers from Arnold Ruess and Hengeler, the Eisenführ patent attorneys are always at its side. Filing activity has been on the increase for years, with Eisenführ frequently conducting initial filing in a wide technical spectrum for an internationally active client base as well as innovative Mittelstand companies. Prosecution work was broadened for BASF as well as Philips.

Strengths

Patent prosecution and litigation in chemicals, electronics, mobile communications and renewable energies. Litigation for NPEs.

European strategy

Eisenführ is hoping to make itself a candidate for UPC proceedings with its tried-and-tested mixed approach, but without its own international offices. But it is open to new offices, once the court opens its doors and significant work develops at the international UPC locations – e.g. because of its excellent relationship with Philips in Amsterdam. Eisenführ also boasts close connections to international partner firms, though these are being courted by some German competitors too.

Recommended individuals

Rainer Böhm, Dr. Volkmar Henke (“thoroughly recommendable”, client); patent attorneys: Jochen Ehlers, Klaus Göken, Joachim von Oppen.

Team

34 patent attorneys, 6 lawyers

Practice

All-round activity in IP with a clear focus on patent prosecution with a broad technical spectrum. Opposition and nullity suits, infringement proceedings and arbitration. Advice on transactions and assessment of protection rights. Also trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

Philips and Sisvel concerning mobile communications standards; Vodafone against Saint Lawrence and Intellectual Ventures regarding mobile communications; Dolby Laboratories against Wiko regarding audio coding; Enercon regarding wind turbines; Nordson concerning industrial adhesives; extensive activity for BASF, Centirion, CeWe Stiftung, Nordson Sennheiser, Panasonic, Evonik.