ARQIS' IP practice covers the full range of intellectual property advice, both contentious and non-contentious, including in particular trade marks, designs, copyright, innovation and technology, trade secrets, patent litigation, licensing and unfair competition matters.
The team, headed by partner Marcus Nothhelfer, comprises six highly skilled IP professionals with diverse specialisations. Trade mark and design experts Nora Stratmann and Carolin von Fritsch have significantly enhanced their profiles. Nora Stratmann also contributes her expertise as an experienced contract specialist in commercial and distribution law. Rolf Tichy, specialising in IP issues in the digital realm, has deep expertise in the intersection of IP and IT, including areas like the Metaverse and AI, where ARQIS aims to be a leader in the legal market. In 2023, the team welcomed Thomas Lipsky as a new associate with a focus in patent litigation.
Trade marks and designs are a primary focus, complemented by transactional IP advice. In alignment with the firm's full-service approach to national and international transactions, the IP team plays a vital role in most of the deals managed by ARQIS' esteemed corporate/M&A and PE/VC practices. Embedded as a specialist area within the firm-wide Data.Law focus group, IP advice integrates closely with data protection and IT law matters, as well as commercial and distribution law, compliance, and litigation.
The ARQIS IP team has particular industry experience in automotive and logistics, lifestyle, fashion and beauty, but also in growth sectors such as robotics, e-mobility, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. With regard to the latter, the ARQIS IP practice is well-equipped to act as a versatile one-stop shop, not only for young companies with innovative business models. The close cooperation with ARQIS' robust private equity and venture capital practice in Munich, combined with in-depth expertise in the technology and digital sector, has become a USP of the IP team.
In addition to long-standing client relationships with companies seeking specialist IP advice, the team regularly exploits synergies. For instance, many cases arise from post-M&A consultancy or from the firm's Japan desk. The team has also seen a steady increase in matters with a US nexus in recent years.
