JUVE Comment

This traditional Hamburg firm is well positioned for patent litigation. Partner Karsten Königer mostly represents his regular Mittelstand clients as defendants. He has a good international network and can thus occasionally be seen in international cases when his longstanding clients are sued abroad. He also conducts EPO oppositions and national nullity suits, such as for a coffee capsule manufacturer.

The second partner boasts strong roots among pharma clients. He litigates for these in cases involving pharma advertising law as well as patents.

The firm has a remarkably small team compared to others in the market and has been unable to grow despite recent efforts. Building up additional young lawyers is crucial for the firm’s long-term success.

Recommended individuals

Karsten Königer (“highly competent, prudent and eloquent”, competitor)

Team

2 partners, 1 associate

European strategy

The Hamburg boutique is occasionally involved in pan-European proceedings and then works regularly with its clients’ regular firms. It does not maintain any fixed relationships with foreign firms and thus rarely secures referrals from abroad.

Specialties

In patents, litigation and advice to an equal extent. Very broad activity in IP, including healthcare and food law. Strong practice in trademarks and unfair competition.

Clients

Litigation: luggage manufacturer (defendant) against competitor over suitcase; pharma company (defendant) against competitor over second medical use patents for cancer therapy; manufacturer of coffee capsules (defendant) against Nestlé over EPA opposition. Advice: chemicals and engineering companies on licensing; trading company on FTO analysis.