JUVE Comment

This law firm boasts a renowned litigation practice with deep roots in German midsized companies. Its excellent reputation in the patent-attorney community is major factor here. The persistence of the young partners in rebuilding the firm following departures between 2016 and 2017 has paid off; for two years in a row, younger partners and senior associates have joined the outfit after hearing about PBP’s fresh impetus. PBP can also boast one of the few partner moves in the market; Meier joined from rival firm Hoyng ROKH Monegier. The newly acquired equity partner is active on the interface between patent and pharma. His arrival is not only a boost for the renowned pharma team but also opens the door to potential clients from the healthcare sector seeking more comprehensive advice. Furthermore, the firm’s interoffice cooperation is now bearing fruit. For example, a Munich-Düsseldorf team advises new client Bora in the dispute with Miele concerning extraction systems for hobs. Senior partner Donle is active in mobile communications, representing Huawei in the major patent battles, for example.

Strengths

Litigation with a broad technical spectrum.

European strategy

PBP is one of the first German firms with German lawyers in Paris to conduct isolated nullity suits at the central UPC court. This year the firm brought in another German lawyer based in Paris. PBP is using the Paris office to expand its contacts to midsized French companies and French patent attorneys – a strategy that sets it apart from rivals. In Germany the practice has a presence at all UPC locations and has been working on strengthening its Düsseldorf team for some time.

Recommended individuals

Ludwig von Zumbusch, Christian Donle, Christian Kau, Daniel Hoppe (“in-depth technical understanding”, competitor)

Team

11 partners, 10 associates

Partner moves

Alexander Meier (from Hoyng ROKH Monegier)

Specialties

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

Clients

Litigation: Huawei against Conversant, Intellectual Ventures and Unwired Planet over mobile communications; Bora against Miele over extraction systems; Fermacell against Aerocycle over wastepaper processing; Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland against FilaTech over hollow fibre spin machines; Mekra Lang against Orlaco and Stoneridge over electronic lorry mirrors; Sandvine over network technology; Washtech against Istobal over carwash systems; Brita against Aquaselect over water cartridges; Swedish Biofuels against BP Europe and Aral over E10 fuel; ongoing for Hewlett Packard, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint. Advice: Frey & Lau on trade secret protection, PII Pipetronix on employee invention law.