JUVE Comment

This mixed Munich IP firm is well established with its good reputation for litigation. The prosecution practice covers a broad range of technical fields. The work of the patent attorneys is clearly dominated by pharma and biotech on the one hand and the auto industry on the other. WRST bolstered the former by appointing a fourth equity partner, but the firm is predominantly known for the latter. The mechanics team is highly active in nullity and infringement cases. At present, classic litigation between suppliers over auto parts predominates. It was only a question of time, however, until WRST attracted attention in connected cars. The patent attorneys advise core client BMW. Other infringement cases are handled by one of the five patent attorneys, while the remaining four are mainly active in soft IP. The litigation teams at other mixed firms such as Meissner Bolte and Vossius are considerably larger. In order to compete, WRST needs to make strengthening the team a priority.

Strengths

Pharmaceuticals patents and litigation predominantly for the auto sector.

Recommended individuals

Mathias Ricker, Michael Wallinger (both patent attorneys)

Team

19 patent attorneys, 1 lawyer

Specialties

All-round IP activity. Much litigation, licences, IP transactions and IP management. Midsized filing practice with broad technical expertise.

Clients

Litigation: for AVL, BMW, C&E Fein/Robert Bosch, Eastman, Eppendorf, Kuka, MTU Aero Engines, US tyre manufacturer. Prosecution: filings and oppositions for Archroma, BMW, Eastman, Eppendorf, hte AG, Kuka, LuK, Merz u. MTU; filings for Merck KGaA, ZTE, Vertex, a German pharma manufacturer; oppositions for Borregaard, Mölnlycke.