JUVE Comment

This Düsseldorf IP firm underlined its strong position among the market leaders with litigation for Nokia in the extensive precedent cases involving connected cars. The settlement with Daimler was an important milestone for Arnold Ruess’ client and sends out a clear message to the auto sector. This raised the visibility of Cordula Schumacher and Arno Riße’s team significantly.

The two partners also landed a new client in the shape of InterDigital, for whom they entered uncharted legal territory against Chinese mobile communications manufacturer Xiaomi concerning anti-suit injunctions, winning a much-observed ruling at Munich Regional Court. In both cases, the IP boutique brought its vast experience in FRAND issues into play. It also impressed competitors with its creative litigation style and argumentation.

The practice plays at an equally high level in pharma and chemicals patents. Sanofi is among regular clients and trusts in the firm for high-stakes proceedings involving cholesterol-reducing drug Praluent. Kingfa recently decided to work with the firm for the first time.

In all proceedings, Arnold Ruess, like long-established Düsseldorf litigation boutiques Rospatt and Wildanger, relies on cooperation with external patent attorneys.

Strengths

Litigation concerning pharmaceuticals, medical technology and mobile communications patents, including SEP and FRAND issues.

European strategy

Despite not having international offices of its own, Arnold Ruess has experience coordinating international cases. The IP boutique recently brought in reinforcements for its coordination role in the shape of an associate licenced as a UK and Thai solicitor.

The firm nurtures close ties to various law firms in other jurisdictions, without belonging to any formal network. This has done nothing to harm its success thus far, as evidenced by the new connection to InterDigital in a cross-border case involving China and India.

Recommended individuals

Bernhard Arnold (“he has really in-depth knowledge of the issues”, competitor), Cordula Schumacher (“I heartily recommend her in biosimilar cases”, competitor), Arno Riße (“as meticulous as he is innovative”, competitor)

Team

3 partners, 1 counsel, 9 associates

Specialties

Exclusive activity in IP with a strong focus on patent litigation, as well as trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

Litigation: InterDigital (claimant) against Xiaomi over 3G and 4G (settled in 2021; public knowledge); Wi-Lan/Polaris (claimant) against Apple over chips; Nokia (claimant) against Daimler (settled in 2021); Nokia (claimant) against Continental in anti-anti-suit injunction (both over connected cars patents); Sisvel (claimant) against Haier over SEPs; Varta Microbattery (claimant) against Samsung over button cell batteries; Sanofi against Amgen over cholesterol-lowering drug Praluent; Zentiva (defendant) against Eli Lilly over cancer drug pemetrexed; Alcon (claimant) against Hoya over insertion cartridge for contact lenses; litigation for Kingfa. Advice: Edgewell on portfolio management.