JUVE Comment

This Düsseldorf litigation boutique is one of the challengers to the market leaders. The team of lawyers has a loyal base of regular clients, predominantly from the medical products, chemicals, auto and telecoms sectors. “They are my first choice for the major, international cases,” one client praised. With a reputation like this, numerous new clients are approaching the firm to prepare their lawsuits. Kather Augenstein displayed its strength at the beginning of the year when regular client Ericsson hired it for the German suits within the global dispute with Samsung over mobile communications licences. However, the two opponents quickly settled the brief but fierce dispute.

Following two departures last year, the firm is now investing in training young associates and shows that it is always in the running in the competition between Düsseldorf’s boutiques for talented young litigators. It is not under any pressure to build up young talent thanks to its solid age structure.

Strengths

Litigation, especially mobile communications.

European strategy

The Düsseldorf IP litigation boutique is among those nurturing relationships with similar specialist firms in the other European jurisdictions. But it is in a less comfortable situation than integrated firms like Hoyng ROKH Monegier, which can rely on referrals. Kather Augenstein, however, works in direct contact with and is dedicated to its clients, while cultivating a strong informal network that allows it to lead international cases – sometimes as coordinator. The firm has close connections to loyal regular clients such as Ericsson and Coloplast.

Recommended individuals

Peter Kather (“experienced and excellent”, competitor), Christof Augenstein (“fantastic how quickly he gets to grips with a case. Clients really like him”, competitor), Miriam Kiefer (“very client-facing”, competitor), Christopher Weber (“well versed in technology, international, highly focused”, competitor)

Team

5 partners, 7 associates, 1 of counsel

Specialties

Exclusively litigation and advice in IP.

Clients

Litigation: Ericsson (claimant) against Samsung on implementation patents in mobile communications (settled 2021); Medac (defendant) against Eli Lilly over cancer drug pemetrexed; Coloplast (claimant) against Hollister on urinary catheters (both public knowledge); regular litigation for B. Braun Melsungen, BASF, Boston Scientific, Coloplast, DWS, Tesa, TI Automotive. Advice: Lenze on employee invention law.