JUVE Comment

The patent team of this Frankfurt law firm is involved in a considerable number of patent disputes for its moderate size. This is mainly thanks to partner Nora Keßler, who has headed the practice since name partner Friedrich Klinkert retired in autumn 2023. She has built up a solid market profile and is praised by competitors for her “quick grasp of technical issues”.

In addition to large medium-sized companies, for example from the medical device or automotive industries, well-known corporations also rely on the small practice. For example, the Japanese LED manufacturer Nichia or the pharmaceutical company Sanofi. The team regularly works with patent attorneys, whose referrals also ensure a steady stream of litigation work. However, to handle larger litigation series involving multiple defendants and patents – as is increasingly necessary at the UPC – further expansion is needed.

European set-up

The patent practice of the national law firm has maintained close contacts to patent attorneys and foreign law firms within a non-exclusive network for many years. The team also cooperates with these in patent litigation in various jurisdictions. One competitor praises practice head Keßler for her expertise in Italian cases, where she regularly works with Trevisan Cuonzo, for example for Mepal. Other examples are her work for Advanz with Baker Botts in the UK and for Kynett with Clairfort in the Netherlands. Klinkert also advises on UPC strategies, although this has not yet had any impact on proceedings at the new court.

Strengths

Patent litigation for midsized companies, especially concerning medical products and automotive.

Recommended individuals

Nora Keßler (“good cooperation”, client; “gets quickly stuck into technically complex matters”, “impressive presence in court, effective litigation”, competitors)

Team

3 lawyers

Partner moves

Friedrich Klinkert(retired)

Clients

Litigation: Nichia against HTC over LED technology; Spectrum Brands against Philips over electric razors; Norma against Caillau over devices for the auto industry; Dental Innovation against Modjaw over dental measuring technology; frequent litigation and advice for Advanz Pharma, BMI, Kynett, Mepal, Sanofi. Advice for Cosnova regarding portfolio management, transactions, licensing, FTO analysis.