JUVE Comment

Backed up by a technically broad prosecution practice and a good reputation across Germany for disputes, this Munich IP firm is embarking on a new era. One turning point was the move of firm founder Michael Wallinger from the partnership, although he continues to work as an attorney for the firm. He is one of Germany’s most experienced patent attorneys for litigation. The firm had already prepared successors early on. For example, Mathias Ricker a life sciences specialist who also has a great deal of litigation experience, is now guiding the fate of the firm.

Wallinger Ricker therefore has a good chance of defending its reputation as a patent attorney firm highly experienced in litigation. Litigation for the auto industry has long played a sizeable role. The firm boasts close ties to both suppliers and OEMs. It has been active for BMW in the connected cars suits, not so much on the front line in the courtroom, but in the background. Like Meissner Bolte or Vossius before it, the firm is now investing in its lawyer team with a salary partner from Beiten Burkhardt. The litigation team had long been too small, especially compared to direct competitors in Munich.

The firm also professionalised its organisation with business development and IT specialists. It set up a service company that offers software-supported validation work to counter the low-cost competition from service providers. This is a gamble, but one that could pay off in the wake of the coronavirus crisis if companies have to take a closer look at the cost of patents. Two industries dominate prosecution work: besides the auto industry, the firm is also active all-round for pharma and biotech companies.

Strengths

Pharmaceuticals patents. Litigation predominantly for the auto sector.

Recommended individuals

Christiane Maxien (“highly dedicated, sound expertise”, client), Mathias Ricker, Michael Wallinger (“really makes life difficult in court cases”, competitor; both patent attorneys)

Team

20 patent attorneys, 4 lawyers

Partner moves

Christian Werkmeister (from Beiten Burkhardt)

Specialties

All-round IP activity. Much litigation, licences, IP transactions and IP management. Midsized filing practice with broad technical expertise.

Clients

Litigation: AVL List, BMW, C&E Fein/Robert Bosch, Eppendorf, Fresenius Medical Care, Kuka and Zimmer Medizinsysteme. Prosecution: filing and oppositions for Archroma, BMW, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eastman, Eppendorf, Fresenius Medical Care, Kuka, LuK, Merck KGaA, Merz, Mölnlycke, MTU, Siemens Gamesa, Vertex, ZTE and German auto supplier; filing for AVL List and Numab Therapeutics; oppositions: Bridgestone, Borregaard and Schaeffler.