JUVE Comment

This Munich firm consists purely of patent attorneys but is highly visible the in German litigation market. A number of individuals enjoy an outstanding reputation for pharma and mobile communications cases. Partners such as Dörries, Greiner (both pharma) and Molnia (mobile communications) are often among the most high profile patent attorneys in the major cases. Once considered an NPE firm due to its work for IPCom, Conversant and Unwired Planet, Molnia’s team is increasingly advising on the industrial side in mobile communications suits. The team boasts extensive know-how in SEP cases. Nokia, for example, has retained df-mp for its suits against Daimler over connected cars, while Wiko has long instructed the team to defend against Ericsson. When it comes to pharma patents and biosimilars, the firm traditionally advises originator manufacturers, but it is seen more and more advising on the opposing side. Df-mp’s patent attorneys are sought after in this segment for oppositions, increasingly as a strawman for unknown companies. In addition, the firm has a very active, growing prosecution department, whose technical spectrum is much broader than its flagship specialties would suggest.

Strengths

Prosecution and litigation for pharma and mobile telecommunications patents.

European strategy

Df-mp has still no plans for international offices of its own or even a litigation practice with lawyers. But with its approach focusing on disputes it could be an ideal cooperation partner for European firms for cross-border as well as UPC suits. The past few months have shown that the mobile telecommunications team is no longer limited to NPEs, and has long been an option for corporates such as Wiko and Nokia in international proceedings.

Recommended individuals

Ulrich Dörries, David Molnia (“extensive experience and excellent strategist in disputes”, competitor), Dominik Ho, Elisabeth Greiner (“cooperative, friendly and highly experienced in infringment cases”, competitor; all patent attorneys)

Team

23 patent attorneys

Specialties

Patent prosecution with clear specialties in Pharmaceuticals, medical technology, electronics and telecoms. Extensive activity in opposition and nullity suits and infringement proceedings by patent attorneys.

Clients

Litigation: for Conversant, Unwired Planet, Fipa, IPCom; Wiko against Ericsson (all over mobile communications); Nokia against Daimler over connected cars; Hexal against AstraZeneca over Fulvestrant; Biogen over Tecfidera; Amgen against Sanofi over compulsory licence for active ingredient in Praluent; Teva against Mylan over Clift; Mylan and Zoetis in nullity suits and oppositions. Prosecution: strawman suits against several Philips patents; filings for Amgen, Biogen, Caterpillar, Ledvance, Lonza, Ebay, Krones.