JUVE Comment

This pure patent attorney firm is well positioned in the litigation market. The team around Wittkopp specialises in pharma and biosimilar patents and frequently represents clients from the pharma sector, such as Mylan and Stada, in economically important cases. The most recent example is litigation for Hikma Pharma regarding the cytostatic Alimta in some of the year’s highest profile pharma proceedings. In such cases, the chemists and biochemists from the Hamburg firm combine with lawyers from large firms like Bird & Bird and Taylor Wessing. Hamm & Wittkopp also operates a relatively small filing practice. Expanding this is not a strategic focus. It is striving towards moderate personnel growth to enable more litigation.

Strengths

Litigation in oppositions and infringement cases for generics manufacturers.

European strategy

Compared to rivals of a similar size, this small and flexible patent attorney outfit is well positioned for the UPC regarding pharma disputes, as it already boasts extensive litigation experience. Hamm & Wittkopp is also an attractive cooperation partner from other European jurisdictions thanks to its specialty in chemistry and pharmaceutical patents, particularly for firms that specialise in advising generics manufacturers and have no interest in establishing their own prosecution practice in Germany.

Recommended individuals

Alexander Wittkopp (“outstanding”, competitor)

Team

6 patent attorneys

Specialties

Patent litigation related to pharma and biosimilar patents.

Clients

Litigation: Hikma Pharma (claimant) against Eli Lilly over cancer drug Alimta; Mylan (claimant) against Teva over MS drug Copaxone; Stada/Aliud (claimant) against MSD over cholesterol-lowering drug Inegy. Prosecution: filing and oppositions for Alfred E. Tiefenbacher (all public knowledge).