JUVE Comment

Because of its tremendous visibility in disputes, this Munich firm is one of the most active litigation outfits on the patent attorney side. Whether pharmaceuticals patents or biosimilars, the team is involved in virtually all of the sector’s high-profile proceedings, incl. the disputes over Truvada and fulvestrant. Only the Düsseldorf team of competitor König enjoys comparable visibility. The df-mp lawyers are also active in numerous opposition suits in this segment as straw men for unknown industrial companies. While advice to industrial companies dominates in the pharmaceuticals sector, the strong IT and electronics practice focuses on NPE suits in mobile communications. Following major proceedings for Fipa, IPCom and Unwired Planet, an additional class action for Conversant underscores Molnia’s outstanding position in this segment. He and his team also litigate for production companies, such as Wiko, or a competitor in opposition suits against Philips patents (as straw man).

Strengths

Prosecution and litigation for pharmaceuticals and telecoms patents.

European strategy

Df-mp has no plans for international offices of its own or even a litigation practice with lawyers. But with its approach focusing on disputes it could be an ideal cooperation partner for European firms for UPC suits – especially NPE suits.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Hans Dörries, David Molnia, Dr. Dominik Ho (“excellent in mobile communications”, competitor), Dr. Elisabeth Greiner (“impressive in pharmaceuticals cases”, competitor) (all patent attorneys).

Team

21 patent attorneys

Practice

Patent prosecution with clear specialties in

pharmaceuticals/medical technology and electronics/telecoms. Extensive activity in opposition and nullity suits and infringement proceedings by patent attorneys.

Clients

Litigation: Conversant, Unwired Planet, Fipa and IPCom; Wiko against Ericsson (all concerning mobile communications); Hexal against AstraZeneca concerning fulvestrant; Biogen regarding Tecfidera; Teva concerning Ritonavir; opposition and nullity suits for Mylan and Zoetis. Prosecution: filing for Amgen, Biogen, Ledvance, Ebay, Krones.