Patent Law: Protecting Innovation, Securing the Future
Your invention is the result of intensive research, substantial investment, and creative excellence. Patent law is the decisive instrument to protect this valuable achievement from imitation and to secure your exclusive rights of exploitation. A strong patent is not only a shield but also a valuable corporate asset that strengthens your market position and opens up new business opportunities.
We are a reliable partner and will expertly guide you through the complex process of patenting. From the development of the initial idea to the drafting of a suitable application and the resolute enforcement of your rights in case of infringement—we ensure that your innovation receives the protection it deserves.
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Patent Application & Grant Procedure: Safeguarding Your Innovation from the Start
Protecting your technical innovations through patents is a crucial component of your business success. As experienced partners, we guide you through the entire process—from strategic patent filing and market environment analysis to the consistent defense of your IP rights. From our offices in Wiesbaden (Frankfurt area) and Munich, we operate nationally and internationally on behalf of our clients.
Our Services in the Application and Grant Procedure:
- Strategic Assessment: We evaluate the patentability of your invention to maximize prospects of success and avoid unnecessary costs.
- Drafting of Strong Patent Applications: We prepare a precise and legally robust patent specification and claims that optimally protect the core of your invention.
- Conducting the Application and Examination Procedure: We handle the entire procedure before the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), the European Patent Office (EPO), and—through cooperation with qualified local colleagues—before any national patent office worldwide, including international patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), and manage all communication with the authorities.
- Professional Representation: We represent your interests authoritatively and with legal precision in responses to office actions and in oral proceedings.
- International Coordination: We manage your global filing strategy, advise on patent strategy issues, and coordinate proceedings with our international partners.
Our expertise covers all facets of the application process. For deeper insights, read more about the fundamentals of a patent application. We also provide comprehensive advice on the benefits of the new Unitary Patent and the particularities of international patent law. We offer specialized expertise for unique challenges such as the protection of computer software. A transparent overview of related costs can be found in our article on the cost of a patent.
Protect your innovation with a professional strategy. Contact us for an initial consultation regarding your patent application.
Patent Search & Analysis: Certainty Before You Invest
Filing a patent application without a prior professional search is a high risk. In the worst case, you may invest time and money in an invention that already exists or is not patentable—leading to costly rejection or subsequent nullity proceedings.
We provide a sound basis for decision-making. With our expertise and access to professional databases, we conduct precise and comprehensive analyses of the relevant prior art. We identify not only identical but also similar IP rights that may call the inventive step of your invention into question. This gives you a realistic assessment of your chances of success and clear strategic recommendations for your next steps.
Our Services in the Area of Search and Analysis:
- Conducting and Analyzing Novelty and Validity Searches: We use professional tools to reliably identify the relevant prior art.
- Assessment of Patentability: We analyze search results in detail to evaluate the novelty and inventive step of your invention.
- Monitoring of Competitor Applications: We detect potential conflicts with third-party IP rights early and help you avoid them.
- Legal Status Monitoring of Patents: We continuously monitor the legal status of patents to inform you about changes, deadlines, or potential conflicts, enabling you to recognize the need for action in a timely manner.
- Preparation of Legal Opinions: You receive a clear legal opinion with strategic recommendations regarding your patent application.
A detailed description of our approach can be found in our comprehensive article on patent searching.
Create clarity for your invention. Contact us for a professional search and analysis.
Patent Infringement & Defense: Asserting and Protecting Your Rights
Patent infringement by competitors can severely threaten the economic success of your innovation. Conversely, unfounded allegations of infringement can paralyze your business and incur immense costs. In both cases, swift, strategic, and resolute action is essential.
We are your strong partner in enforcing your IP rights and in defending against unjustified claims. We analyze complex technical and legal issues, assess the legal situation with precision, and develop a tailored strategy to effectively represent your interests before courts and authorities. Our goal is to secure your market position, avert economic damage, and achieve a favorable resolution. In contentious proceedings, we offer patent attorney representation in close cooperation with specialized attorneys-at-law—for comprehensive support of your technical IP rights.
Our Services in the Area of Infringement and Defense:
- Enforcement of Patents Against Infringers: We take resolute action on your behalf—from warning letters and preliminary injunctions to infringement lawsuits.
- Competent Defense Against Infringement Claims: We defend you with a robust strategy against unfounded allegations, including the initiation of nullity actions, particularly before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
- Strategic Litigation Management: We represent your interests in infringement proceedings before the civil courts as well as in validity proceedings before the German Federal Patent Court and the European Patent Office (EPO).
- Preparation of Infringement Opinions: We prepare detailed legal opinions on potential direct, indirect, or equivalent patent infringements to provide you with a clear basis for decision-making.
- Negotiation of Demarcation and Non-Aggression Agreements: These are key instruments for dispute resolution and prevention.
For detailed information on your legal options and procedural steps, consult our guide on what to do in the event of a patent infringement.
Facing patent infringement? Protect your rights. Speak with our experts today.
Opposition & Nullity Proceedings: Challenging and Defending Patents
A competitor's wrongly granted patent can severely limit your freedom to operate and block the market launch of your own products. Conversely, defending your own, challenged patent is critical to safeguarding the value of your innovation. In both scenarios, strategically conducted proceedings are key to success.
We are your experienced partner in all validity proceedings. Whether you must challenge a third-party patent or defend your own—we develop a precise and well-founded strategy. We analyze the relevant prior art, work out the decisive arguments, and assertively represent your interests before the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), the European Patent Office (EPO), the German Federal Patent Court, or the Unified Patent Court (UPC).
Our Services in Validity Proceedings:
- Strategic Assessment: We evaluate the prospects of attack or defense and provide you with a clear and honest assessment of your chances of success.
- Challenging Competitor Patents: We conduct detailed searches and develop the evidence and arguments required to invalidate a patent through opposition or nullity proceedings.
- Defending Patents in Validity Proceedings: We formulate compelling counterarguments to fend off attacks on your patent and preserve its legal validity.
- Professional Representation: We manage all correspondence and represent you with authority in oral proceedings before the offices and courts.
For a detailed description of procedures, deadlines, and grounds for opposition, read our comprehensive guide on filing an opposition against a patent.
Is your freedom to operate threatened by a third-party patent? Protect your business. Speak with our experts today.
Freedom-to-Operate Analysis (FTO): Safeguard Your Market Entry
Developing an innovative product is only half the battle. Before investing in production, marketing, and sales, one crucial question must be answered: Are you allowed to launch your product on the market without infringing third-party IP rights? The absence of a Freedom-to-Operate analysis is one of the greatest and costliest risks for technology-driven companies prior to market entry.
We provide you with legal and strategic certainty. A professional FTO analysis by our experts identifies potentially blocking patents, utility models, or designs in your target markets at an early stage. We precisely assess the scope of protection of these rights and provide you with a well-founded risk assessment. This enables you to avoid costly infringement litigation and make informed business decisions before committing to major investments.
Our Services in the Area of Freedom-to-Operate:
- Comprehensive FTO Searches: We conduct targeted searches of national and international registers for relevant third-party IP rights that may limit your commercial freedom.
- Detailed Risk Analysis: We analyze identified IP rights, assess their validity, and interpret the scope of protection with regard to your specific project.
- Strategic Recommendations: You receive a clear legal opinion with pragmatic solutions such as technical design-around strategies, licensing negotiations, or targeted challenges to obstructive rights.
- Ongoing Monitoring: We monitor relevant technology fields for you to detect new, potentially threatening IP applications at an early stage.
To understand the background and exact process, read our in-depth article on what to know about Freedom-to-Operate analyses.
Planning to launch a new product? Secure your investment. Speak with our FTO experts now.
Employee Invention Law: We Create Fair and Legally Compliant Solutions
German employee invention law is complex and involves significant legal and financial risks for both employers and employees. Unclear procedures for reporting and claiming inventions, or incorrect compensation arrangements, often lead to lengthy conflicts that consume valuable resources and affect the working environment.
We ensure legal certainty and a fair balance. For companies, we establish clear, legally compliant, and pragmatic regulations that foster innovation and prevent legal disputes from the outset. We assist employees in enforcing their legitimate claims to appropriate compensation. As your strategic advisor, our goal is to ensure clear and equitable conditions.
Our Services in Employee Invention Law:
- Drafting of Internal Guidelines: We develop and implement internal systems for reporting and remuneration that are legally sound and easy to manage.
- Review and Advice: We review invention disclosures, advise on correct claiming or release of inventions, and secure the respective rights.
- Determining Fair Compensation: We assist in calculating appropriate inventor remuneration in accordance with statutory guidelines and the license analogy method.
- Contract Drafting: We draft legally secure lump-sum remuneration, settlement, and purchase agreements.
- Conflict Resolution: We expertly represent your interests in negotiations or arbitration proceedings before the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA).
For detailed information on rights and obligations, consult our comprehensive article on “Who owns an employee invention?”.
Do you have questions about remuneration for a service invention or about implementing a legally compliant process? Speak with our experts today.
Patent Portfolio & Management: Actively Managing and Preserving the Value of Your IP Assets
A granted patent is not self-sustaining—it is a valuable asset that must be strategically maintained. Without active management, a patent portfolio can quickly become confusing and expensive. Missed deadlines for annual fees can result in a complete loss of rights, while unused patents tie up capital and obscure the view of truly valuable innovations.
We understand your patent portfolio as a strategic tool for business success. Our task is to preserve and enhance the value of your portfolio while fully relieving you of administrative burdens. We monitor all critical deadlines, provide strategic recommendations for portfolio optimization, and ensure that you always have a complete overview of your IP rights and associated costs..
Our Services in Patent Portfolio and Management:
- Strategic Portfolio Management: We analyze your existing portfolio, identify core IP rights and unused potential, and provide recommendations on which patents to maintain, expand, or abandon.
- Deadline and Fee Monitoring: With our reliable monitoring and payment of renewal and other official fees, you will never miss a deadline. We monitor annual fees for your patents and utility models worldwide and arrange timely payments after consultation.
- Administrative Relief: Acting as your external IP department, we handle all correspondence with offices and keep your portfolio data up to date.
- Transfer and Assignment of IP Rights: We manage the assignment of rights—for example, in cases of ownership changes, corporate transfers, or license agreements—and ensure legally sound and prompt registration with the competent authorities.
Would you like to ensure that your patent portfolio drives value rather than incurring unnecessary costs? Gain strategic clarity and administrative security. Talk to us about professional portfolio management.
In-Depth Knowledge from Our IP Hub
Patent law is a complex and dynamic field. In addition to the core services presented here, there are many other strategic aspects that can determine the success of your innovation. To give you an even deeper insight, we regularly publish analyses and guides in our knowledge hub.
Learn in detail, for example, how a patent attorney can assist you not only with the application but also with the strategic planning and long-term defense of your IP rights.
For further relevant topics, from recent rulings to practical guidance, we invite you to explore our complete category on patent law and benefit from our collective knowledge.