JUVE Comment

This small Düsseldorf IP boutique is renowned throughout Germany for patent litigation, especially for mobile communications patents. KA’s involvement in the first major suit against the auto sector concerning connected cars was a sensation. The firm litigated for the main defendants Audi and VW, two long-time clients of Kather. In the extensive proceedings all five partners plus associates work as a well-oiled team. The practice also brings its strengths into play in traditional mobile communications proceedings and litigated for Ericsson against Wiko in a major series involving LTE and mobile communications standards. KA also works for regular clients from the healthcare sector, e.g. medical product manufacturer Coloplast in an international suit over urinary catheters. Although compared to others nationwide it only has a midsized team, KA covers an immense technical breadth for clients from almost all sectors – incl. many international industrial clients and German Mittelstand companies.

Strengths

Litigation, especially mobile communications.

European strategy

The Düsseldorf IP litigation boutique is among those nurturing relationships with similar specialist firms in the other UPC jurisdictions, e.g. Powell Gilbert in London. But the merger of French patent litigation boutique Véron – an excellent contact before now – with Hoyng ROKH Monegier shows how quickly a partner who was thought to be secure can be lost to other mergers. Solid connections to nationally independent partners in other UPC states could offer protection against this.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Peter Kather, (“crossing swords with him is always a challenge”, competitor; “excellent litigation strategist”, client), Dr. Christof Augenstein.

Team

6 partners, 5 associates, 2 of counsel

Practice

Exclusively litigation and advice in IP.

Clients

Litigation: Audi/Volkswagen against Broadcom/Avago concerning connected cars, frequent activity for BASF, Boston Scientific, Coloplast, Dematic, Deutsche Lufthansa, DWS, Ericsson, Franka Emika, HTC, Knorr-Bremse, Tesa. Advice: Lenze on licences.