Legal advice in patent law

Our Services

Patents

Our focus in US patent law is on the enforcement and defense of patent infringements. We advise our clients on the analysis of infringement risks, the development and implementation of enforcement strategies and the defense against asserted claims. This includes, in particular, representation in patent litigation before US federal courts and in post-grant proceedings before the PTAB (e.g. IPR proceedings). In addition, we prepare well-founded expert opinions on questions of patent infringement, validity and freedom-to-operate. Our advice is consistently geared to the requirements of contentious disputes and takes particular account of complex cross-border issues.

Brands

In US trademark law, our focus is on the enforcement and defense of trademark rights. We represent our clients in trademark disputes before US courts and in proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), in particular in opposition and cancellation proceedings. In addition, we advise on the assessment of infringement risks, develop customized enforcement strategies and assist in the enforcement of claims for injunctive relief and damages in and out of court. Our advice is consistently focused on contentious disputes and the protection of strong trademark positions in the US market.

DESIGNS

In the area of US design patents, our focus is on the enforcement and defense of intellectual property rights. We advise on the enforcement of design rights in infringement proceedings before US courts and on the defense against corresponding claims. This includes, in particular, the analysis of infringement facts, the development of litigation strategies and the assessment of risks and prospects of success. In addition, we support the strategic use of design rights in conjunction with other IP rights in order to ensure an effective and enforceable protective position in the US market.

Trade secrets

The protection of trade secrets is becoming increasingly important under US law. We advise on the implementation of effective protective measures, the drafting of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and the enforcement of claims in the event of infringements. In doing so, we pay particular attention to the requirements of the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) and relevant federal regulations.

License agreement law

We draft, negotiate and review license agreements under US law - particularly in the areas of technology, software and trademarks. Our focus is on economically viable and legally secure contractual structures that take into account regulatory requirements as well as tax and liability aspects. We also support our clients in the enforcement and adaptation of existing license models.

Research and development agreements

We provide support in structuring and drafting research and development cooperations with a US connection. We attach particular importance to the clear regulation of IP rights, exploitation rights and liability issues. Our advice ensures that innovations are legally protected and can be used in the best possible economic way.

Technology transfer

In the field of technology transfer, we advise on the transfer and commercialization of technologies to the USA. This includes the drafting of transfer agreements, the valuation of IP rights and the structuring of complex transactions between companies, research institutions and investors. Our focus is on legally compliant and economically efficient solutions.

Employee inventions

We advise companies on the legally compliant handling of employee inventions in the US context, particularly in the area of conflict between US law and international employment relationships. This includes the drafting of employment contracts, IP assignment clauses and the enforcement of rights to inventions and developments of employees.

Copyright

In US copyright law, we support our clients in the protection and exploitation of creative services, particularly in the digital environment. We advise on the registration of copyrights, the enforcement of claims and licensing and usage models. A particular focus is on technology-based business models and cross-border issues.

Export control law

We advise technology-oriented companies comprehensively on the requirements of US export control law, in particular under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the sanctions regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Our focus is on the legally compliant structuring of complex, cross-border business models in the areas of dual-use, defense, quantum technologies, semiconductors and AI. We assist with the classification of technologies, the development of robust compliance systems and the safeguarding of international research and cooperation projects. In addition, we represent our clients in regulatory investigations and sanction proceedings and provide strategic advice on minimizing liability and reputational risks. Our advice combines in-depth technical understanding with sound experience in dealing with US authorities and is consistently focused on high-risk, highly innovative fields of technology.