JUVE Comment

A leading firm in patents which is strategically gearing itself up for more high-volume European litigation work. Vossius deepened its mixed approach by adding one experienced associate from Olswang and one from Simmons & Simmons to its team of lawyer litigators. The firm is also integrating its Düsseldorf lawyers more consistently. This is the right strategy to raise the young team’s visibility for the long term alongside the city’s many established practices. Vossius’ activity in various series of proceedings in the life sciences sector, e.g. for medical products manufacturers Resmed and Smith & Nephew, may also help. Next to this, extensive work for pharmaceuticals and biotech companies is a familiar picture, as Vossius is considered extremely strong in this sector, in both litigation and prosecution. The firm is gaining a footing in proceedings related to electronics and mobile communications patents, where it brings its good connections in Asia into play: it litigated for ZTE and a Chinese manufacturer of Wi-Fi routers. Numerous prosecution instructions are from first-rate clients like Korean electronics corporate LG, which is filing a growing number of suits in Europe.

Strengths

Patent prosecution and litigation related to pharmaceuticals, biotech and chemicals patents.

European strategy

Because of its pharmaceuticals specialty, Brexit could make the idea of a London office appealing to Vossius in the long term, as it could offer US clients an alternative to the British firms. Vossius is also equipped for the UPC system if the British are involved and is forging cooperation plans with top-flight European firms, because its international setup is still too weak compared to Hoffmann Eitle or Grünecker, for example. Vossius had already launched an attack on Düsseldorf, one of the key UPC cities. Hiring another lateral with mobile communications experience would be a logical move.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Johann Pitz, Dr. Thure Schubert (“quick to react, precise and perfectly prepared”, client); patent attorneys: Dr. Hans-Rainer Jaenichen, Dr. Alexa von Uexküll, Elard Frhr. von Schenck zu Schweinsberg.

Team

56 patent attorneys, 9 lawyers

Practice

All-round IP activity. Approximately 80 percent of the practice activity involves technical protection rights. Strong patent prosecution department with three technical practices: chemicals, life sciences and technology. Disputes in integrated teams. Also trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

Smith & Nephew against KCI concerning bandages; Resmed against Fisher & Paykel regarding medical respirator masks; Medac regarding antirheumatic drug; LabPMM regarding biotechnological diagnostic model; Musion Eyeliner concerning hologram technology; frequent nullity suits and infringement proceedings for ZTE; all-round patents activity for: Boston Scientific, 3M, IMC Group, Iscar, LG, NEC, ResMed, Roche, Sumitomo.