JUVE Comment

This Düsseldorf IP boutique is renowned for patent litigation across a broad technical spectrum. With its core clientele of technology-driven German SMEs continuing to focus on national lawsuits, Krieger Mes has recently been one of Germany’s most active patent litigation firms. In many of these proceedings, such as those for Brose, Melita and Leifheit, it leverages close relationships with German patent attorney firms as client referrers.

The firm’s high volume of cases has been bolstered by a new series of lawsuits for Via LA concerning the video compression standard HEVC. Partner Axel Verhauwen is leading the case alongside patent attorneys from Cohausz & Florack against Microsoft at Düsseldorf Regional Court, though not at the UPC. This relationship with NPEs is a key component of the firm’s widely recognised expertise in SEPs.

It has long been a hallmark of the firm that partners such as Michael Bergermann, Jochen Bühling, Dirk Jestaedt and Verhauwen are not only experts in specific technical fields, but are also well-versed across many industries. This contrasts with many competitors, where partners typically specialise in just two areas. Krieger Mes partners tend to operate more as individuals rather than in teams. However, this generalist approach somewhat hinders the firm’s targeted strategic development for more high-profile UPC business.

European set-up

Despite its extensive experience in German infringement proceedings for national tech giants, Krieger Mes appears less frequently than other German boutiques in large cross-border cases. The firm also lacks an established network with foreign entities.

Krieger Mes initially took a cautious approach to the UPC, emphasising its independence rather than forming strategic alliances. However, the firm’s strong relationships with German SMEs and patent attorney firms have proved to be a gateway to UPC work. It made a respectable start and currently handles seven proceedings at the new court for companies such as Bette (shower trays), electronics retailer Expert Klein (LEDs) and Erwin Härtwich (vehicle parts). Partner Jestaedt in particular has been highly visible in UPC proceedings.

The firm has yet to realise its full potential at the UPC, as key client Via LA opted out many patents from the UPC and is currently pursuing national litigation. When it comes to mobile communications cases, Krieger Mes has so far only been active at the UPC for Max ICT against Qualcomm. However, even a client such as Via LA is likely to pursue UPC claims in the future, bringing new opportunities but also an increased workload. With 14 lawyers, Krieger Mes remains relatively small compared to its competitors. It will therefore need to expand or intensify cooperation between its partners. Some competitors question how the partners will manage the significantly higher intensity of UPC cases compared to national cases without large teams of associates. Others, however, point to the “outstanding experience of the partners in patent litigation”.

Strengths

Infringement proceedings across a broad range of technical fields, especially telecoms and software. Litigation for NPEs. Employee invention law.

Recommended individuals

Michael Bergermann (“outstanding litigator”, client), Jochen Bühling (“highly versed IP lawyer, a pleasure to work with”, competitor), Dirk Jestaedt; Gereon Rother, Axel Verhauwen (“outstanding”, client; “he is and remains one of the biggest names in German patent law”, competitor)

Team

14 lawyers

Clients

Litigation: Fresenius Kabi against Biogen und Samsung Bioepis over biosimilar Imraldi/adalinumab; Ophthalmic Pro against Hoya Surgical Optics over intraocular lenses; Via LA against Microsoft over video compression standard HEVC; KPN against Xiaomi and Orope/Oppo over mobile communications; Brose against Kickert over boot locks for cars; BSH against Electrolux over vacuum cleaners; Conrad Electronic against Seoul Semiconductor over LEDs; BMA against EnerDry over large-scale biomass drying plants; ThyssenKrupp in entitlement action over green hydrogen (settled 2025); frequent litigation for Melita and Leifheit.