JUVE Comment

In patents, this law firm is best known for litigation across Germany. It also advises on all other matters related to technical protection rights, though patent filing is not provided. PBP’s reputation still precedes it among German patent attorneys, so it is called upon in a large number of proceedings for the German Mittelstand. In contrast to this, Donle boasts close ties to Huawei, for whom it conducts extensive mobile communications litigation, e.g. against NPE Conversant. After the turbulent times of 2016 and 2017 with numerous departures, PBP is now enjoying a turnaround. The basis for this is a new management structure in which younger partners are taking on responsibility. The reconstruction of the shaken Düsseldorf office was also a success thanks to several laterals, among them a partner from Taylor Wessing and an experienced counsel from Klaka. Hoppe, who joined in 2017 from Harte-Bavendamm, was soon integrated in Hamburg. But PBP has yet to return fully to its old strength. The increasing interoffice cooperation between partners is pointing in the right direction if PBP is to be competitive at the UPC.

Strengths

Litigation with a broad technical spectrum.

European strategy

PBP is one of the first German firms with a lawyer in Paris to conduct isolated nullity suits at the central UPC court. It is also present at all German divisions and is working on strengthening its Düsseldorf office.

Recommended individuals

Dr. Ludwig von Zumbusch, Prof. Dr. Christian Donle, Dr. Christian Kau, Daniel Hoppe.

Team

10 partners, 1 counsel, 7 associates

Partner moves

Dr. Matthias Hülsewig (from Taylor Wessing).

Practice

Very strong focus on IP. Alongside patents, also trademarks and unfair competition and pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Litigation predominates. Invention law, know-how protection, licensing and R&D contracts.

Clients

Litigation: Huawei against Conversant, Intellectual Ventures and Unwired Planet regarding mobile communications; Mekra Lang concerning electric truck mirror; Sandvine concerning network technology; Washtech regarding carwash systems; Brita regarding water cartridges; Swedish Biofuels concerning E10 fuel. Advice: PII Pipetronix on employee invention law.