JUVE Comment

This medium-sized patent attorney firm ranks among Stuttgart’s leading practices. Witte Weller demonstrates particular strength in electrical and mechanical engineering. The firm maintains deep roots among regional SMEs whilst skilfully guiding clients through the transition from traditional automotive supply to e-mobility. One client praises the team’s high level of expertise, including in infringement disputes. The firm regularly represents its core client base of medium-sized enterprises in infringement proceedings. For instance, the close relationship with GEZE, which developed from prosecution work and active representation in EPO opposition proceedings, recently led to a defence against competitor Dormakaba in the civil courts. In this and other proceedings, Witte Weller works closely with external lawyers, such as the team at Gleiss Lutz.

The patent attorneys are actively involved in EPO oppositions on behalf of their core clients. A recent highlight saw the firm representing Aptar against Nemera. The firm has simultaneously built an expanding international client base, primarily from Asia, providing comprehensive support in both prosecution and litigation matters.

Witte Weller is leveraging its position as Stuttgart’s leading firm to further develop its team. The firm recently leveraged its top position in Stuttgart to attract young talent, as regional competition from industry was weaker than usual due to economic conditions. Previously, the team had also demonstrated its ability to successfully integrate lateral hires such as physicist Markus Hössle from Glawe Delfs Moll, and to deploy his expertise in computer-implemented inventions and software patenting for clients’ benefit. He brought valuable client relationships, including Canadian automotive supplier Magna, printed circuit board manufacturer Schweiz Elektronik AG, and concrete pump manufacturer Putzmeister.

The team has now built considerable experience in UPC proceedings. Well-established relationships with external litigation teams and other law firms are also proving beneficial in these proceedings. This positions the team well to continue representing its core SME client base before the UPC. The appointment of partner Torsten Duhme as a UPC judge, where he has already handled several cases, certainly enhances the firm’s profile.

Strengths

Litigation over medical devices and electronics patents.

Recommended individuals

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

Team

24 patent attorneys

Clients

Litigation: GEZE against dormakaba over automatic swing doors; Supponor and Sportfive against AIM Sport over electronic perimeter advertising in sports stadiums. EPO oppositions: Aptar against Nemera concerning a device for spraying liquids (all public knowledge).