JUVE Comment

The Munich patent-attorney firm has a strong focus on disputes. Thanks mainly to Katérle’s litigation in infringement cases concerning mobile communications patents, W&W enjoys a good reputation. He continues to represent LG in two suits against NPEs Fipa and Conversant, together with external lawyers. The firm is also advising Asus in a major mobile phone dispute. The combination of experience in mobile communications litigation and very close ties to auto suppliers makes the firm a good candidate for connected car suits. Up to now, W&W has mainly represented its core clients such as Valeo and ZF TRW in classic cases concerning auto components. However, ZF is developing ever more connected car applications, which could be an opportunity for the firm to get involved in such cases. Another traditional focus for W&W is pharma and biotech; the firm often conducts oppositions and appeals before the EPO. The extensive prosecution work in a plethora of technical fields gives rise to much litigation work across an equally varied spectrum.

Strengths

Patent prosecution with technical expertise in mechanics, electronics and biotech. Plant variety protection. Mobile communications litigation.

Recommended individuals

Bernhard Thum (“sensationally good”, competitor), Axel Katérle, Hendrik Wichmann (all patent attorneys)

Team

35 patent attorneys

Specialties

All-round IP activity. Patent prosecution with a broad technical spectrum. Nullity and opposition suits, infringement proceedings, generally with external litigators. Mainly active for automotive, biotech, pharma and chemicals companies.

Clients

Litigation: Asus against Philips, LG against Fipa and Conversant (both over mobile communications); Novozymes against DSM over lactose-free milk; Sram against Shimano over bicycle technology; Swiss Pharma against Biogen over Tysabri; Südttiroler Züchter on registrability of apple types up to CJEU. Prosecution: AOC against Tridonic on opposition against basic patent for white LEDs; filings and oppositions for Airbus, Colgate-Palmolive, Eastman-Kodak, Fanuc, LG, Olympus, Polymedicure, Scania, Stryker, ZF TRW.