JUVE Comment

The lawyers at this full-service German firm are well positioned for patent litigation and boast strong ties in the Mittelstand. The team around Anton Horn is traditionally active in a variety of sectors, often involving patents in mechanical engineering. SMEs from abroad often trust in the firm, for example a manufacturer of alarm and emergency communication solutions. The team is also working with the India desk on a new biotech instruction.

The arrival of some blockchain specialists is a chance for the patent team to advise clients on a more comprehensive basis. Building up in-house technical expertise among the patent attorneys is a step that comparable full-service firms like Hogan Lovells have already taken successfully. Heuking recently conducted nullity suits without external patent attorneys, like competitor Quinn Emanuel. Both comparisons show that the patent team needs to find out how it will offer integrated technical expertise to its clients in the future.

Due to the switch to remote working during the coronavirus pandemic, the firm hired its first associate who does not live in Düsseldorf: a strategically smart move to remain attractive to young talent and thus advance the team further.

Strengths

Litigation for Mittelstand clients, advice on know-how protection.

European strategy

The cooperation within the international WSG network gives the patent team a good basis for cross-border work and for a potential UPC launch, especially when it comes to advising midsized clients in multinational proceedings. The Heuking team is currently benefitting hugely from the well-oiled network. However, the patent team also maintains good contacts with other patent licensors, for example in France.

Recommended individuals

Anton Horn (“cuts to the chase even in complex matters”, “efficient”, competitors)

Team

1 equity partner, 1 salary partner, 4 associates

Specialties

IP work focuses slightly more on trademarks and unfair competition than technical protection rights. Infringement and nullity suits, know-how protection, licensing contracts and transactions advice.

Clients

Litigation: EnerDry (claimant) against BMA over drying plants for biomass; Swissphone (claimant) against Selectric over emergency call system for fire brigade; Brødrene Hartmann (claimant) against Omni-Pac and Huhtamaki over egg cartons; CeramOptec (claimant) against Lightguide Optics over laser technology; Sisgrass over surface for sports grounds; Egger (defendant) against Rehau over digital printer for furniture parts. Advice: Thalia Bücher.