Thum & Partner’s road as underdog in UPC litigation

In late summer 2021, a six-strong team led by name partner Bernhard Thum founded the new law firm Thum & Partner in Munich. Thum himself was previously a member of the large partner ranks at Wuesthoff & Wuesthoff. He had previously spent almost his entire working life — over 18 years — at this Munich patent attorney firm. At that time, he and his team mainly stood for the firm’s prosecution work in mechanics and engineering.

Companies such as Edwards Lifesciences and SRAM followed the team to the new outfit, where it continued its work in patent prosecution and oppositions. What is surprising, however, is how quickly the small patent attorney boutique also gained visibility at the UPC. Regular clients such as Edwards Lifesciences and JUUL Labs frequently hire the practice alongside teams from larger, mixed law firms.

Doubled in three years

Thum & Partner’s growth is also striking. The team now comprises twelve patent attorneys. In early 2024, the IP boutique expanded geographically when it opened an office at Lake Constance to bring it closer to its Swiss clientele. The firm recruited patent attorney Frank Eichelhardt from local law firm Daub as a partner. The team also strengthened its technical expertise in the fields of mechanical engineering, physics, medical technology, and electronics.

Thum & Partner ©Thum & Partner

In strengthening its team, the firm has broadened the scope of its prosecution work and expanded its client base. Core clients include, for example, Schaeffler, Phoenix Contact, Poly Medicure, Karl Storz, and BSH. Soft IP expertise was also added.

Of the nominees for the JUVE Patent Award UPC Firm of the Year 2025, Thum & Partner is certainly the youngest law firm and a newcomer among the litigation practices. Nevertheless, the outfit boasts ample experience and good connections.