BASF takes home trophy for In-house Team of the Year for Patent

BASF’s IP department continues to chart its course for the future. Following its merger with the chemicals division’s in-house team, it now combines all IP matters with regulatory expertise under one roof — a strategic move, particularly given increasing EU regulation. Whether addressing green claims, media law, M&A or IP compliance, the team now delivers comprehensive IP strategies for the group from a single source.

Furthermore, technical IP rights remain central to operations. The department recently conducted a thorough review of its patent portfolio, systematically evaluating patents for their practical and sustainable value before streamlining the collection.

The team also leads the way in digitalisation, employing drafting software for new patent applications and AI for research purposes. An internal team develops bespoke solutions that incorporate regulatory requirements. For instance, BASF’s digital product passport — which provides comprehensive information about origin, materials, environmental impact and disposal recommendations for each product — ensures its portfolio complies with the EU’s Eco-design Regulation.

The in-house team actively helps shape policies promoting Germany as an IP jurisdiction. Working alongside Taylor Wessing, it played a significant role in developing the BDI’s (Federation of German Industries) key issues paper on Germany’s IP strategy, with many proposals subsequently incorporated into the coalition agreement.

New approach

The decision to present BASF with this award is the result of intensive year-round research by JUVE Patent in the European patent market. Covestro, Huawei and Valeo were also nominated. These stood out among many companies that manage their patent activities in Europe with a focus on Germany. An important criterion here is the modern, dynamic development of the departments and their activities. More information about the patent awards can be found here.

The JUVE Awards honouring German firms were presented this evening on stage at the Frankfurt Opera House. Two of the eighteen catagories are in patent law. In addition to the In-house Team of the Year for Patent, JUVE also presented an award for German Patent Firm of the Year.

In previous years, both awards have been given in the broader category of IP, but from now on the two awards focus exclusively on the activities of law firms and companies in patent law. Their work in soft IP will no longer play a role. This reflects the increasing importance of patent litigation in this advisory segment and the significantly higher dynamism of the companies and law firms operating in this field.

Wildanger comes up trumps

Düsseldorf-based patent litigation boutique Wildanger Kehrwald Graf von Schwerin & Partner took the trophy for German Patent Firm of the Year. Wildanger has established itself as the go-to firm for major patent litigation. The firm represents clients including Asus and Huawei, alongside numerous patent-licensing companies, pharmaceutical firms and medium-sized businesses.

Wildanger prevailed over the other nominees CBH Rechtsanwälte, Clifford Chance and Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner.

Wildanger partner Eva Maria Thörner receives the award trophy from Adamson & Partners and TV presenter Amiaz Habtu. ©JUVE

JUVE Patent singled out Wildanger because companies increasingly retain the patent practice not only for national proceedings but also for UPC representation. Through successes such as the VoiceAge vs HMD litigation series, Wildanger continues to shape case law on standard essential patents and FRAND.

Furthermore, the firm’s young yet established partners are now bringing their second-tier lawyers to the fore, creating a team of exceptional calibre.

This award is also the result of intensive research conducted throughout the year by the JUVE Patent editorial team, with the German patent ranking research playing a particularly significant role here. Tomorrow, Friday 31 October, JUVE Patent publishes our latest ranking for Germany, featuring detailed analysis of patent litigation and prosecution firms in the German market.