Good News!

We are pleased to announce the opening of our new Munich office on July 1st. The life science, chemistry and material science experts, led by Jan Robert Naefe and Dr. Markus Zoller, enable us to offer comprehensive IP services with even faster turnaround times. Meet our expanded attorney team.

Our focus: your ideas

We safeguard your ideas with expertise, passion and creativity to make sure your innovative power and pioneering spirit pay off.

Our journey: together

Working together is the best way to solve complex problems, which is why team spirit is our top priority at all times.

Our approach: combative

Whether in official examination procedures or in litigation, we have been fighting for our clients for more than 70 years. We are well versed in tactics and always ready to come up with custom-made solutions to any problem.

Our methods: progressive

From encrypted communication to paperless office, we are every bit as much in tune with the times as you are.

Your specialists in patent, trademark and design law

Our firm has been the first port of call for all matters relating to patent, trademark and design law since 1949.

Thanks to our merger with Mehler Achler Patentanwälte in 2021 and the opening of our Munich office in 2024, we have expanded our capabilities for our clients and offer consolidated expertise.

Start-up consulting

Protecting ideas, patenting inventions, practicing innovation: These are the building blocks of our expert start-up consulting, which will help you with all the aspects involved in founding a company.

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About us

Whether you are a solo inventor or a big industrial player, our firm in Wiesbaden has been advising German and international clients on all areas of protection of industrial property rights for more than 70 years.

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News and knowledge

Patent application: What you should know beforehand

A patent application can be the starting point for a successful company or start-up: After months and years of developing, tinkering and trying things out, your invention is finally ready to see the light of day. To make this step a success, there are a few important points to consider before, during and after the patent application. In this article, we will show you what is important!

Read more - Patent application: What you should know beforehand

Unitary patent: What you need to know

Globalization means that more and more companies are also operating internationally. The economic union in particular is further standardizing the market in the EU and European companies have long since ceased to operate in just one country. It is more important than ever for founders, inventors and entrepreneurs to consider applying for a patent not only in Germany, but also directly in the EU.

Read more - Unitary patent: What you need to know

How a patent attorney can help you

Patenting an invention is always a complex matter in which technical and scientific aspects meet legal issues. An attorney for patent law (also: patent attorney) works in this borderline area, supporting inventors, founders and entrepreneurs in applying for a patent in a legally secure manner and protecting it from imitations.

Read more - How a patent attorney can help you

Received a cease-and-desist declaration: What to do?

For founders and entrepreneurs, one of the primary goals in the area of IP should always be to avoid legal disputes. Nevertheless, many receive a warning letter along with a cease-and-desist declaration during their business career. In this article, we explain what you need to consider and how to avoid cease-and-desist letters in the future.

Read more - Received a cease-and-desist declaration: What to do?

Technical expertise

We will be happy to advise you on all technical fields, such as those relating to mechanics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and physics, organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry and biotechnology, pharmacy, medicine, medical technology and software.

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Legal expertise

From patents and utility models to trademarks, registered designs and Internet domains in Germany and on an international basis, we are on hand at all times to provide our clients with the full breadth of our expertise.

Globe bleed

WSL worldwide

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opposition and invalidity proceedings

in Europe

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patent applications

in North America

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trademark applications

in Central and South America

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intellectual property cases

in more than 20 African countries

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design applications

in Asia

Careers at WSL

Talent. Enthusiasm. Enjoyment.

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