JUVE Comment

The patent litigation team of this IP boutique is active in an unusually large number of high-profile proceedings despite its small size. The most notable example here is the joint preparation of a suit for Broadcom/Avago with Grünecker in the much-observed dispute against VW/Audi over semiconductor patents. As the first case involving connected cars, this is groundbreaking. The team also works for ZTE and Wiko in mobile communications cases – but generally on the defendant side in NPE suits. Numerous large Mittelstand companies are also among regular clients, primarily for mechanics patents. In a dispute involving special dowels, Klaka was successful for Fischerwerke before Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court (Oberlandesgericht). Work in pharmaceuticals patents is not as visible.

Strengths

Litigation related to mechanics and mobile communications.

European strategy

In Germany, Klaka is present at two key UPC venues, Munich and Düsseldorf. Internationally Klaka nurtures close ties to patent attorneys and other lesser known European litigation firms. The firm will have to grow and establish other stand-out litigators besides Giebe for a convincing UPC strategy.

Recommended individuals

Olaf Giebe (“quickly immerses himself in complex technical issues”, competitor), Dr. Wolfgang Götz, Dr. Stefan Eck.

Team

4 partners, 1 associate, 1 of counsel

Practice

Strong focus on patent law, exclusively litigation and advice. Also trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

Litigation: Broadcom/Avago against VW and Audi concerning connected Cars; Wiko against Sisvel and 3G Licensing concerning mobile communications; Bulthaupt in rei vindicatio action regarding laser-cut edges for furniture; Certoplast against Tesa regarding special adhesive tape for cable harnesses; Fischerwerke against Ejot concerning special dowels; Salewa against 3G regarding ski touring bindings; Medien Patentverwaltung on coding film copies; 3M against Saint-Gobain regarding industrial painting technology. Advice and portfolio management: Wiko on SEPs; Dürr; Leukocare.