JUVE Comment

Despite the small size of its well-positioned patent litigation team, this traditional IP boutique is involved in an unusual number of high-level cases. Klaka stepped up work for patent users in major telecoms proceedings, which has given it much experience in SEP suits. This is appreciated by such clients as Xiaomi, who hired the team once again for infringement proceedings against a US NPE.

Chinese electronics corporation Hisense also entrusted the team with a dispute against another NPE over SEPs. This shows how Klaka can handle even large-scale cases in spite of its small team size. Besides mobile communications suits, some long-time clients from the electronics and mechanics sectors ensure a steady flow of work.

Strengths

Litigation related to mechanics and mobile communications.

European set-up

Having closed its Düsseldorf office, Klaka is now only present at one UPC location, Munich, albeit a very important one. But some partners still have close connections to Düsseldorf.

Internationally Klaka nurtures close ties to patent attorneys and other European litigation firms in France, Italy and the Netherlands. So far, however, the team has not been seen as often in cross-border litigation as other boutique firms like Arnold Ruess or Kather Augenstein. The firm will have to grow on order to forge a convincing UPC strategy.

Recommended individuals

Olaf Giebe (“very thorough”, competitor), Wolfgang Götz (“excellent defence counsel”, competitor), Stefan Eck (“very competent with a quick grasp. Recognises client needs and implements them quickly”, client; “very thorough, good strategist in proceedings”, competitors), Constantin Kurtz (“high level of technical and legal understanding”, “sharp mind, grasps the details of his cases and makes succinct arguments”, competitors)

Team

4 partners, 1 of counsel

Specialties

Broad IP practice with a strong focus on patent law, exclusively litigation and advice.

Clients

Litigation: Xiaomi (defendant) against NPE over SEPs; TCT (defendant) against Fraunhofer over SEPs; AVM Computersysteme (defendant) against NPE over ISDN patents; Wiko (defendant) against Sisvel, 3G Licensing and LG over mobile telecommunications (settled 2021); Hisense (defendant) against a US NPE over SEPs (settled 2021); Virtual Paper Licensing (claimant) against Sony over laptops; Bulthaup (claimant) against Rehau over laser treatment of artificial material edges; Certoplast (defendant) against Tesa over special adhesive tape for harnesses; Fischerwerke (defendant) against Celo Fijaciones on special fastenings for bathroom ceramics; Fränkische Industrial Pipes (defendant) against ABB over tube connectors; frequently for AVM Computersysteme, Dürr, 3M, Mobiset, Schütz GmbH, Seppi M. AG, Sram, Witron. Advice: Leukocare, including portfolio management.