JUVE Comment

Like Bird & Bird, JD has opted for a mixed approach with a well-positioned litigation practice and strong prosecution practice for much longer than other law firms. The latter practice raised its patent attorney headcount. Both filing and litigation centre on international biotech and pharmaceuticals companies. The team has an asset in the close ties to offices in the global firm network, as JD litigated in a host of pharmaceuticals proceedings in various countries. The German litigation team is also active in proceedings involving mechanics or engineering patents. Mobile communications is still uncharted territory, although increasing car connectivity could be to JD’s advantage, as the patent attorney team boasts notable international auto suppliers as clients.

Strengths

Patent prosecution with technical expertise in the pharmaceuticals, biotech and auto sectors. Pharma proceedings. Very strong US practice.

European strategy

The patents practice is present at the key UPC locations Munich and Düsseldorf. Internationally, close cooperation with the strong US teams is an asset. JD is very strongly positioned in Paris with Thomas Bouvet’s team (joined in 2017 from Véron & Associés). The German and Paris team now work together for such notable clients as Celegene and Idenix. The London patents team is also well positioned.

Recommended individuals

Gerd Jaekel, Dr. Christian Paul; patent attorneys: Dr. Martin Weber, Dr. Dorothée Weber-Bruls.

Team

17 patent attorneys, 3 lawyers

Practice

All-round IP activity with a focus on technical protection rights. Prosecution practice with broad technical expertise. Opposition and nullity suits and infringement proceedings. Licensing contracts, transactions and strategic advice.

Clients

Litigation: Celgene against various generics manufacturers concerning cancer drug; BioMarin against Serapta regarding RNA modulation therapeutics; CJ Cheil Jedang against Ajinomoto concerning amino acids; Lufthansa Technik concerning aircraft electronics; QA Technologies regarding test connections for cell phones. Prosecution: all-round activity for Bickle Räder + Rollen, Celgene, Convex, Genentech, Puma Biotechnology, Rational, SMR Automotive, Sunrise Medical.