JUVE Comment

The patent litigation team around Kellenter advises a healthy mix of companies and NPEs. The team has been able to maintain this balance for years because the companies it advises mainly stem from industries that have not yet been attacked by NPEs over connectivity. AstraZeneca and Saint-Gobain are long-term litigation clients. The team’s work for GE subsidiary Concept Laser against Bego and its customers is becoming increasingly comprehensive. Recently, the team litigated for core client Kennametal over cutting blades. In mobile telecommunications, however, the team has a clear focus on NPEs, having represented IPCom and Fipa for years. The headcount is stable, though an associate did become a counsel. A second partner would help open the door to larger, cross-border proceedings.

Strengths

Litigation for NPEs, pharma suits.

European strategy

As part of a nationally independent full-service firm, the patents team will struggle to arm itself for closer international relationships, as well as for the potential UPC by tightening ties to experienced international patents teams. Of HM’s best-friend firms, only De Brauw in Amsterdam and Bonelli Erde in Italy have renowned patent experts in their ranks. Bredin Prat in Paris and Slaughter & May in London barely make an appearance in patents.

Recommended individuals

Wolfgang Kellenter

Team

1 partner, 4 counsel, 2 associates

Specialties

Patent litigation. Advice on the interface with antitrust. Also strategic advice, assessment of technical protection rights and transactions.

Clients

Litigation: regularly for AstraZeneca and Kemmametall; Fipa against Samsung; IPCom against Apple and HTC (both over mobile communications); Sisvel against Toshiba over TV patents; Concept Laser against Bego over laser technology; Saint-Gobain against 3M over spray paint technology; Sino-Resource over coolant for air conditioning.