JUVE Comment

Sonntag’s patent litigation practice has a very solid client base in an array of technical fields, especially pharmaceuticals, telecoms, consumer electronics and consumer goods. GL was again involved in the pharmaceuticals sector’s major international disputes on the side of regular clients. Since of counsel Bopp only litigates in selected cases, the team has a narrow setup, which cannot keep step with the dynamic progress made by some market leaders. Nevertheless, the team shows that it has the potential to make a play for the top of the market, with prominent cases like that for Gillette against Wilkinson concerning razor blades. But GL will have to build up capacities if it is to handle more cases of this caliber simultaneously. This would also improve the firm’s starting position for the UPC.

Strengths

Litigation for pharmaceuticals and telecoms patents.

European strategy

With its currently slim partner setup for UPC proceedings and the strategically restricted scope as part of a national, independent full-service firm, the patents team remains limited. In addition, it must rely on the exclusive partners of the overall firm in important UPC countries. With the exception of Gide in Paris, these do not have any established patent litigation know-how. Gide also works with other German patents firms. But above all the demand for large teams for UPC proceedings predicted by many competitors could put the small Gleiss team under pressure.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Matthias Sonntag (“pragmatic and knows his stuff”, client), Dr. Herwig Lux, Dr. Thomas Bopp.

Team

2 partners, 3 counsel, 6 associates, 1 of counsel

Practice All-round advice on IP, especially in trademarks and unfair competition and patent litigation. Employee invention law, R&D cooperations, licences and M&A transactions. Advice on the interface with antitrust.

Clients

Litigation: Procter & Gamble (Gillette) against Wilkinson regarding razor blades; Orlalab concerning blood tests; Japanese electronics corporate against NPE regarding mobile communications; M&A: Syngenta on sale of pesticide and sugar beet seed; Bosch and Mahle on sale of Turbo Group.