Ampersand bolsters patent litigation team with Klaka partner hire

Ampersand is to bolster its Munich patent practice. Stefan Eck (52) began his legal career at Klaka in 2003, where he made partner in 2009. He specialises in patent and utility model law, advising companies across various industries. His experience spans biotechnology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, optics, mechanical and plant engineering, and general mechanics.

Stefan Eck

Recently, he represented US bicycle components manufacturer SRAM in a patent dispute against Shimano. He was also part of the team that represented Virtual Paper Licensing against Sony.

His practice includes drafting and negotiating licensing and R&D agreements. Other recent work includes advising Algoriddim in mobile communications, and AMW and Leukocare in biotechnology.

Eck brings colleague

Eck brings with him associate Maximilian Reif, with whom he has worked closely together in recent years. At Ampersand, they will join a five-lawyer team led by founding partner Hosea Haag. The IP boutique has built its reputation on litigation for NPEs, primarily in mobile communications and related fields. Ampersand brings cases against major industry players such as Google, Sony, Microsoft and Tesla on behalf of its core clients, which include Onebutton, Unwired Planet, WSOU, and Arigna.

Eck brings experience across multiple industry sectors to complement the existing team. Haag says, “Eck’s technical breadth, strategic insight, and proven litigation track record will be an outstanding complement to our team and further strengthen our cross-sectoral offering.”

Earlier this year, Ampersand also added two trademark specialists to its IP practice.