JUVE Comment

The patent litigation practice has stable ties to its core clients from various sectors, especially pharma, telecoms, electronics and consumer goods. Of Counsel Bopp, enjoys an excellent reputation. In connected cars cases the firm advised in the background and brought its antitrust expertise into play. However, it has not recently played a role in those cases which have as yet been public. The relatively small team size compares with rivals means opportunities for further development are limited.

Strengths

Litigation for pharmaceuticals and telecoms patents.

European strategy

With its currently slim partner setup for UPC proceedings and the strategically restricted scope as part of a national, independent full-service firm, the patents team remains limited. In addition, it must rely on the international relations to other firms in the important UPC countries. With the exception of Gide in Paris, these do not have any established patent litigation know-how and Gide also works with other German patent firms. In London the firm has good ties to renowned firms, but these are not exclusive. Above all, the demand for large teams for UPC proceedings predicted by many competitors could put the small Gleiss team under pressure.

Recommended individuals

Matthias Sonntag, Herwig Lux, Thomas Bopp

Team

2 partners, 3 counsel, 6 associates, 1 of counsel

Specialties

All-round advice on IP, especially in trademarks and unfair competition and patent litigation. Employee invention law, R&D cooperations, licences and M&A transactions. Advice on the interface with antitrust.

Clients

Litigation: Japanese electronics concern against NPE over mobile communications; Orlalab over blood tests; ongoing advice to Bosch u. Procter & Gamble.