JUVE Comment

This patent attorney firm enjoys an outstanding reputation for litigation. What sets it apart from many competing patent attorney firms is its frequent work for originators in the economically important pharma and biotech cases. The firm represented regular client Eli Lilly in several extensive battles concerning cancer drug pemetrexed and erectile dysfunction drug Tadalafil. The team is also the first choice for various Bayer divisions when it comes to the central proceedings, such as against Ceva regarding drugs for coccidia infections. It sometimes also takes on the role of coordinator of international cases, a function traditionally performed by lawyers, mainly from London firms. This underscores the trust that clients place in the firm. In the background there is a solid filing practice for an extremely loyal base of regular clients. Like many competing patent attorney firms, König follows a conservative growth strategy and therefore trains its own young talent.

Strengths

Litigation by patent attorneys, often in precedent cases, 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 (“our first choice for litigation”, client), Dirk Szynka, Max Tilmann, Dorothea von Renesse, Carla Roth (all patent attorneys)

Team

8 partners, 8 associates, all 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: Bayer Animal Health (claimant) against Ceva over medicine for Coccidien infections; Eli Lilly (claimant) against Hexal, Fresenius Kabi, Accord, Medac, Zentiva, Hikma and IFA over cancer drug pemetrexed; Eli Lilly (defendant) against Hexal and Teva over impotence drug Tadalafil; Eli Lilly (defendant) against gene technology for psoriasis drug Taltz; ongoing advice for Bayer Pharma, Hauff Technik, Paccor, Tracto-Technik. Prosecution: filing and oppositions for AbbVie, Infineon, Geberit, Glycotope Hauff Technik, MTU Aero Engines, Paccor Packaging, Orthogen, Osram, Paion, Qiagen, Tracto-Technik, Takeda (all public knowledge); SPCs for: Bayer Pharma, Bayer Animal Health, Bayer Crop Science, Orion Corporation, Orbus.