JUVE Comment

The patent team at this international IP boutique is one of the well-positioned litigation players in Munich. It not only benefits from the growing importance of the patent court in the Bavarian capital, but also from its nationwide visibility in mobile communications suits on the side of ZTE and TCT. But it is not just these two mobile communications companies keeping Taliens increasingly busy: the firm is heavily involved in litigation for plaintiff Orckit IP concerning network technology. Thomas Lynker’s German patent team therefore saw growth within the existing client base. If the firm wants to widen this client base and technical expertise further, it will need to raise its associate headcount. If it wants to expand into life sciences – a sensible option, perhaps – as both the Munich and Paris teams advise medical product manufacturers (in Paris, for example, BostonScientific) – an experienced lateral with connections to pharma companies would be a logical step. But that would mean a cultural change for the still young firm.

Strengths

Mobile communications litigation.

European strategy

The Olswang spinoff has had an international setup since its launch in 2017. The concept is based on the positioning of the patent team around Jean-Frédéric Gaultier in France and Thomas Lynker in Munich as well as growing ties to ZTE, TCL and Boston Scientific. In Madrid, the firm works closely with the IP firm Bylos. This setup should make Taliens an attractive partner for UK firms seeking closer ties to the continental European system once their country exits the UPC project. Taliens could capitalise on such connections to compete with large firms like Bird & Bird or Hogan Lovells for pan-European cross-border work. But Taliens will not enter into these without something in return, because, at the moment, many UK firms are reorganising due to Brexit. At the same time, the uncertain future of the UPC has changed the signs for the internationally positioned firm. If it wants to remain attractive for pan-European disputes, an area into which many much larger competitors are moving, an expansion into other markets on the continent could be an option.

Recommended individuals

Thomas Lynker (“very good service, high quality. We give him our complex cases”, client).

Team

1 partner, 2 associates, 1 of counsel

Specialties

Exclusively active in IP. Much patent litigation. Also contract drafting, licences and strategic advice. Trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

Litigation: ZTE (defendant) against Conversant; TCT Mobile (defendant) against Intellectual Ventures, IP Bridge and Siemens (all over mobile communications); Orckit IP (claimant) against Adtran and Extreme Networks over network technology; Patentportfolio 3 (claimant) against SMA Solar over device remote controls; Newtec Labelling (defendant) against KHS GmbH over labelling technology; frequently for Sagemcom. Advice: TCT Mobile on licence projects; auto component supplier on connected cars litigation; medical products manufacturer on FTO analyses.