JUVE Comment

The Munich IP team led by Thomas Lynker is renowned for its representation of mobile communications implementers. The small team once again demonstrated its impressive output in two central SEP/FRAND disputes for its long-standing clients Acer and ZTE. For both, the team is litigating before national courts as part of major cross-border disputes.

The practice operates on a par with much larger litigation teams, a fact underscored by its advisory work for international corporations in negotiations with patent pools over wi-fi technology. This market standing is largely based on the expertise of founder Lynker. On the other hand, teamwork is another success factor. Whilst Taliens usually represents implementers, it was also able to draw on its SEP expertise on behalf of patent holder Beijing Jingshi in the case against John Deere.

The high caseload is managed by a small, well-coordinated team that has worked together for many years, which is why regular clients like ZTE and Acer entrust the firm with their litigation campaigns. Close ties with patent attorney firms such as Glawe Delfs Moll also help to ensure a high output.

While the practice’s focus remains on SEPs, it continues to be active in the life sciences sector with ongoing cases for Candoro, Nemera, and Mibe Arzneimittel, though it is still at the beginning of developing this area more broadly. To secure more new business, both in this sector but also in general, the firm will need to grow, either by hiring associates to build up a third partner or by bringing in a lateral with a life sciences background. The promotion of an associate to counsel points in the right direction.

With a view to UPC proceedings, where the firm is also well positioned, more targeted strategic alliances or the full exploitation of the potential of its international team in Paris could prove helpful.

Strengths

Mobile communications and FRAND litigation for Asian clients, mainly on the implementer side.

Recommended individuals

Thomas Lynker (“extremely good, always top in FRAND”, client), Christian Werner

Team

5 lawyers

Clients

Litigation: ZTE against Samsung over 4G and 5G mobile communications standards; Acer against Nokia over HEVC video codec standard; Beijing Jingshi against John Deere over SEPs; Mala Technologies against Cisco and others over network technology; Candoro against Cantourage over cannabis substance; Nemera against Aptar over eye-drop dispensers; pharma litigation for Mibe Arzneimittel.