Grünecker is a leading boutique firm covering the full range of IP services in all technical and legal fields. With 100 years of experience, over 85 patent attorneys, more than 60 patent engineers and over 30 attorneys-at-law, Grünecker is one of the largest IP firms in Germany. Headquartered in Munich, the firm also maintains branch offices in Berlin, Cologne and Paris.
Given the wide variety of technical backgrounds of its patent attorneys and engineers, Grünecker covers all technical areas, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information technologies, software, AI & machine learning, semiconductor technology, automotive, material science, physics, chemistry & life science and medical technology. In each of these areas, Grünecker files hundreds of new patent applications every year, making it one of the top filing firms in Europe. Many of these applications are drafted by Grünecker attorneys.
Opposition proceedings make up a significant part of the firm’s prosecution work. The firm handles numerous EPO oppositions and appeals and regularly attends hearings in Munich and The Hague. Grünecker also handles nullity actions before the German Federal Patent Court in Munich.
Grünecker’s patent litigation teams are well versed in high-profile litigation and regularly write case law. The close and well-rehearsed collaboration of litigation attorneys and patent attorneys has proven one of the key factors in the firm’s success. The teams handle litigation cases before the highest German and European Courts, often involving cross-border issues throughout Europe, the US and Asia. It represents clients also before the newly constituted Unified Patent Court (UPC), which currently has jurisdiction over 17 European countries. Through many years of working for international clients, the teams understand the complexity of multi-jurisdictional proceedings and are able to fulfil the clients’ needs – no matter where in the world they are located.
The firm’s offerings in the area of patent litigation are complemented by its experience in less contentious proceedings such as arbitration and mediation.
Grünecker is also a leader in the field of soft intellectual property, representing renowned trademark and design owners. The firm draws on the vast experience gained in countless trademark, design, unfair competition and copyright proceedings. The firm’s attorneys-at-law also assist in licensing negotiations, handle border-seizures and advise on IT and data protection-related issues.
Grünecker not only provides first-class legal advice, but is also a strategic partner for its clients ranging from global corporations to renowned mid-sized companies and innovative start-ups. In order to serve clients wherever help is needed, Grünecker has established a global network of IP specialists. Grünecker’s attorneys include professionals admitted in the UK, France, Austria, Italy and Spain. The firm is therefore in a position to advise on IP issues in those countries as well. From its Paris office, the firm serves the French market. It also employs Chinese and Japanese patent attorneys who not only know the European IP system, but also the legal systems, cultures and languages of their home jurisdictions.
