JUVE Comment

In patents, this Düsseldorf IP firm is among the leading litigation outfits, as it has one of the market’s best-known litigators in its ranks in the shape of Verhauwen and advises on an extremely high number of cases. This means the firm has an exceptional influence on Germany’s most important patent court at present and what is likely to be a central UPC local division in the future. Litigation work often stems from the German Mittelstand directly or via patent attorneys. Thanks to class actions for the two industry-oriented NPEs France Brevets and MPEG-Pool on the plaintiff side, the firm has a significant influence on German legal practice involving mobile communications, esp. related to FRAND issues. The firm is not active in mobile communications battles for manufacturers. Direct competitors Rospatt and Wildanger see more litigation regarding drugs and medical products as well.

Strengths

Infringement proceedings, esp. in Düsseldorf and related to telecoms and software. Litigation for NPEs. Employee invention law.

European strategy

In the UPC, the boutique is banking entirely on the preeminent expertise and pull of its lawyers, such as Verhauwen and Bühling. It is still ruling out a merger with European firms, instead opting for cooperations, although it shares some of these ties with other German competitors.

Recommended individuals

Axel Verhauwen, Dr. Jochen Bühling, Gereon Rother, Dr. Michael Bergermann.

Team

8 partners, 3 associates

Practice

All-round IP activity with a clear focus on patent litigation. Employee invention law. Trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

France Brevets regarding NFC patents; Siemens against Huawei and ZTE concerning MPEG4 patents; Claassen against Vählinge concerning laminates; arbitration for Ansaldo regarding plant construction; Burgwächter regarding lock technology; Saint-Gobain concerning adhesives; Tesa against 3M regarding protective films for cars; frequent litigation for Benteler, Melitta/Swirl, ITW.