JUVE Comment

The patent attorneys at this IP firm in Munich and Bielefeld are particularly renowned for their extensive experience in litigation relating to pharmaceuticals, biotech and chemicals patents. Bernd Aechter enjoys an excellent reputation for litigation in EPO oppositions, nullity and infringement proceedings. For example, he recently represented Novartis against 23 opponents regarding the drug fingolimod/Gilenya for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The team is also involved in the parallel infringement proceedings. Generic drug companies such as Hexal and Viatris also regularly rely on the practice in appeals.

The firm’s physicists are regularly involved in litigation concerning electronics, though less frequently than in pharmaceuticals. For example, the practice is representing RockPaTech in proceedings concerning USB sticks.

The practice has a growing and well-positioned practice in a wide range of technical areas. In electronics, the regular clients include well-known Korean companies such as KT&G, LG Display and LG Electronics. Recently, the practice has acquired new clients in mechanics and expanded its work for pharmaceutical clients.

The firm appointed Claudia Schwartzkopff as partner. She specialises in chemical process engineering and won new clients such as Borealis.

European set-up

The patent attorneys are well positioned for UPC litigation thanks to their experience in jointly representing clients in extensive proceedings together with external law firms. How regularly the firm will be involved in such proceedings depends partly on whether pharmaceutical clients accept and use the UPC.

Strengths

Pharmaceuticals litigation.

Recommended individuals

Bernd Aechter (“he and his team impressed us”, client), Christian Hollatz (both patent attorneys)

Team

12 patent attorneys

Clients

Litigation: Novartis in EPO opposition and infringement proceedings over multiple sclerosis drug fingolimod/Gilenya. EPO opposition for RockPaTech against SanDisk over USB sticks.