JUVE Comment

In the third year since its founding, this IP firm centered around name partner Bernhard Thum has once again taken strategically important steps to expand its market position. On the one hand, it has broadened its team by opening a second office in Constance, which has also brought it closer to SME clients in southern Germany and Switzerland. This step makes sense for expanding its prosecution business. The patent attorneys maintain a small prosecution practice for medical devices, mechanics and electronics patents, advising clients such as SRAM on mechanics patents.

European set-up

Three years after it was founded, the IP boutique’s visibility and reputation has grown internationally through its involvement in high-volume UPC cases. For example, the team is conducting several cases for regular client Juul. It is also involved in the extensive Edwards Lifesciences vs Meril case alongside Bird & Bird.

Both proceedings show that clients trust the team with their most strategically important proceedings and consider the patent attorneys strong litigators. Competitors say appreciatively, “It’s impressive what this team can handle at the UPC.”

Thum IP has undoubtedly surprised market observers having landed so many extensive UPC cases so soon after the boutique was founded. It is further proof that name partner Thum’s strategy is bearing fruit.

Strengths

Litigation concerning medical technology and mechanics.

Recommended individuals

Bernhard Thum (“extensive technical knowledge, outstanding litigator and strategist”, competitor), Jonas Weickert (both patent attorneys)

Team

12 patent attorneys

Clients

Litigation: EPO oppositions for Edwards Lifesciences against Meril Life Sciences over heart valves; Juul against NJOY over vaporizer technology for e-cigarettes; SRAM against Shimano over bicycle components; Schaeffler against Hirschvogel over balance shafts for cars; Artsana (Chicco) against Britax-Römer over child transport system; Phoenix against Harting in nullity suit over plug connectors (all public knowledge).