JUVE Comment

This pure patent attorney firm is well positioned in the market when it comes to litigation for pharma and biotech companies. The practice’s strengths lie in representing renowned generics companies. These hire the team for cases of high economic importance, especially before the EPO and the Federal Patent Court (Bundespatentgericht). Aluid, Mylan and Stada are among the regular clients. One important win recently was the patent attorneys destroying Yeda/Teva’s patent for the multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone on behalf of G. L. Pharma, Synthon and Alvogen before the EPO Boards of Appeal.

The chemicals and biochemicals specialists frequently litigate hand-in-hand with lawyers from international firms like Bird & Bird and Taylor Wessing. The six patent attorneys at Hamm & Wittkopp focus on litigation and therefore only have a very small filing practice. They do, however, often provide clients with strategic advice and portfolio analysis.

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 for similar firms 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 (“always makes very good arguments”, competitor)

Team

6 patent attorneys

Specialties

Patent litigation related to pharma and biosimilar patents.

Clients

Litigation: Aliud Pharma (defendant) against Novartis over breast cancer drug everolimus; G. L. Pharma, Synthon and Alvogen (claimant) against Yeda/Teva over MS drug Copaxone; Stada/Aliud (claimant) against MSD over cholesterol-lowering drug and SPC Inegy/ezetimibe. Prosecution: filing and oppositions for Alfred E. Tiefenbacher. Advice: regular advice to Hikma Pharma and Mylan (all public knowledge).