JUVE Comment

This patent attorney firm from Düsseldorf stands out for its outstanding reputation for litigation, predominantly for pharma and biotech clients. The name partners in particular are extremely visible and regularly represent core clients such as Bayer and Eli Lilly in oppositions and infringement cases over economically significant medicines. The firm is well versed in coordinating international proceedings – a role which usually falls to lawyers and which shows just how well the boutique’s patent attorneys are anchored among its clients. The patent attorneys also have a solid work flow in filing for a loyal client base.

Strengths

Litigation by patent attorneys, often in cases of a precedent nature, primarily for biotech and pharmaceuticals companies; mechanics patents.

European strategy

Even without international cooperation and foreign offices, KSTR is excellently equipped for the UPC, as its outstanding reputation for litigation in pharmaceuticals and mechanics patents secures many direct contacts to companies. KSTR also works with several law firms. Of these, only Hogan Lovells is so far building up its own patent attorney team for litigation. But KSTR will have to keep an eye on the trend among law firms of establishing mixed litigation teams to protect its strong position.

Recommended individuals

Gregor König (“top litigator”, competitor), Dirk Szynka, Max Tilmann, Dorothea von Renesse, Carla Roth (all patent attorneys)

Team

16 patent attorneys

Specialties

Exclusive activity in IP with a clear focus on patents. Prosecution with a broad technical spectrum. Extensive litigation work. Also patent assessments and licensing contracts.

Clients

Litigation: ongoing for Bayer Pharma; Bayer Animal Health against Krka over dog flea medication; Eli Lilly against Hexal, Fresenius Kabi, Accord, Medac, Zentiva and IFA over cancer drug; Ethical Coffee Company over coffee capsules; AbbVie, OrbusNeich and Qiagen on oppositions. Prosecution: opposition for AbbVie over Humira; filing for Geberit, Hauff Technik, MTU Aero Engines, Orthogen, Paion, Qiagen, Tracto-Technik, Takeda, Osram (all public knowledge); advice to Daiichi Sankyo on licensing antibody to Glycotope.