JUVE Comment

This German patents practice around Feldges focuses largely on litigation and remains well positioned in pharmaceuticals proceedings. High-profile cases in this sector include work for Pfizer (regarding Lyrica) and Hoffmann-La Roche. A&O also landed a major German chemicals and pharmaceuticals corporate in cooperation with the strong British team. But the most important event for the German practice was the long-hoped-for partner reinforcement for mobile communications cases. Up-and-coming expert in this field Ebersohl joined in December 2017 and quickly took on the practice’s highest profile mobile communications client, Archos. Converting his connections to Google into work for A&O will not be a matter of course, as the Internet giant only recently hired another top-level firm for litigation in Germany alongside Quinn Emanuel in the shape of Hogan Lovells. Regarding the UPC, there is room to raise the visibility of the Düsseldorf office and the team is still too small.

Strengths

Litigation related to biotech and pharmaceuticals patents; arbitration.

European strategy

Despite the surprising move of long-time London leadership figure Nicola Dagg to Kirkland & Ellis, A&O is still getting set to rival European market leaders Hogan Lovells and Bird & Bird thanks to its aggressive expansion strategy. The patents team is targeting cross-border litigation on the industry side, but has yet to achieve the breadth in high-profile proceedings of the two market leaders. For the UPC, A&O still enjoys an excellent position in the French market, though visibility in Amsterdam could be stronger.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Joachim Feldges

Team

2 partners, 4 associates

Partner moves

Dr. Jan Ebersohl (from Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan).

Practice

Broad IP activity with clear focus on technical protection rights. Exclusively litigation with a strong specialty in biotech and pharmaceuticals. Also telecoms, electronics and mechanics. Arbitration, transactions and licensing.

Clients

Litigation: Warner Lambert/Pfizer against Hexal, Ratiopharm concerning second medical use for Lyrica; Archos against Philips regarding Android applications; frequent work for Hoffmann-La Roche. Transactions and advice: German biotech company on licensing contract for CRISPR technology; gas turbine manufacturer on licensing contract.