JUVE Comment

The medium-sized patent attorney firm Witte Weller is one of the top dogs in Stuttgart. The team has strong connections among German SMEs and many regular clients include international industrial corporations. German and international companies frequently place a great deal of trust in the firm for prosecution, particularly in patents with electronic components, traditional mechanics and life sciences. Recently, the firm achieved a positive decision for Schneider + Nölke Lamellenfenster at the Federal Court of Justice, contrary to the court’s preliminary opinion. A competitor, Fieger Lamellenfenster, had filed a parallel infringement dispute.

The firm is dynamically developing its client relationships through internal growth and recently acquired Geze, a door technology manufacturer, as a new client. The second part of the client base, large international corporations such as Boeing and Japanese companies, also developed positively, with an increase in workload for clients such as Mitsubishi Electric and Rohm in the semiconductor industry.

European set-up

In its first UPC proceedings for Supponor regarding sports stadium perimeter advertising, the team showed that it is ready for these and has the necessary team strength and experience. Since unitary patents are also becoming increasingly important for SME clients in prosecution, the firm could experience a natural influx of UPC clients in the coming years. Bu the firm must compete for these and for international clients, not only with more experienced patent attorney outfits, but also with mixed teams at international law firms. However, the firm’s growing litigation practice means that it is well positioned to support its clients’ strategies at an early stage and thus react to the further development of instructions.

Strengths

Litigation over medical devices and electronics patents.

Recommended individuals

Volker Heuckeroth, Stephan Keck, Christian Steil (all patent attorneys)

Team

20 patent attorneys

Clients

Litigation: Supponor and Sportfive against AIM Sport over electronic perimeter advertising in sports stadiums; Schneider + Nölke Lamellenfenster against Fieger Lamellenfenster in nullity suit over window technology.