Bardehle Pagenberg

Alexander Wunsch

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Counsel »Finding the individual solution for each of my clients is the main motivation behind my work. More than 15 years of experience in IP help me develop these solutions.« Alexander Wunsch’s practice as a patent attorney involves patent prosecution in the fields of mechanical Engineering (e.g. robotics, automotive, packaging), electrical engineering (e.g. industry automation) and information Technology (e.g. digital image processing) and patent opposition and invalidity proceedings before the European Patent Office, the German Patent and Trademark Office, and the Federal Patent Court. Together with our Team of attorneys-at-law, Alexander Wunsch is also actively involved in patent litigation in the afore mentioned fields.

Anita Peter

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwältin), LL.M., UPC Representative, Counsel »My job is not simply about ideas. It’s about turning ideas into a strategy and achieving the best solution possible – even if this requires going the extra mile.« As an attorney-at-law, Anita Peter specializes in patent infringement proceedings before German courts and the Unified Patent Court. She advises national and international clients in mostly complex, transnational disputes, including SEP-related disputes, and coordinates parallel validity proceedings. Anita Peter has experience with various technologies and advises clients from industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, automotive, medical technology, and solar technology. Having previously been based in Munich, Anita Peter now works at the newly established Hamburg office.

Anna Giedke

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwältin), UPC Representative, Partner »As a patent litigator and IP contract consultant I like the interplay between law and science and the versatility of my job: You can be tough in court - when necessary -, or passionate when developing arguments, clear and concise when giving advice and creative in finding tailor-made solutions for your clients.« Dr. Anna Giedke comprehensively advises on all aspects of IP law with a particular focus on patent litigation and drafting IP contracts. In patent law, she represents leading international companies from various technical fields before the German infringement courts (main and PI proceedings) and is experienced in developing international defense strategies. Regarding IP contracts, her advice is focused on licensing, R & D, distribution and settlement agreements as well as on related issues of antitrust law. Moreover, she advises on IP-related questions of competition, enforcement and private international law and on alternative dispute resolution. Anna Giedke’s technical specialization comprises the areas of semiconductor technology, software, IT & computer technology, telecommunications, electrical engineering and the pharmaceutical industry.

Axel Berger

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Partner »As a biochemist, my focus is on chemistry, life-sciences and bio-tech. I am particularly fascinated to use my litigation experience in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications to obtain and assert patents with the broadest possible scope of protection.« As a patent attorney, Axel Berger specializes in the technical fields of life sciences and pharmaceuticals, particularly gene technology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, virology, pharmacology and medical devices. His technical background also includes several years of international research, for example at the Pasteur Institute, Paris. Axel Berger’s main areas of practice include prosecuting patents as well as defending and attacking patents in opposition proceedings. Another area of his practice involves enforcing IP rights in patent infringement and (parallel) nullity proceedings before the German Federal Patent Court. Axel Berger also frequently prepares infringement and validity opinions.

Benjamin Ruckert

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Partner »When working on a case, I combine my natural curiosity and interest in abstract thinking for a thorough understanding of the matter. It is with precision and efficiency that I fight for your success.« As a German patent attorney and a professional representative before the European Patent Office, Dr. Ruckert represents German and international clients in the patent grant procedure before the German Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office. His main technical fields include telecommunications and communication engineering (e.g. mobile radio standards, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A and 5G). His other technical areas include mechanics (e.g. sports equipment and medical devices) and physics (e.g. superconductors). Dr. Ruckert also frequently drafts expert opinions on the legal validity and infringement of patents and utility models. Another area of his practice involves conducting opposition, appeal and nullity proceedings as well as participating in patents and utility models infringement proceedings that frequently involve cross-border disputes. Dr. Ruckert handles mandates from individual inventors, SMEs and international corporations.

Christian Haupt

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Partner »Progress is based on technological innovations. Truly understanding technology is what it takes to successfully protect and defend innovations. That’s how I achieve exceptional results for our clients.« Dr. Christian Haupt's professional activities focus on the prosecution of both patents and utility models before the German and European patent offices as well as on defending and attacking patents and utility models in opposition proceedings before the competent patent offices, in particular in the fields of mechanical engineering (e.g. sports equipment and medical engineering), telecommunications (e.g. LTE mobile radio communication standards and mobile terminals), IT and computer-implemented inventions, electrical engineering and navigation technology. Another focus of his is the enforcement of IP rights in patent infringement and (parallel) nullity proceedings before the Federal Patent Court as well as in the context of expert opinions on infringement and validity.

Christine Fluhme

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwältin), Counsel »I specialize in the registration and enforcement of trademarks worldwide. Thanks to many years of profound experience and my dedication, I enjoy providing optimum advice and effective support to my clients.« Christine Fluhme’s professional activities focus on the registration, enforcement and protection of trademarks and related advice, including unfair competition, design and copyright matters. As a member of a team of attorneys-at-law Christine Fluhme represents German and international clients, such as, inter alia, a leading restaurant chain as well as clients from the sectors of beverages, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, household appliances and cleaning goods, IT (including software), clothing, chemistry, hotels and finance. She provides strategic advice regarding the development, prosecution and maintenance of international trademark portfolios and frequently coordinates customs seizures of trademark infringing products. Christine Fluhme recently handled complex invalidation proceedings before the EUIPO and the European Court of Justice based on a renowned trademark. In another case, she was involved in a series of trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings before the EUIPO and German civil courts.

Christof Karl

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt) & German and European Patent Attorney, Partner; Attorney-at-Law admitted to practice in Germany and New York »As an attorney-at-law and a patent attorney I am perfectly positioned to understand both the technical and the legal issues of our clients. So I am able to outline the solution which fits them best.« Dr. Christof Karl specializes in litigation and prosecution of patents, particularly in the technical fields of computer hardware and software. He has extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional cases in the field of telecommunications, including with regard to all aspects of patent-related anti-trust law. He also advises clients on issues of licensing, employee invention law, copyright law and Internet law. Dr. Karl represents clients in patent infringement proceedings before the German Regional Courts and the Courts of Appeal, and in patent invalidity proceedings before the European Patent Office, the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, the German Federal Patent Court, and the German Federal Court of Justice. One of the main areas of his patent prosecution practice relates to the patentability of software and other computer-implemented inventions. His clients include leading U.S. companies in the computer, computer-network, telecommunications and financial-services sectors, a major Japanese computer game manufacturer, a world market leader in tobacco articles and e-cigarettes, as well as small and medium-sized German and international companies operating in industries relating to software, electronics, laboratory equipment, car parts, sports articles, hygiene products, and food. With his unique multiple qualifications as an attorney-at-law licensed to practice in Germany and New York, a computer scientist, and a German and European Patent Attorney, he is able to handle both the legal and technical aspects of a case. His technical knowledge is particularly valuable in patent infringement proceedings, when the technical facts need to be precisely defined and communicated. In turn, his litigation experience and international focus allow him to draft patent claims proving to be both valid and powerful in the case of enforcement, and to give strategic advice in developing and exploiting cost-effective international patent portfolios.

Claus M. Eckhartt

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Partner »I’ve been practicing IP for more than 25 years. I take great pleasure in working with practitioners from every continent, helping protect and enforce their valuable brands.« Claus Eckhartt’s practice focuses on the prosecution and enforcement of trademarks, designs and copyright, as well as on unfair competition and related domain name issues. He also specializes in the field of anti-counterfeiting, parallel imports, and the licensing and merchandising of brands. As head of the firm’s trademark department, Claus Eckhartt has, for almost two decades, been managing the IP portfolios of SMEs as well as multinational corporations and advising them on this matter in a diverse range of industries, including pharmaceutical, consumer health care, household goods, IT, hotel services, banking, food & beverage, fashion and clothing, as well as enforcing and defending IP rights before the European Union Intellectual Property Office, national German courts, the German Patent and Trademark Office, and the General Court in Luxembourg. He frequently speaks at conferences and seminars and regularly produces publications on topics within his areas of practice.

Dominik Woll

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), UPC Representative, Counsel »In our patent litigation team, I handle cases that are complex in technical and economic terms. Carefully analyzing them and extracting essential aspects, I develop beneficial strategies and help our clients achieve their goals.« Dr. Dominik Woll advises German and international clients on issues of patent litigation and technology-related copyright law, competition law and antitrust law. He is involved in proceedings relating to patent and copyright infringements as well as competition law, frequently on a transnational level. Dr. Dominik Woll draws up expert opinions on complex questions of (potential) IP infringements. Dr. Dominik Woll primarily advises on various technical areas, especially in the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and telecommunications. He has comprehensive experience in standard-essential patents (SEP) and their enforcement and/or defense against their enforcement, including FRAND issues. Additionally, he is an expert on comprehensive damages proceedings. Dr. Dominik Woll additionally focuses on legal matters related to contractual copyright law, especially employee-related copyright law.

Dominique Dupuis-Latour

Attorney-at-Law (Avocat), Partner BARDEHLE PAGENBERG SAS SPE Dominique Dupuis-Latour's main areas of practice include intellectual property law, particularly patent prosecution, enforcement of IP rights, licensing, auditing of patent portfolios, representation in patent infringement and nullity proceedings before the courts, as well as opposition and appeal proceedings at the European and French Patent Offices. His technical fields of expertise include telecommunications, wireless appliances, software, medical devices, health products, and automotive, aerospace and weapons technology. As a qualified French attorney-at-law, Dominique Dupuis-Latour also has extensive experience in specific French proceedings, particularly in French discovery proceedings ('saisie-contrefaçon'). He frequently cooperates with attorneys abroad and coordinates complex parallel litigation proceedings in various European countries.

Georg Anetsberger

German and European Patent Attorney, Partner »What drives me is exploring a case from all angles: providing strategic advice from a bird's eye view, while also diving in, finding those little details that very often are key to turning a case into a success story.« Georg Anetsberger is highly active in complex patent matters which he handles with a passion for detail without ever losing sight of the big picture. He has extensive experience from over a hundred contentious proceedings before the German and European Patent Offices, the German courts, as well as the Unified Patent Court. Georg has an excellent track record particularly in EPO opposition proceedings, and he was involved in the very first successful petition for review before the EPO. He regularly leads teams of patent attorneys for vetting larger patent portfolios to prepare litigation campaigns. Together with his team, he also drafts and prosecutes patent applications for international corporations, SMEs, and start-ups alike and, based on his expertise, particularly from contentious proceedings, knows precisely how to make the difference in establishing particularly valuable patent portfolios and how to tip the scales with decisive arguments in invalidation proceedings. Several years of interdisciplinary hands-on research in the lab of a Nobel laureate, which resulted in several thousand citations, enable Georg to quickly grasp any complex technical matter. Based on his experience and his double-qualification as a patent attorney with a graduate degree in business administration, Georg is able to always keep an eye on strategic aspects and economic needs of his clients who are active in fields such as semiconductors, lithography, solar cells, lasers, displays, medical technology, packaging technology, quantum computing, electronics, telecommunications, as well as video coding and video streaming. Georg Anetsberger is the author of several scientific publications in the fields of patent law, quantum optics and economics. He was appointed by the German Bar of Patent Attorneys as a tutor for the training of young patent attorneys.

Henning Hartwig

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Partner »Creative minds translate the world of imagination into visual and written works. New brands and products fascinate – but attract copies from near and far. I am proud that I have been assisting our clients in effective protection more than twenty years.« Henning Hartwig’s practice involves prosecution and litigation of IP rights in the fields of trademark, design, copyright and unfair competition law. His practice focuses primarily on national and international industrial design law, particularly multinational design infringement proceedings as well as invalidity proceedings before the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante and the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg. As the editor of the four-volume casebook “Design Protection in Europe”, the only one of its kind, Henning Hartwig has unique access to unpublished decisions of Community and national design infringement courts throughout Europe. Clients in this field include computer, electronic-games, fitness-equipment and clothing manufacturers. Henning Hartwig was involved in one of the first infringement cases in Germany relating to an unregistered Community design and has coordinated a number of multi-jurisdictional infringement proceedings in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Austria and the Netherlands. His other fields include European and national trademark law, unfair competition law and the global fight against product piracy, in which he represents clients in the sectors of consumer healthcare, direct response television marketing and the food industry. In a prominent case before the German Federal Court of Justice, Henning Hartwig was successful in defending a global chocolate manufacturer against claims asserted for injunctive relief and damages on account of alleged 3D trademark infringement and unfair competition. He is also actively involved in the field of copyright protection, having represented one of Europe’s leading furniture manufacturers.

Humphrey Morhenn

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Counsel »Every single patent case is unique and requires creativity. I enjoy helping you tackle your patent challenges, thinking through and arguing your case.« Dr. Humphrey Morhenn practices as a patent attorney on broad fields of mechanics, robotics, telecommunications, telecommunications engineering, think-film deposition technology, and physics. Due to his academic background, he has profound knowledge in the areas of semiconductor physics, photovoltaics, polymer physics, electron microscopy as well as x-ray and neutron technology. He contributes this knowledge to the prosecution and enforcement of patents as a member of our expert team. A focus of his work is on patent infringement proceedings, especially regarding telecommunications (mobile communications, xDSL), cross-border proceedings included. In this context, he substantially handles the validity proceedings conducted in parallel, including nullity and nullity appeal proceedings before the German Federal Court of Justice. He benefits from this litigation experience when drafting and prosecuting patent applications, allowing him to obtain strong and valuable IP rights for our clients.

Jan Bösing

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), UPC Representative, Partner »As a former professional basketball player I’m convinced that the keys to success are hard work and teamplay. These qualities also shaped me off the court. I like being a leader and taking responsibility, but I also know that having a strong team around me is invaluable.« Dr. Jan Bösing practices law in all areas of intellectual property, focusing on patent law. He represents clients in complex patent infringement proceedings and nullity proceedings before the German Federal Patent Court as well as opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office and the German Patent and Trade Mark Office. His wealth of experience in cross-border patent litigation is especially valuable for his international clients. Dr. Jan Bösing focuses on telecommunications, the automotive industry, electronics, and micromechanics. He also takes a keen interest in sports, which is based on his degree in sport management and his committed basketball activities. A particular focus of the IP work which Dr. Jan Bösing does is on standard-essential patents (SEPs). He advises clients on and represents clients in the enforcement of SEPs on the one hand and the defense of compulsory license under antitrust law (FRAND defense) against the assertion of SEPs on the other hand. In this context, he has been involved in multiple prominent SEP cases of the last few years on behalf of his clients and regularly supports clients out of court in negotiating licenses and evaluating portfolios. Dr. Jan Bösing also advises his clients on IP transfer and license agreements as well as research and development projects in all technical fields. He has vast expert knowledge on intellectual property in the context of corporate transactions and restructuring, having been responsible for a plurality of due diligences in the area of IP.

Joachim Mader

German and European Patent Attorney, Partner »As an engineer I am trained to evaluate and balance all reasonable options to solve problems in order to find the best-fitting solutions. I love working closely with my clients to help them reach their goals in IP matters.« Joachim Mader focuses on patent grant procedures, invalidity proceedings, and patent infringement proceedings in a plurality of different technological areas of mechanical engineering (e.g. automotive technology and medical devices) as well as electrical engineering and processing technology. His particular focus is on patent invalidity proceedings and opposition and appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office. His participation in (parallel) invalidity and infringement proceedings before German regional courts, the Federal Court of Justice, and the Federal Patent Court, always in direct cooperation and in tune with the firm’s attorneys-at-law, enables Joachim Mader to provide practically relevant advice on the drafting of applications for technological intellectual property rights and during grant procedures before the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and the European Patent Office. Joachim Mader‘s clients comprise large multinational companies from the U.S., Asia, and Europe which work, inter alia, in the automotive and components industry, oil exploration, sports equipment, medical devices, and robotics.

Jochen Pagenberg

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Of Counsel »The greatest reward for our efforts is not what we get, but what we become.« Dr. Pagenberg’s practice involves conducting litigation and providing advice in all fields of intellectual property, including enforcing patents in the fields of mechanics, pharmaceuticals, biotech, electronics and software, prosecuting and enforcing trademarks and handling cases relating to copyright, unfair competition, European antitrust law and licensing, as well as conducting arbitration and mediation proceedings. Patent cases require close cooperation between BARDEHLE PAGENBERG’s patent attorneys and attorneys-at-law, particularly when dealing with parallel infringement proceedings before the German courts and oppositions before the European Patent Office or the German Patent and Trademark Office and the German Federal Patent Court or the German Federal Court of Justice. For more than 30 years, Dr. Pagenberg has been preparing and coordinating important cases with multilingual and multidisciplinary teams. Dr. Pagenberg represents clients in the fields of semiconductors, telecommunications, medical devices and automotive technology and negotiates license agreements resulting from litigation or in preparation for large-scale technology transfers between international companies. Important trademark cases handled by Dr. Pagenberg include parallel importation of consumer products, global coexistence agreements between suppliers, and piracy cases. His practice frequently involves representing clients in opposition proceedings before the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in Alicante, in proceedings before the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg, and in numerous infringement actions before the German courts. Dr. Pagenberg’s trademark clients include leading producers of healthcare and cosmetic products and prestigious French manufacturers of luxury goods. He has also been representing a publishing house, which is the author of famous comic strips, for more than 30 years. Dr. Pagenberg received the most nominations as the top lawyer for patent and trademark law in Germany in seven successive international surveys conducted since 2007 by Who’s Who of Business Lawyers. In the same surveys, he was also voted by peers as one of the top ten patent litigators worldwide for the seventh time in a row. For more than 12 years, Dr. Pagenberg has been directly contributing to creating a unified European patent court system: from 2000 until 2005 as an expert of the European Working Group for the European Patent Litigation Agreement (EPLA), from 2008 to 2011 as a member of the Expert Group of the European Commission and, simultaneously, between 2005 and 2011 as a board member, Vice President and President of the European Patent Lawyers Association (EPLAW), the board of which he is still advising today. He is the Chairman of the special commission of the AIPPI for an Agreement on the European Patent Court. He has lectured for many years at the Universities of Strasbourg (CEIPI) and Alicante, at the Pierce Law Center (Concord USA), and at the Munich Industrial Property Law Center (MIPLC) of the Max Planck Institute. He has also given numerous presentations worldwide, covering all fields of intellectual property protection. Since 1973, Dr. Pagenberg has been the managing editor and, subsequently, the co-editor of the English-language IP journal “International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law” (IIC) of the Max Planck Institute for Patent Law. He has published five books and more than 90 articles on a wide range of IP subjects in German, English and French.

Johannes Heselberger

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt) & European Patent Attorney, Managing Partner »Arguments win cases. Developing these arguments and their presentation in the court room is what has always fascinated me.« Johannes Heselberger represents clients in patent infringement proceedings before German courts in the first and second instance and gives advice and support to them in legal appeal proceedings and in complaints against denial of leave to legal appeal proceedings before the German Federal Court of Justice. In addition, Johannes Heselberger plays a leading and coordinating role in patent nullity proceedings before the German Federal Patent Court and in appeal proceedings before the German Federal Court of Justice as well as in opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office and the German Patent and Trademark Office. Owing to his practice as an attorney-at-law and his qualification as a graduate physicist, Johannes Heselberger has comprehensive technical experience in the field of telecommunications, medical devices and the automotive industry. Pharmaceutical and biotech cases, including the extremely rare proceedings for a compulsory license, are also part of his field of practice as an attorney-at-law. His comprehensive professional expertise in SEP and FRAND litigations as well as in enforcement of and defense against license programs make him a precious advisor also in this field. Johannes Heselberger successfully attended to a number of important, often transnational patent infringement proceedings for German and international large-scale companies as well as for owner-operated medium-sized enterprises. Depending on the size and complexity of a case, he heads compact teams of attorneys-at-law and patent attorneys or also large working groups in cooperation with his partners of the law firm. Being qualified as both, an attorney-at-law (since 1994) and a European Patent Attorney (since 1999), he is particularly able to have a comprehensive understanding not only of the legal but also the technical aspects of a case. This enables Johannes Heselberger in a special way to coordinate infringement proceedings and proceedings on legal validity.

Johannes Lang

German and European Patent Attorney, Co-Managing Partner »Having lived and worked in several countries all over the world, I especially enjoy coordinating multi-national patent litigation and prosecution proceedings with my clients.« Johannes Lang’s main areas of practice involve conducting patent litigation before the national courts in Germany and the Unified Patent Court, patent nullity proceedings before the German Federal Patent Court, the German Federal Court of Justice and the Unified Patent Court as well as German and European patent opposition and appeal proceedings. A further focus of his work is prosecuting patents before the patent offices. Johannes Lang’s particular technical fields include software and computer-related inventions, electronics, information technology and telecommunications, semiconductor memories, digital image and audio processing, medical devices and automotive. He is frequently the lead patent attorney in complex international patent litigation in Germany and Europe, particularly in cases requiring coordination with parallel US litigation or litigation in other European countries, where Johannes Lang represents major global companies. As a qualified French patent attorney, Johannes Lang is also experienced in French patent litigation procedure, particularly in the “saisie-contrefaçon” (French proceedings to establish an infringement).

Maria Kreller-Schober

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Counsel »Als Chemikerin behandle ich spannende neueste Innovationen. Ich verfüge über langjährige umfassende Erfahrung bei der Verfolgung von Patentanmeldungen und der Vertretung von Mandanten in streitigen Verfahren. Meine Ambition ist, die Interessen unserer Mandanten in vertrauensvoller, verlässlicher und konstruktiver Weise zu fördern.« Maria Kreller-Schober’s main areas of practice involve patent prosecution and litigation in the field of chemistry, particularly technical chemistry, chemical engineering, inorganic and organic chemistry. Maria Kreller-Schober has prosecuted many German and European patent applications and worked on complex patent prosecution cases, such as opposition proceedings and opposition appeal proceedings. Maria Kreller-Schober is part of a BARDEHLE PAGENBERG team of patent attorneys and attorneys-at-law representing a client in the field of construction materials in several litigation proceedings before various German Regional Courts.

Martin Hohgardt

German and European Patent Attorney, Partner »I am very curios and always want to understand how inventions and products really work. In this way, I am able to present the best technical and legal arguments on behalf of my clients in examination, validity and infringement proceedings.« Martin Hohgardt’s main areas of practice involve patent prosecution, patent nullity proceedings, opposition proceedings and patent litigation in various technical fields. His technical fields include telecommunications, electrical engineering, special-purpose machinery manufacture, computer-implemented inventions, ciphering systems and medical devices. Martin Hohgardt is responsible for prosecuting patent applications and representing in opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office and the German Patent and Trademark Office on behalf of numerous German and international clients. When representing these clients in patent infringement proceedings before the Regional Courts and in corresponding validity proceedings, Martin Hohgardt cooperates closely with the attorneys-at-law of BARDEHLE PAGENBERG. He heads the firm's Düsseldorf office.

Martin Drews

Attorney-at-law (Rechtsanwalt), UPC Representative, Counsel »Translating technology into arguments is key to successful patent litigation. Developing the best arguments – straightforward, efficient, and creative – that's what drives me.« Dr. Martin Drews is an attorney-at-law who specializes in national and cross-border patent litigation. He represents clients in complex patent infringement and nullity proceedings before the Unified Patent Court, German courts as well as in opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office and the German Patent and Trademark Office. His main areas of expertise are biotechnology, medical technology, and telecommunications. Martin Drews has vast knowledge of German and European research and innovation systems, which he gained as a ministerial official at the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, personal adviser to a Parliamentary State Secretary, as well as research policy officer of one of the largest parliamentary groups of the German Bundestag.

Michael Kobler

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), UPC Representative, Counsel »Growing up, I was used to a lot of discussions. But I still remember that I was very impressed with the level of precision and constructiveness when discussing a case here at the law firm.« Michael Kobler’s main areas of practice involve advising German and international clients on patent litigation, drafting license agreements and other IP-related agreements, advising clients on matters relating to employee invention law and unfair competition law. He cooperates with the firm’s patent attorneys in proceedings relating to cross-border actions, enforcement of patents, design rights, copyrights and claims concerning unfair competition, including protection of business secrets. In this context, he also prepares opinions on possible infringement. Michael Kobler’s technical areas particularly include Internet services, telecommunications, IT and software, sporting goods, medical devices and chemistry. A further area of Michael Kobler’s practice relates to the legal aspects of repairing and maintaining patented products.

Nadine Westermeyer

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwältin), Partner »As a mother values such as reliability, honesty, and loyalty are very important to me. Together with the BARDEHLE family, I strive to convey and apply these values also in my professional life.« Nadine Westermeyer has been working as an attorney-at-law specializing in intellectual property law since 2009. She advises and represents German and international clients in matters of patent and utility model law in particular. The main areas of her practice include providing legal advice and representing clients in national infringement proceedings and in infringement proceedings relating to cross-border actions. Her practice as an attorney-at-law also involves handling preliminary injunction proceedings as well as advising and representing clients in proceedings relating to the assignment of patent rights due to unlawful usurpation. A further area of her practice involves representing clients in litigation regarding damages and preparing opinions on issues of infringement and legal validity. As a member of a team of attorneys-at-law and patent attorneys, she also assists in opposition and nullity proceedings. Nadine Westermeyer advises and represents clients in various technical matters, particularly in the fields of telecommunications, mechanical and electrical engineering, and medical devices.

Niels Malkomes

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Partner »Fighting a case for our client is like a mountain hike – even though I have much experience, every mountain is unique and special in its challenges. It requires perfect preparation and a team that is 110% reliable.« Dr. Niels Malkomes’ practice focuses on patent litigation proceedings, nullity proceedings and nullity appeal proceedings at the German Federal Court of Justice, as well as opposition and opposition appeal proceedings. His experience gained in various patent infringement and nullity proceedings with international background, particularly in the sector of telecommunications, smartphones and tablets as well as video streaming, including data compression, particularly video and audio coding, is also an asset in his work prosecuting patents before the European Patent Office and the German Patent and Trademark Office. His further areas of technical expertise include the fields of electrical and optical functional coatings and thin film deposition technology and nanotechnology, in which he has acquired a number of years of professional experience. Due to his broad technical background, he also works in a variety of other technical fields, particularly in the field of mechanical and electrical engineering. Dr. Niels Malkomes is the author and co-author of various international scientific publications. He has also made several inventions leading to patent applications and patents.

Nikolaus W. Buchheim

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Partner »Erfindungen auf dem Hochtechnologiesektor sind mein Spezialgebiet. Hier ist die Kombination aus technischem Können, Kreativität und sorgfältiger Vorbereitung oft der entscheidende Faktor, um wertvolle Patente zu erhalten und diese auch erfolgreich gegen die Konkurrenz durchzusetzen oder zu verteidigen.« Dr. Nikolaus Buchheim graduated with distinction from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and received his PhD degree from the Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics for experimental research carried out on the fundamentals of quantum computers. Before joining the BARDEHLE PAGENBERG team he worked as an R&D project manager at Siemens AG, developing superconducting propulsion systems. Being an expert in various fields of technology, Nikolaus’ practice focuses on drafting and prosecuting patent applications, patent enforcement and providing expert advice on issues such as freedom-to-operate analyses, license agreements, competitor monitoring and employee inventions.

Pascal Böhner

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Certified IP Lawyer, Partner »Changing the way we behave can change the way we think. And changing the way we think can change our lives. Your ideas and inventions may be a game changer. I am here to protect them and fight for your goals.« Pascal Böhner is an attorney at law and certified IP lawyer. His practice focuses on advising clients on and conducting litigation in matters of unfair competition, trademarks, designs and domain names. Mr. Böhner is involved in the judicial and extrajudicial enforcement and defence of the IP rights of a number of the firm’s clients, particularly in the fashion, entertainment and sports equipment sectors. A significant part of his practice is to advise clients on domain names issues, including managing old and new TLDs, and representing them in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Mr. Böhner’s other areas of practice include advising clients on matters relating to licensing and distribution agreements, particularly with respect to antitrust and compliance issues.

Patrick Heckeler

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Partner »Having grown up on a steady diet of bits and bytes, I am passionate about computer science. I love taking a deep dive into new digital technologies that are emerging. I advise my clients on all aspects of filing and enforcing IP rights in these areas.« With his studies of computer science, Patrick Heckeler has reliable expertise in the patentability of inventions in the field of computer technology. In addition to specializing in computer science, he also handles patents in the fields of mechanics, electrical engineering and telecommunications. His main areas of practice as a German patent attorney include patent prosecution, opposition and appeal proceedings as well as infringement and nullity complaints. Patrick Heckeler has excellent knowledge in the areas of computer architecture, operating systems, databases, embedded systems, multimedia technology, virtualization, and network technology. Having participated in the Safety-Critical Systems Research Group of the computer research department of the University of Tübingen, he also has extensive knowledge of the development and verification of safety-critical systems in the automotive industry and industrial automation. Patrick Heckeler is a member of the Chamber of Patent Attorneys, the International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys, the German Society for Computer Sciences (Gesellschaft für Informatik e. V.) and the German Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (GRUR). Furthermore, Patrick Heckeler has authored and co-authored various scientific publications.

Patrick Daum

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Partner »Every idea starts with a first stroke. Your idea is a valuable asset which needs protection. To best protect your ideas, you need an experienced team of professionals. I am proud to be a lead member of our team, helping you obtain and enforce IP rights.« As a patent attorney, Patrick Daum is involved in patent prosecution as well as opposition proceedings to attack and defend patents in the areas of wireless communications (mobile communications), electrical engineering, aerospace technologies and mechanics. A further aspect of his work focusses on the enforcement of patents in litigation and nullity proceedings before German courts. Furthermore, Patrick Daum regularly prepares infringement and validity assessments for clients. He brings to the table an extensive technical know-how and research experience acquired at various academic institutions and applies this knowledge in the prosecution and enforcement proceedings in the respective areas of technology.

Philipe Kutschke

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Certified IP Lawyer, Commercial Mediator (MuCDR), Partner »A groundbreaking innovation does not necessarily have to relate to – or even focus on – a technical innovation. I am proud to lead a team that helps our clients protect the appearance of their products as well.« Dr. Philipe Kutschke’s practice encompasses all litigious and non-litigious matters relating to trademark, design, copyright, and competition law, as well as the protection of business secrets. In addition to offering strategic advice on the development and management of, and applications relating to, transnational IP portfolios, Dr. Kutschke’s work also focuses on overall consulting and representation in both court proceedings and out-of-court proceedings relating to the enforcement of IP rights in both a national and international context, as well as (parallel) protest procedures and nullity and cancellation proceedings before the German Patent and Trademark Office and the EUIPO. Dr. Kutschke advises and represents start-ups, medium-sized companies, and international corporations alike. With many years of cross-sector experience, he is able to efficiently offer a sensible economic solution to even the most complex international litigation. He frequently provides advice and support throughout the innovation process – from the initial concept through to market launch and subsequently thereto.

Ralf Heddergott

German and European Patent Attorney, UPC Representative, Counsel »Our clients benefit from both my engineering experience and my legal skills in patent prosecution and patent litigation.« Ralf Heddergott has varied experience in patent prosecution and litigation in the area of electrical engineering, telecommunication, semiconductor technology, information technology and computer technology. His current practice as a patent attorney particularly focuses on international application proceedings in the field of LTE technology for mobile communications. Ralf Heddergott is able to draw on his knowledge and experience from his career as a systems engineer for mobile phones and as a delegate in 3GPP standardization bodies for mobile communication systems. In his position as an intellectual property manager for a semiconductor manufacturer, he was responsible for patent portfolios in the fields of mobile communications and semiconductor circuit technology. Ralf Heddergott holds various patent applications and patents and is the author of several scientific publications in the field of communications.

Stefan Lieck

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Certified IP Lawyer, UPC Representative, Partner »As a former professional athlete I know that winning is all about making the right decisions, even in tricky situations.« Dr. Stefan Lieck is an experienced patent litigator who is part of the European Patent Litigation Group of BARDEHLE PAGENBERG with a focus on the Unified Patent Court. Stefan has conducted numerous patent litigation proceedings (rei vindicatio and proceedings based on utility models included) before the major German patent courts and patent offices. Particularly, he has considerable experience in proceedings for a preliminary injunction, inspection proceedings, and foreign legal systems. Additionally, he collaborates with the patent attorneys of BARDEHLE PAGENBERG on (parallel) opposition and nullity proceedings. His focus is on multinational cases for national and international clients, always with a view to bearing not only the legal and technical but also the economic aspects in mind. Additionally, Stefan also represents SMEs. Stefan’s technical specialization particularly comprises the fields of telecommunications, semiconductor technology, computer technology, including software and IT, the automotive industry as well as mechanical and electrical engineering. Moreover, Stefan has extensive expertise in SEP/FRAND disputes. It includes his knowledge on numerous standards and comprehensive experience in 5G, connected vehicles and IoT (internet of things). On a regular basis, Stefan gives presentations in the context of our IP Academy and acts as a speaker for the "Industrial Property Course - Patents" at the Polytechnic University of Milan.

Tilman Müller-Stoy

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Certified IP lawyer, Commercial Mediator (MuCDR), UPC Representative, Partner »For me, living means taking action – proactive, creative and, if need be, aggressive – as part of a truly exceptional service for our clients.« Tilman Müller-Stoy is widely recognized as a leading German patent litigator. Having won the very first inter partes preliminary injunction based on the very first Unitary Patent for his clients 10x Genomics and Harvard, he already is one of the pioneers at the newly established European Unified Patent Court. With over 20 years of experience in IP, he has handled several hundreds of patent disputes (including entitlement proceedings) in courts and patent offices, with a focus on high-profile, multinational matters. He frequently takes on a coordinating role, acting as the European lead counsel, so clients benefit from his solid understanding of the laws and procedures of all relevant jurisdictions. His expertise spans numerous technologies and sectors, for instance telecommunications, IT, consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and life sciences. Trained as a commercial mediator, Tilman also assists his clients in IP-related ADR proceedings, including national and international mediation and arbitration. Tilman is particularly sought after in SEP/FRAND matters, having in-depth knowledge of numerous standards and related industry practice including the underlying economics. He assists his clients not only in such litigation but also in avoiding or preparing for it – be it as lead negotiator be it as trusted advisor in the background. As one of just a few, he already has comprehensive experience in the areas of 5G, connected cars, and IoT. A significant part of Tilman’s daily work relates to technology transfer including licensing, R & D agreements, and corresponding aspects of antitrust law. He has vast experience not only in defending against, but also creating, evaluating, and enforcing major licensing programs, including compulsory licensing proceedings in the pharmaceutical area. His clients are large multinational corporations primarily headquartered in the US, Asia, and Europe as well as highly innovative SMEs that are hidden champions in their fields.

Tilman Müller

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Certified IP lawyer, UPC Representative, Partner »Every change offers opportunities. Let us recognize and seize the opportunities of technological innovations and legal developments together.« Dr. Tilman Müller specializes in patent infringement proceedings and parallel invalidity proceedings not only in national courts but also in front of the Unified Patent Court since day one. His work focusses on the representation of patent pools, the enforcement of standard-essential patents, and all related antitrust issues. Tilman is not only familiar with different standardized technologies, including video and audio coding, telecommunications, wireless charging, and lighting, but also has profound knowledge of the economic and legal framework for patent pools and licensing. Tilman Müller became particularly known by representing Access Advance and Via Licensing as well as the patent owners of these two pools in comprehensive infringement and validity proceedings. For many years, he has also been acting for Philips in various technological areas, particularly in complex cross-border and SEP-related disputes. He also represents clients in national and international IP-related arbitration proceedings. Additionally, Tilman Müller has vast experience in drawing up licensing programs and relevant agreements as well as enforcing them, including in arbitration. In this context, he also accompanied and shaped the creation of several international standardization organizations in the lighting industry. Tilman Müller is familiar with various technologies and advises clients from many industry sectors. For example, he advises clients in the areas of electrical engineering, consumer electronics, medical devices, and communications technology, mechanical engineering, lighting, and chemistry.

Tobias Wuttke

Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Certified IP lawyer, UPC Representative, Partner »Listen, convince, win - these maxims shape my professional actions.« Dr. Tobias Wuttke is an attorney-at-law who specializes in national and cross-border patent litigation. Influential rankings confirm his reputation as one of Germany’s leading patent litigators. Tobias Wuttke’s expertise stems from hundreds of patent infringement and validity proceedings. He advises blue chip companies acting on a global level, innovative SMEs, and start-ups in the areas of telecommunications (SEPs in particular), medical technology, automotive, and life sciences. Tobias Wuttke focuses on the economic perspective of the patent disputes he conducts. His primary goal is to achieve the optimal commercial result for his clients. He considers patent litigation to be inextricably linked to risk management. Tobias Wuttke regularly gives presentations on topical issues regarding patent law at universities, offices, and associations, and – as an author – he actively promotes the distribution and development of patent law.

Tobias Kaufmann

German and European Patent Attorney, Partner »In all I do for our clients, I deliver persistent commitment, passion for details, and straight-forward communication.« Tobias Kaufmann specializes in the fields of electrical engineering, computer science, medical engineering, and particularly telecommunications and mobile radio technology, usually in relation to standards (GSM, 3GPP, LTE, LTE-A), computer and network technology, including hardware and software for smart phones and tablets, signal processing (speech, image and voice coding), cryptography, and medical devices and methods. In addition, his work as a patent attorney frequently involves areas of mechanical engineering, particularly in the manufacturing and packaging industries. Besides patent prosecution, he is also involved in opposition, appeal, nullity and infringement proceedings. A further area of his practice includes advising clients on issues relating to validity and infringement of technical IP rights and preparing relevant opinions. In his practice as a patent attorney, Tobias Kaufmann is able to draw on many years of commercial and legal experience gained in his previous career as an in-house IPR manager for a leading electronics company and as a patent engineer for a prestigious international law firm.

Volkmar Henke

Attorney-at-law (Rechtsanwalt), Partner »A technical mind, legal precision and creativity, a high-level perspective and persuasiveness: With these qualities I passionately fight for our clients, always keeping a sense of proportion.« Dr. Volkmar Henke is patent litigator and particularly active in the areas of mobile communication, semiconductor technology, circuit design, data compression, particularly video and audio coding, and electrical engineering. He advises large multinationals and SMEs, including patent pools and owners of standard-essential patents, primarily in complex disputes. He also coordinates comprehensive international proceedings which are conducted in parallel in multiple jurisdictions. Volkmar represents clients in patent infringement proceedings as well as in invalidity, opposition, and revocation proceedings before the various infringement courts, the German Federal Patent Court, the German Federal Court of Justice and the (upcoming) Unitary Patent Court. Due to his comprehensive experience in conducting and coordinating cross-border patent litigation, he is a much sought-after partner for clients acting on the international stage, particularly in FRAND and SEP cases. Volkmar is one of the rare German trial lawyers who has both a full technical (master’s in physics) and legal qualification.

Alexander von Mühlendahl

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