JUVE Comment

Ter Meer Steinmeister’s patent attorneys are renowned for their expertise in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical patent litigation, backed by years of experience. The Munich and Bielefeld-based IP firm has recently handled major new chemical patent proceedings. It maintains long-standing collaborations with external lawyers, particularly Taylor Wessing.

A current highlight is the firm’s work for Novartis alongside Freshfields in pan-European patent litigation concerning the MS drug fingolimod. The team, led by Bernd Aechter, drew on its extensive experience in EPO oppositions, nullity and infringement proceedings. The firm ranks among the most respected practices for EPO oppositions and regularly represents generic drug companies. Its recent representation of Generics UK in multiple EPO oppositions against Novo Nordisk, concerning the weight-loss drug semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy), was particularly significant commercially.

While the firm’s patent attorneys frequently handle electronics patent litigation, they appear less often in pharmaceutical cases. A prime example is their representation of RockPaTech in proceedings concerning USB sticks. The practice continues to develop its well-positioned offering across diverse technical fields. In electronics, the client roster includes prominent Korean companies such as KT&G, LG Display and LG Electronics.

European set-up

The firm has entered the UPC era with four chemical patent cases, conducted in close cooperation with external lawyers. This successful start could herald an expanded role at the new court, where activity has thus far been limited by numerous pharmaceutical companies opting out their crown jewel patents. As the industry now shifts strategy, the firm is well-positioned to leverage its extensive experience representing pharmaceutical companies at the UPC.

Strengths

Litigation concerning pharmaceuticals.

Recommended individuals

Bernd Aechter (“very cooperative, technically precise, effective and fast”, competitor), Christian Hollatz (both patent attorneys)

Team

18 patent attorneys

Clients

Litigation: Simagolin against Novonordis; Novartis against multiple generic drug companies and EPO opposition over multiple sclerosis drug fingolimod/Gilenya (revoked in 2024, now in appeal). EPO opposition: Generics UK against Novo Nordisk over weight-loss drug semaglutide/Ozempic and Wegovy; straw man against Amgen over formulation patent with cinacalcet; RockPaTech against SanDisk over USB sticks.