Archive
Dr. Stefan Schohe new chair of the committee on information technology of LES Germany.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT-partner Stefan Schohe has taken over the chair of the committee on information technology of LES Germany. The committee focuses on intellectual property in the computer field, telecommunication and other areas of information technology, especially obtaining and exploiting intellectual property in these fields. LES is an international association of professionals in the field of technology transfer. LES counts more than 10.000 members worldwide in about 100 countries.
19.01.2012
“Legal Experts 2012” with Michaela Huth-Dierig.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Michaela Huth-Dierig is counted amongst the most important “Legal Experts 2012” for Intellectual Property in Germany. That’s certified by the most recently released edition of “Legal Experts 2012 – Europe, Middle East, Africa”. Michaela Huth-Dierig works at our Munich branch and is active in all areas of commercial law, focussing particularly on trademark law and unfair competition law, with further specialisation on product piracy and domain grabbing. www.legalexpertsdirectory.com. ISBN: 978 1 906854 59 1
12.01.2012
Once again BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner makes “Who´s Who Legal Germany 2012”.
For the second time in a row the BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Michaela Huth-Dierig has been named as one of the most important Trademark Lawyers in Germany in “The International Who's Who Legal - Germany – 2012”. She is recognized as “well known and respected for her litigation and her prosecution work, as well as her anti-piracy, unfair trade and her portfolio acumen”. Only thirty renowned lawyers are selected to represent Germany. Michaela Huth-Dierig works at our Munich branch and is active in all areas of commercial law, focussing particularly on trademark law and unfair competition law, with further specialisation on product piracy and domain grabbing. www.whoswholegal.com
12.01.2012
"You love what you labour for, and you labour for what you love." Erich Fromm
We love what we do - And so we wish our clients, business partners, colleagues, employees and friends a happy, successful and fulfilling New Year 2012.
Forrester & Boehmert Partnership on 1 April 2012
Forrester & Boehmert was established in 1977, as German British partnership, for representation at the European Patent Office. The Forrester & Boehmert partnership has been very successful for over 30 years. Times, and client requirements, change, however. The partners of Forrester & Boehmert have therefore decided that the time is right to demerge back into the respective national partnerships and to handle representation at the European Patent Office within these partnerships. Therefore, on 1 April 2012, the Forrester & Boehmert partnership will cease to exist.
The demerger will have no practical effect on the service you now receive. On the date of the demerger, Boehmert & Boehmert will assume responsibility also for European patent matters, in addition to all other matters of intellectual property law already handled by our firm. You will have exactly the same expertise and experienced attorneys responsible for your cases, but in a structure that is more appropriate to the present needs of our clients, because it is clearer and more straightforward.
We look forward to continuing to provide you with high standard of service that you currently receive.
Dr. Stefan Schohe appointed Vice Chair of the Dispute Resolution Committee of LESI
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr. Stefan Schohe was appointed Vice Chair of the Dispute Resolution Committee of Licensing Executives Society International (LESI). The Licensing Executives Society is an international organization of experts in the field of licensing and technology transfer with about 12,000 members in more than 95 countries. The Dispute Resolution Committee follows reports and educates on developments in dispute resolution worldwide, especially in the field of arbitration and mediation.
02.12.2011
BRAK appoints Dr Anke Nordemann-Schiffel to its Industrial Property Rights committee.
The Presiding Committee of the Federal Bar Association reappointed BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr Anke Nordemann-Schiffel to the Industrial Property Rights Committee in November 2011. Dr Nordemann Schiffel has been a member of the committee since 2008 and in this capacity takes part, among other things, in copyright hearings in preparation of the "3rd basket" in the Federal Ministry of Justice.
07.12.2011
"JUVE Manual" 2011/2012 with very good ratings for BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is again listed in the current edition of the "JUVE Manual of Corporate Law Firms" 2010/2010 in many categories and selection lists and managed to retain its very good ratings. Offices in Berlin, Bremen, Dusseldorf, Munich and Potsdam are also included in the listing this year alongside regional law firm ratings.
Patent Lawyers: In "patent registrations – patent lawyers", BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is this year again placed in the first category of listed law firms and is thus among the most important German law firms in this area. The manual describes BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT as one of the leading law firms, in particular in patent prosecution, with great experience in registration and broad technical expertise. This year too, Prof Heinz Goddar (Physics) and Dr Jan B. Krauss (Pharmaceuticals) were given special mention as patent lawyers with recommended technical focus. The following patent lawyers were often recommended by those surveyed: Prof Heinz Goddar, Dr Jan Krauss, Christian Appelt, Dr Thomas Bittner, Dr Markus Engelhard, Dr Klaus-Dieter Langfinger, Dr Stefan Schohe, Dr Karl-Heinz Metten and Dr Christian Czychowski.
Lawyers: BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was described as a frequently recommended firm in the "trade mark and competition law" category whose strength lay in its "comprehensive formal trade mark practice and international orientation" as well as in "increasing numbers of registrations on behalf of Germany clients". Often recommended in this category were: Michaela Huth-Dierig, Dr Volker Schmitz-Fohrmann, Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann, Wilhelm Stahlberg, Dr Martin Wirtz, Dr Christian Czychowski and Prof Axel Nordemann.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was described in contract and copyright law as a practice "recommended for media companies" and as a "significant player on the market". It was also acknowledged by competitors as an "established office". Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann, Dr Martin Schaefer, Dr Andreas Dustmann and Dr Christian Czychowski were often recommended in this category. Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann is also traditionally counted among the "leading German copyright lawyers". In the "media: press and publishers" category, Prof Axel Nordemann and Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann and Dr Martin Schaefer were given special mention.
The IT practice headed by Dr Christian Czychowski was this year singled out for praise in the "information technology, media, technology and communication" category. The practice was described as a traditional media form which "has been able to diversify successfully into the field of new media". Consulting experiences in open sources was also highlighted. Dr Czychowski is described as an "intelligent and pleasant discussion partner".
The "JUVE Manual Corporate Law Firms" is geared towards clients and lawyers. Its editors are considered to have particular knowledge of the industry. Rankings are based on research carried out by the JUVE team, assessment of questionnaires, interviews with competitors, clients as well as further relevant industry sources. www.juve.de
30.11.2011
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT ranks well in "Legal 500 Germany" 2011/2012.
The current edition of "Legal 500 Germany" (2011/2012) again recommends BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in numerous categories. In the field of "Patent Law" (category: registrations), the firm managed to hold pole position. "B&B enjoys an excellent reputation. Particularly in terms of advice to clients in the fields of electronics and pharmaceuticals." The team also has notable experience in the field of chemicals and biotechnology, the report goes on. In particular, Prof Heinz Goddar, Dr Jan B. Krauss as well as Dr Markus Engelhard are recommended. In the "Dispute Resolution" category, the firm is described as a "good choice for litigation in pharmaceuticals." Dr Christian Czychowski is also recommended.
In Trademark Law, the edition highlights that the increased visibility of younger partners has resulted in the firm "also being able to break into the mittelstand" (Germany's many medium-sized companies). Prof Axel Nordemann's achievements are highlighted in particular here.
In the "Media, Entertainment and Press" category, the review states: "B&B frequently advises on copyright issues, in particular in the field of piracy, drawing clients from the film and music industry, including US-Studios and music production companies." The firm's involvement in representing Eurocities against Google in a cartel case was highlighted. Prof Jan B. Nordemann "is acknowledged". In "Press and Publishing", the edition states that BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is well known for its specialisation in IP which the team makes excellent use of in this field. It goes on to say: "Jan Nordemann, a renowned attorney, represents a range of book, newspaper and magazine publishers as well as Internet companies and authors."
"Legal 500 Germany" markets itself as guide to exceptional law firms and leading lawyers on the German market with the aim of helping clients with the selection of a first class chambers. www.legal500.de
11.11.2011
New: "Foundation of Patent Law" by BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in Munich, on 28 November 2011
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is now offering a free seminar on "Patent Law and Medium-Sized Companies" which goes beyond the scope of a traditional lecture series.
Date and venue: 28 November 2011 in Hotel Le Meridien, Bayerstr. 41, 80335 Munich.
The seminar is aimed at medium-sized companies with and without prior knowledge in this field. Patent attorneys Nils T.F. Schmid, Dr Andreas Lucke, Christian Appelt, Dr Michael Hartig and Dr Jan B. Krauss will introduce participants to various aspects of patent law. Issues covered include "When does a patent make sense? Aids to Decision-making for Medium-sized Companies", "Patent Registration Strategies - Defence Strategies", "Patent Requirements - Innovation and Inventive Activity" and "Employee Inventions - Efficient Handling". The seminar begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. with subsequent get-together. Further information and registration documents can be obtained from the Munich office (Tel: 089 – 55 96 80) or directly from Mr Nils T.F. Schmid.
07.11.2011
IP Osgoode Lecture "Collective Licensing" by Dr Martin Schaefer online as Webcast.
The IP Osgoode Hall Law School - York University, Canada, held a conference entitled "European Perspective on Copyright Law in the Information Era" in mid-October of this year. The issue under discussion was: "Can Canada learn anything from Europe?" BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr Martin Schaefer was invited to speak on the subject of "Collective Licensing". A Webcast has now been uploaded to the Internet along with charts and summaries. The charts to accompany Dr Martin Schaefer's speech can be found at: http://www.iposgoode.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Schaefer-2011-Oct-21.pdf
07.11.2011
Prof H. Goddar and C. W. Appelt distinguished as "The World´s Leading Patent & Technology Licensing Lawyers".
The current edition of "IAM 250 - The World's Leading Patent & Technology Licensing Lawyers 2011 / 2012" names internationally renowned IP experts in the field of Patent & Technology Licensing having identified these through comprehensive research and surveys. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Heinz Goddar (Munich) and physics graduate Christian W. Appelt (Munich) were named as two of only four patent attorneys in Germany as specially distinguished "individuals". In particular, the publication described Prof Heinz Goddar as "internationally renowned" and states that he "has earned a stellar reputation". Patent attorney Christian W. Appelt is described as having "standout status" and his "cooperative approach" as well as his "complete knowledge of the latest developments" are highlighted. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is described unanimously as "very strong" and "highly esteemed in the market" with "a lot of excellent people and invaluable experience in licensing". The IAM yearbook is published by the British company iam Intellectual Asset Management which is specialised in IP media.
03.11.2011
Prof H. Goddar and Dr M Engelhard among the "50 Best Lawyers in Germany".
Corporate INTL Magazine has placed two BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners among the "50 Best Lawyers in Germany" 2011. The magazine highlights Prof Heinz Goddar and biochemistry graduate Dr Markus Engelhard for their expertise in the field of patent law. Corporate INTL Magazine appears in 70,000 copies each month. Its international readership includes managers, investors and consultants.
30.09.2011
www.innovationskraftwerk.de launched with BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT expertise.
At the beginning of September, the newly founded www.innovationskraftwerk.de was launched. The internet site is an open innovation platform which links the innovator to those seeking innovative solutions and is based on the idea of "open innovation". The platform builds on trends in innovation management and implementation and for the first time puts these trends into practice in Germany. Alongside innovation and industrial problem-solving processes, the platform also looks at academic and social issues. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT actively participates in this open innovation platform and is represented on the Advisory Council by Dr Christian Czychowski, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner and licence law expert. Innovationskraftwerk is based on a range of approaches in innovation management: Open Innovation, Crowd Sourcing and Ideation – they have all been tried and tested and are successful. Innovation managers in renowned companies and research institutes such as TU Munich, Schott, Bombardier, Henkel, Otto Group, Deutsche Post, Evonik, Boehmert & Boehmert, SGL Carbon and Bayer Material Sciences are all involved in the development of the platform. Further information at: www.innovationskraftwerk.de
14.09.2011
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT congratulates InnoWi GmbH on its ten year anniversary.
InnoWi GmbH celebrates its ten year anniversary on 16 September 2011. The company, domiciled in Bremen, is the patent exploitation company for the universities and research institutes of Bremen and Western Lower Saxony. Since 2011, it has analysed and protected the region's research results and has passed these on to industry. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has advised InnoWi GmbH for many years and working both with InnoWi and the inventors has helped in the acquisition of IP rights. www.innowi.de
14.09.2011
Prof Jan B. Nordemann is Chairman of the Special Committee "Copyright" of the AIPPI.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Jan Berndt Nordemann has been appointed Chairman of the newly founded Special Copyright Committee by the Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Intellectuelle (AIPPI). The Special Copyright Committee (AIPPI No. Q226) is charged with ensuring that the organisation remains informed of all new developments in the field of copyright and will also monitor the long-term international development of copyright law. The Special Copyright Committee will take part in meetings of the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights as observer; a task which Prof J. Nordemann had already assumed in June 2011 in Geneva. The Special Copyright Committee will soon commence its official duties. www.aippi.org
12.09.2011
Corporate International Magazine: B&B is "Patent Filing Law Firm 2011" in Germany.
Corporate INTL. Magazine has distinguished BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT with a Global Award as "Patent Filing Law Firm of the Year 2011" in Germany. Corporate INTL Magazine appears in 70,000 copies each month. Its international readership includes managers, investors and consultants. Selecting BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT as "Patent Filing Law Firm of the Year” underlines the firm's strong position in patent filing.
25.08.2011
Prof Axel Nordemann introduced in INTA Bulletin.
The July 2011 edition of the members' magazine INTA Bulletin of the International Trademark Association (INTA) (vol. 66, no. 12) presents BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Axel Nordemann in a comprehensive portrait. Nordemann is a member of the INTA Academic Committee and is Co-Chair in the Adjunct Professor Special Interest Group.
25.08.2011
“Trademark Seminars 2011” by BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in Munich, Dusseldorf, Berlin and Frankfurt.
This year BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT will continue its successful “Trademark Seminar” series at a variety of locations. The dates for the individual seminars have now been set:
“Munich Trademark Seminar” – Munich, 28th of September 2011 “Dusseldorf Trademark Seminar” – Düsseldorf, 26th of October 2011
“Berlin Trademark Seminar” – Berlin, 16th of November 2011
“Frankfurt Trademark Seminar” – Frankfurt (Main), 23rd of November2011
The seminars are tailored to trademark owners with or without previous experience in this sector. Dr. Carl-Richard Haarmann, Dr. Martin Wirtz, Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann and Dr. Rudolf Böckenholt will lead the seminar attendees through different aspects of trademark law. The range of themes extends from “the formation and structure of a trademark portfolio of a medium-sized business” to “current case law in trademark law” through to examples of “typical and atypical offensive strategies in the case of trademark breaches” among others. The seminars begin at 2 p.m. and end around 5 p.m. Further information and registration documentation can be obtained from the Dusseldorf office or Dr. Martin Wirtz.
WirtschaftsWoche Ranks Prof. Dr. Jan B. Nordemann Among the Top Attorneys for Trademark Law.
In the article “Teure Verwechslung” (“Expensive Mistake”) the magazine WirtschaftsWoche („Business Week“ - No. 30 issued 25.07.2011) sheds light on the specialist area of attorneys active in trademark law. The article states that attorneys practising in this area of intellectual property law are all specialists; and Germany is now considered the leading nation in protection of intellectual property. As part of this series of articles, a high calibre jury from the magazine regularly selects the current leading experts in the area of law currently being discussed. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann was ranked in this article among the 25 Top Attorneys for Trademark Law. www.wiwo.de/top-kanzleien.
26.07.2011
Tongji University IPI: Dr. U. Kilger is a new Member of the Advisory Board. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr. Ute Kilger has been appointed a Member of the Advisory Board of the Tongji Global Intellectual Property Institute (TGIPI) at Tongji University, Shanghai, China. Dr. Kilger works at our Berlin office as a patent attorney and expert in the fields of biology and chemistry, along with the pharmaceuticals industry.
This means that two partners to the firm are now members of the executive management level of the TGIPI. These are Professor Dr. Heinz Goddar who is a Senior Advisor and thus a Member of the Executive Committee and Dr. Ute Kilger, now a Member of the Advisory Board. Co-Directors of the TGIPI remain Professor Dr. Peter Meier-Beck, Chief Judge of the X Senate of the German Federal Court of Justice and Chief Judge Randall R. Rader, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit (CAFC), USA. Tongji University is among the most renowned universities in the People’s Republic of China. www.tongji.edu.cn
25.07.2011
"Chambers Global 2011" places BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in 1st Position in "Patent Filing"
In the latest edition of "Chambers Global 2011", BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is placed among the leading firms for patent filing and holds first position in the ranking (band 1). BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner, Prof Heinz Goddar, is also counted among the leading individuals in Germany in the field of intellectual property. He was also named by the highest category, band 1. Prof Goddar is described as a "highly esteemed name in both the domestic and international markets". In this year's edition, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr Steffen Schmidt is also mentioned. Dr Schmidt is described as having "significant standing amongst his peers". For BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT, the firm's continued recognition within such rankings as well as references to individual partners is a sign of the professional world's particular respect for the services provided by its patent lawyers as well as by the firm in general.
05.07.2011
Best Lawyers International 2011: BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT again represented with nine lawyers.
This year too, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is again represented with nine lawyers and three offices in the US-American publication Best Lawyers International 2011 (Germany Edition). In the USA, Best Lawyers is considered one of the oldest and most respectable legal reference works. At the Berlin office, the following lawyers have been mentioned: Dr Christian Czychowski (IP), Prof Axel Nordemann (IP), Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann (Entertainment, IP, Media), In Bremen, mention was made of Dr Ludwig Kouker (IP) and Dr Andreas Winkler (IP). At the Munich office, the following lawyers are named: Christian W. Appelt (IP), Dr Markus Engelhard (IP), Prof Heinz Goddar (IP) and Michaela Huth-Dierig (IP). The ratings of law firms and lawyers are based on assessments made by around 1,500 top US lawyers. The Best Lawyers Ranking are published in the USA and worldwide by leading magazines and media such as, for example, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine, Bloomberg and, in Germany, by the Handelsblatt.
10.06.2011
"MIP Manual 2011": BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in the premier league in two categories.
The current 18th edition of the Managing intellectual Property Manual 2011 places BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in the first league in the fields of "Patent Prosecution" and "Copyright". The firm made the second group in "Trade Mark Prosecution" and "Trademark Contentious". It has thus been able to maintain its exceptional position from the previous year.
07.06.2011
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in the "Bee Garage" in San Francisco.
To mark this year's INTA in San Francisco, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT held an "Albert Boehmert Memorial Reception" in the most peculiar of surroundings. Around 460 guests accepted the invitation to the "BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT founder workshop bee garage" and were fascinated by the location. The car workshop "bee garage" was founded in 1931 by Albert Böhmert, one of the two brothers who founded BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT, who were for a long time resident in the USA and who also received American citizenship. The historical workshop flair, pretzels and German beer provided the framework for interesting evening discussions. The BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT team obviously enjoyed the event, including its dress code:
www.inta.org
„The BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT workshop team at work. From left to right below: M. Nentwig, Prof. Dr. A. Nordemann, M. Huth-Dierig, Dr. Czychowski, F. Hermann. Standing: Dr. Schmitz-Fohrmann, Dr. Kouker, Dr. Haarmann, Dr. Dustmann, Dr. Wirtz.“
From left to right, front row: Dr. Dustmann, Dr. Czychowski, Dr. Schmitz-Fohrmann, Malte Nentwig, F. Hermann
From left to right, standing: Dr. Nordemann-Schiffel, M. Huth-Dierig, Dr. Haarmann, Dr. Wirtz, Dr. Kouker, Dr. Hartig, Prof. Dr. A. Nordemann.
07.06.2011
National Yunlin University (YunTech), Taiwan, appoints Prof Heinz Goddar to the post of Adjunct Professor and Honourable Consultant.
On 14 May 2011, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Heinz Goddar was appointed Adjunct Professor and Honourable Consultant in International Legal Services at the National Yunlin University for Science and Technology (YunTech), Taiwan. YunTech, established in 1991, is one of the leading technical universities in Taiwan. http://www.yuntech.edu.tw/english/
23.05.2011
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT receives excellent rating in new edition of “Kanzleien in Deutschland 2011” – “Law Firms in Germany”.
The 12th edition of the reference book “Kanzleien in Deutschland” or “Law Firms in Germany” has been published. It describes and rates around 500 German, business law oriented law firms of “particular regional, national or international renown”.
The reference book’s editors attest to BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT’s place among “the leading law firms in the intellectual property sector”. It “was able to affirm its strong position in the market”. In addition the company is among the most important registering law firms for patents and brands in Germany. The company has evidenced this again in most recent years. The name of the law firm “also enjoys the highest international renown” continues the text.
Particular reference is given Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar who “in IP law is among the lawyers who enjoy an excellent national and international reputation” along with Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, who is considered a “frequently consulted expert” in copyright and publishing law as well as media and press law.
The reference book gives the user the option to search by location, foreign language expertise of law firms, areas of law and also for specific individuals. “Kanzleien in Deutschland” is aimed at companies and their legal departments, as well as lawyers who are looking for specialists in other specialist areas.
For further information: Nomos Publishing Society, Baden-Baden. www.nomos.de. “Kanzleien in Deutschland”, 12th Edition, Issue 2011. ISBN: 978-3-8329-6262-3. “Kanzleien in Deutschland” can be ordered directly at: http://www.nomos-shop.de/Kanzleien-Deutschland/productview.aspx?product=13244
16.05.2011
Seminar plan "Industrial Property Rights and Copyright" SS 2011 is online.
This semester, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann will hold a seminar on "Industrial Property Rights and Copyright" at the Humboldt University in Berlin. The seminar plan for the summer semester 2011 is now online. The seminar is an "elective" within Specialisation 4 as part of training to Specialist Lawyer. Venue: Humboldt University Berlin, at: BE 1, Room E 42, Mondays, 18:00 to 20:00. Members of the GRUR Area Group Berlin or other interested parties may take part free of charge. The seminar plan can be viewed and downloaded here:
19.04.2011
"Graphene 2020" Workshop on the material of the future with Dr M. Engelhard.
The European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, held a workshop in Brussels on 21 and 22 March 2011 on "Graphene 2010 – Opportunities for Europe". BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr Markus Engelhard was invited and contributed to the workshop with the speech "To patent or not to patent – and, if so, how to obtain a patent".
The background to the event is the aim of the European Union to intensify European research on the new material graphene. Graphene is a carbon compound discovered around seven years ago. As a material, it has properties which may one day allow it to replace electronic components currently based on silicon.
Participants at the workshop included last year's Nobel Prize Winner for Physics, all important European research groups active in graphene research as well as national research promotion facilities as well as investors and representatives of Venture Capital Funds.
Prof Dr Jan B. Nordemann in Handelsblatt in the Federal Supreme Court decision on Postbank.
On 04 March 2011, the German financial newspaper Handelsblatt reported on the test case decision from the Federal Supreme Court which allowed Postbank to advertise personalised credit cards. Consumer protector groups had filed a suit against the bank claiming that its approach amounted to unfair competition. The decision was awaited with some anticipation by banks and credit card companies, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Dr Jan Bernd Nordemann explained in Handelsblatt. Nordemann, who advises the sector in advertising law issues, defended Postbank as one must assume that the consumer is of full age and legal capacity. Such a consumer must be able to decide for himself whether he wants to activate the card through the Post-Ident procedure or not. www.handelsblatt.com
07.03.2011
dpa statement by Prof. Dr. Jan B. Nordemann on the zu Guttenberg affair.
On 25.02.2011 the Deutsche Presse Agentur (dpa) asked BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann to give a statement on the zu Guttenberg affair in his capacity as an expert in copyright law and media law.
In Nordemann’s opinion there has been a clear breach of copyright. The case could well have legal consequences in the civil courts. In Nordemann’s opinion criminal prosecution is less likely, as this would depend on there having been forethought, and proving this would be a complex task. Should it transpire, however, that zu Guttenberg was guilty of negligence in making a false declaration under oath, this might have consequences, in Nordemann’s opinion, and a failure to be sufficiently circumspect when making statements was an example of negligence. Nordemann goes on: “Plagiarism only comes to light when people use modern media.” And for that reason he was inclined to defend the doctoral supervisor, since no one can know all sources of information by heart. “As a piece of work, taken overall, it’s not a bad thesis, because zu Guttenberg selected the right passages to quote.
”Prof. Dr. J. B. Nordemann’s opinion has since been drawn on and published by many German media organisations including the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Die Welt, Stern, n-tv, sat1 and other regional and supra-regional print media and online portals. Source: dpa
27.02.2011
Dr. Martin Schaefer elected to board of ALAI Deutschland.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr. Martin Schaefer has been elected to the board of the German branch of ALAI, the Association Littéraire et Artistique Internationale.
The Association Littéraire et Artistique Internationale was founded in Paris in 1878 on the initiative of the Société des Gens des Lettres with Victor Hugo as its honorary chairman. Since its inception it has concerned itself with the application of copyright law and has set itself the task of defending and promoting international copyright law. www.alai.org and www.alai.de
24.02.2011
Polymark figures confirm: BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was clearly ahead with trade mark registrations in 2010.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was in 2010 again one of the most active European and German law firms in the field of trade mark registrations. This was the result of our current evaluation of the trade mark database Polymark. Of all German law firms, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT submitted the most EU trade marks (380) and also recorded most international registrations (99). Here too, the German firm is up there with the best.
The internet portal Polymark allows comprehensive research through the entire current and historical range of German (DPMA), European (HABM) and international (WIPO) as well as Swiss (IGE) trade marks. www.polymark.de
21.02.2011
"China Intellectual Property Magazine" with article by Prof Goddar and Dr Haarmann.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Dr Heinz Goddar and Dr Carl-Richard Haarmann recently published an article in the 11/12-2010 (China IP 11-12/2010,pp 68/72) edition of the much respected Chinese specialist newspaper "China Intellectural Property Magazine"(ISSN 1811-4822). The article entitled "The defence against unjustified attacks based on IPR on the opportunity of trade fairs and exhibitions in Germany" looks at the risks faced by exhibitors committing infringement of industrial property rights in trade fairs taking place in Germany. The authors also explain which strategies can be employed to avoid these risks. The article is available in English at: http://www.chinaipmagazine.com/en/journal-show.asp?id=651
or as pdf here:
07.02.2011
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT Trade Mark Seminar in Munich in March 2011.
On 22 March 2011, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT will offer a free basic seminar on trade mark issues for current and potential trade mark holders. Trade mark specialists from BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT's Munich offices, Mrs M Huth-Dierung, Dr F Schwab, Dr V. Schmitz-Fohrmann, Dr E. Warnke and Dr B. Bahlmann will discuss various aspects of the development of an individual trade mark registration strategy, from proper trade mark research to sustainable trade mark defence and profitable exploitation of trade marks. The speeches will be followed by a reception where an opportunity will be provided for further discussion. The seminar will be held at the Hotel Le Meridien in Munich and will begin at 15:00h and end at 18:00h. For further information and registration documents, please contact solicitor Dr Bahlmann at the BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT Munich office.
04.02.2011
Article by Patent Lawyer Dr K H Metten in the newly published brochure "Nanotechnology and Patent Protection."
Especially for future technology such as nanotechnology, it is of elementary importance that possibilities for protection of newly available knowledge are discussed. On 25.01.2011, the Hessian Ministry for Economics, Transportation and Urban and Regional Development therefore published the brochure "Nanotechnology and Patent Protection" (Vol. 19) . BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner and patent lawyer Dr Karl Heinz Metten contributes the article "Patent Strategies and Nanotechnology" here. The brochure explains, inter alia, how nanotechnology is to be categorised in terms of patent law and which opportunities are provided by patent cooperation. It is part of a series which is intended to provide easily accessible and concise information on the use of nanotechnology within various sectors of industry and technology
(e.g. environment, energy, medicine, architecture, optics and production).
The brochure can be downloaded here: www.hessen-nanotech.de/mm/mm001/nanopatent_final.pdf
31.01.2011
Successful “German – Japanese Innovation Forum” with keynote speaker Dr. Martin Schaefer.
The celebrated Japanese private university Waseda (Tokyo) and the Research Center For The Legal System Of Intellectual Property (RCLIP) last year hosted the “German-Japanese Science and Innovation Forum 2010”. The Forum’s workshops on American, German and Japanese intellectual copyright law attracted participants with glowing international reputations in the field. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr. Martin Schaefer attended two of the workshops in October, as keynote speaker and as panelist. The recent edition of the RCLIP newsletter summarises the results of the Forum and the impressions gained:
18.01.2011
"When people laugh, they're capable of thinking." Dalai Lama
For all our clients, business partners, colleagues, staff and friends of our society, we wish that 2011 will be a year of energy, success and hearty laughter.
27.12.2010
Prof Heinz Goddar is has been appointed member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar has been appointed an ordinary member of Class V - Social Sciences, Law and Economics at the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA). The EASA, based in Salzburg, is a transnational, interdisciplinary association looking at European themes. The academy seeks, through interdisciplinary exchange and a dense network of European scientists and artists, to achieve an eminent role and so contribute to a positive development of cultures and societies in Europe. As well as 27 nobel prize winners, Pope Benedict XVI is also among the very prominent members of the academy. The EASA currently counts 1200 members from 23 countries. www.euro-acad.eu
06.12.2010
"JUVE Manual" 2010/2011 with very good ratings for BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is again listed in the current edition of the "JUVE Manual of Corporate Law Firms" 2010/2010 in many categories and selection lists and managed to retain its good ratings. In regional law firm rankings, offices in Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Munich and Potsdam were named.
Patent Law: In "patent registrations – patent lawyers", BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is this year again placed in the first category of listed law firms and is thus among the most important German law firms in this area. The manual goes on to point out that the firm has been able to defend its position as one of the greatest IP-firms in Germany and remains one of the "leading patent law firms". Yet again, JUVE cites "patent prosecution" as one of the firm's particular strengths. The list of high-profile clients is just as impressive as the long list of well-known lawyers, JUVE states. In "patent litigation", the Munich office again stood out as an office with exceptional patent lawyers. This year too, Prof Heinz Goddar (Physics) and Dr Jan B. Krauss (Pharmaceuticals) were given special mention as patent lawyers with recommended technical focus. The following patent lawyers were often recommended by those surveyed: Prof Heinz Goddar, Dr Jan Krauss, Christian Appelt, Dr Thomas Bittner, Dr Markus Engelhard, Dr Klaus-Dieter Langfinger, Dr Stefan Schohe, Dr Karl-Heinz Metten and Dr Christian Czychowski.
Lawyers: In "brand and competition law" BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was described as an oft-recommended, mixed IP law firm with an exceptional reputation among competitors and clients. One client highlighted the "expertise of specialist lawyers in the field of brand and patent law". Often recommended in this category were: Michaela Huth-Dierig, Dr Volker Schmitz-Fohrmann, Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann, Wilhelm Stahlberg, Dr Christian Czychowski, Prof Axel Nordemann and Dr Martin Wirtz. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is also praised as a firm with "renowned copyright experts and a strong practice". In this category Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann, Dr Andreas Dustmann (described as "quite excellent in copyright law), Dr. Christian Czychowski and Dr. Martin Schaefer are recommended particularly often. Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann is repeatedly listed among the "leading Germany copyright lawyers". In the category "media, press and publishers", Prof Axel Nordemann and Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann and Dr Martin Schaefer were given special mention. In the "information technology, media, technology and communication" category, Dr Christian Czychowski's IT practice in the Berlin region are praised for taking "new paths"; for advising on a particularly high number of IT/IP transactions.
The "JUVE Manual Corporate Law Firms" is geared towards clients and lawyers. Its editors are considered to have particular knowledge of the industry. Rankings are based on research carried out by the JUVE team, assessment of questionnaires, interviews with competitors, clients as well as further relevant industry sources. www.juve.de
26.11.2010
“Legal 500 Germany” 2010/2011: good rankings for BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.
In the current issue of “Legal 500 Germany” (2010/2011) BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is again recommended in many categories. The law firm is again ranked number 1 this year in the “Patent Law” field (Filing category). It is deemed to be “extremely experienced in patent legal issues”. It managed to “defend its position as one of the largest filing practices in Europe”. In particular, the law firm is frequently instructed in the biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, mechanical engineering and software fields, because of its “broad expertise”. In particular, Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar, Dr. Jan B. Krauss and Dr. Markus Engelhard are recommended. In the “Dispute Resolution” category Dr. Christian Czychowski is praised in particular for being a “tough expert in procedural law”; all in all, the team is very well known for its expertise in the filing field. In trademark law, the law firm is described as being “traditionally strong in trademark management” and its “broad-based practice in various sectors” is mentioned. Special reference is made of the fact that BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has several “young, ambitious attorneys” and continues to advise well-known names including, in particular, in the USA and Japan. In the “Media, Entertainment and Press” category BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is “recognized for its copyright expertise in the media sector”. The piracy field also attracts interest, with Dr. Martin Schaefer “attracting attention through advising U.S. studios and music producers”. In “Press and Publishing Law”, Legal 500 mentions the “special emphasis on advising on copyright issues”, in which area “Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann is particularly “recognized”. “Legal 500 Germany” sees itself as a guide to the prominent law firms and leading attorneys on the German market and aims to assist clients in their selection of suitable, world-class law firms. www.legal500.de
05.11.2010
Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann appointed to the AIPPI Programme Committee. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann was appointed to the AIPPI (Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Intellectuelle) Programme Committee on 06.10.2010. The Programme Committee focuses on the topics discussed at the annual AIPPI Congress. The committee is comprised of an international panel of twelve members. The AIPPI, founded in 1897, focuses on all forms of intellectual property rights (including patents, brands and copyright); it is the oldest global association for the protection of intellectual property rights and is an internationally respected institution. https://www.aippi.org/?sel=officers&sub=statutoryAndBureauAdvisoryCommittes&highlight=programme
14.10.2010
Dr Jan B. Krauss becomes President of the LESI Life Science Committee. Effective as from the end of September 2010, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr Jan B. Krauss will assume the office of President of the LESI (Licensing Executives Society International) Life Science Committee. The task of the committee is to keep LESI abreast of current developments in life science. www.lesi.org.
07.09.2010
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT on tour again with Trademark Seminars.
For the fourth year running BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is hosting its successful series of Trademark Seminars, to be held at a number of venues. Seminar dates and locations are as follows:
Munich Trademark Seminar – Munich, 29th September 2010 Düsseldorf Trademark Seminar – Düsseldorf 6th October 2010
Berlin Trademark Seminar – Berlin, 27th October 2010
Frankfurt Trademark Seminar – Frankfurt am Main, 1st December 2010 The seminars are chiefly aimed at trademark owners who have always administered their trademark rights themselves. Dr. Anke Nordemann-Schiffel, Dr. Martin Wirtz, Dr. Volker Schmitz-Fohrmann, Dr. Carl-Richard Haarmann and Dr. Ludwig Kouker will talk on different aspects of trademark law. Themes range from dos and don’ts in humorous advertising to warnings procedures following trademark infringement and protection of product design as provided for in the German MarkenG and UWG Acts. All seminars begin at 2pm and end at approx. 5pm. Further information and registration forms are obtainable from the Düsseldorf Office or from Dr. Martin Wirtz.
09.08.2010
Prof. Dr. Goddar and Dr. Langfinger among “The World´s Leading IP Strategists 2010”.
The “IAM Strategy 250 – The World`s Leading IP Strategists 2010” Yearbook, currently in its second edition, recommends internationally renowned IP experts who are noteworthy for their strategic work in support of their clients’ portfolio of rights. The two BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT experts, Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar (Munich) and Dr. Klaus Dieter Langfinger (Frankfurt/M.) have been selected for the current edition, a testimony to the excellent quality of the IP advice they provide. The IAM Yearbook is published by iam Intellectual Asset Management, which specializes in IP media.
28.07.2010
S.M.D Markeur confirms BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT placement in world class grouping
The current ranking of the Protection Brand Service S.M.D Markeur, which carries out global brand research and monitoring, lists the 50 most active law firms in Germany in the field of brand registrations in 2009. With a total of 414 brand registrations in 2009 in Germany, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT makes the top 5. Of the Top 10 firms, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT achieves the highest registration rate at 78.74%. For clients, registered brands are most important as only they entail complete brand rights.
27.07.2010
"Law Firms in Germany 2010" – BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT appears with comprehensive entry and excellent rating.
The recently published reference "Law Firms in Germany" (Kanzleien in Deutschland) describes and rates around 500 German commercially oriented law firms which are renowned either on a regional, national or international basis. The reference work's editors place BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT among the "leading law firms in the field of intellectual property". They further describe the firm one of the most important registration firms for patents and brands in Germany and go on to say that the firm has proved this over recent years, the editors conclude. The reference work allows the user to search for law firms by location, foreign language expertise, area of law or by lawyer. "Law Firms in Germany" is aimed at companies and their legal departments as well as at practising lawyers looking for specialists in other fields. Further information at: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft, Baden Baden. www.nomos.de "Kanzleien in Deutschland", 11th Edition, Print 2010: ISBN: 978-3-8329-5068-2. "Law Firms in Germany" can be ordered directly here: http://www.nomos-shop.de/productview.aspx?product=11926
05.07.2010
Second edition of the BMWI brochure "R&D Model Contracts" published
Cooperation agreements in the field of research and development are always a complicated matter. Guidelines for collaboration between the universities and industry can be a big help there. Such help, already one year old, is now available free of charge in a newly pressed 2nd edition publication provided by the Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology (BMWI). Together with representatives from universities and industry led by BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners Prof Heinz Goddar and Dr Christian Czychowski, guidelines have now been compiled which contain a legal basis for cooperation agreements between industry and research institutes. In particular, smaller companies and facilities will benefit form a free and legally secure basis. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was distinguished last year as the only German law firm within the framework of the national innovation competition "365 locations in the Land of Ideas" for their work on this project. The brochures can be downloaded free of charge from the BMWI as pdf or ordered as print version:
http://www.bmwi.de/BMWi/Navigation/Service/publikationen,did=217918.html
09.06.2010
"MIP Manual 2010": BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in the premier league in two categories.
The current 17th edition of the Managing intellectual Property Manual 2010 places BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in the first league in the fields of "Patent Prosecution" and "Copyright". The firm made the second group in "Trade Mark Prosecution" and "Trademark Contentious". Competitors affirm that the firm has "a very good trade mark practice built up over the years with well regarded individuals". Highlighted by the report is the description of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Nordemann as "the pope of copyright" and the firm's particular significance in this field of law.
09.06.2010
"Who's Who Legal Trademarks 2010" again with BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner
For the sixth time in a row, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Michaela Huth-Dierig is again counted among the most important trademark lawyers in Germany in "The International Who's Who of Trademark Lawyers 2010" The newly revised 6th edition of the work will be available soon; only 27 renowned lawyers are listed for Germany. Michaela Huth-Dierig is counted among the most important Business Lawyers in the world in the coming "The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers 2011". Huth-Dierig is based in Boehmert & Boehmert's Munich offices in the field of Industrial Property, concentrating mainly on Trademark and Competition Law, with further focus on Product Piracy and Domain Grabbing. www.whoswholegal.com.
24.05.2010
Nine lawyers from BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT counted among the Best Lawyers International 2010
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is this year represented with nine lawyers and three offices in the US-American publication Best Lawyers International 2010 (Germany Edition). In the USA, Best Lawyers is considered one of the oldest and most respectable legal reference works. At the Berlin office, the following lawyers have been mentioned: Dr Christian Czychowski (IP), Prof Axel Nordemann (IP), Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann (Entertainment, IP, Media), In Bremen, mention was made of Dr Ludwig Kouker (IP) and Dr Andreas Winkler (IP). At the Munich office, the following lawyers are named: Christian W. Appelt (IP), Dr Markus Engelhard (IP), Prof Heinz Goddar (IP) and new this year Michaela Huth-Dierig (IP). The ratings of chambers and lawyers are based on assessments made by around 1,500 top US lawyers. The Best Lawyers Rankings are published in the USA and globally in leading newspapers and media, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine, Bloomberg and, in Germany, in the Handelsblatt, which will publish the complete rankings for Germany in May.
24.03.2010
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner voted on to the Board of LES Germany.
On 22 January 2010, physics graduate Christian W. Appelt was voted on to the Board of the Licensing Executives Society (LES) Germany at their annual meeting in Frankfurt. He also assumed responsibilities as Treasurer of LES Germany. The Licensing Executives Society is an international association of experts in the field of licensing and technology transfer. It currently counts approx. 12,000 members in over 95 countries.
03.02.2010
"To see clearly, it's often enough to change the direction you're looking in"
A. de Saint-Exupéry
We wish all our clients, business partners, colleagues, staff and friends every strength and success for the New Year 2010.
28.12.2009
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner to become standing contributor the new law magazine GRUR-Prax.
Since December 2009, Dr Rudolf Böckenholt has been a standing contributor of case notes and essays in the newly devised magazine GRUR-Prax. The magazine is published by C.H. Beck and presents a new format to the market using a combination of print and online media. GRUR-Prax is published fortnightly is geared primarily towards lawyers and in-house legal counsel active in the protection of industrial property. In vol. 3/2009, Dr Rudolf Böckenholt comments on the judgement of OLG Hamburg (5 U 204/04) from 28 October 2009 on individual claims and top-group efforts in low price advertising campaigns.
02.12.2009
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner to continue lectureship at the University of Washington School of Law.
In 2010, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr Jan B. Krauss will continue his lectureship at the University of Washington, Seattle, USA. There, he will lecture the course "Advanted Patent Law" together with Prof Toshiko Takenaka. Further information at: http://www.law.washington.edu/CourseCatalog/Course.aspx?ID=P545
26.11.2009
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner again appointed to the Biotechnology Committee of the German Patent Lawyer's Association.
Patent attorney and biotechnology expert Dr Jan B. Krauss was again appointed to the Committee for Biotechnology of the German Patent Lawyer's Association. The Committee was involved in the transposition of the Biotechnology Directive of the European Commission into national law and is currently working on an analysis of the consequences German patent law reform for biotechnology. www.patentanwalt.de
26.11.2009
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT again ranked well in the new edition of the "JUVE Manual" 2009/2010.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is again listed in the new edition of the "JUVE Manual of Corporate Law Firms" 2009/2010 making it into many categories and selection lists. In regional law firm rankings, offices in Berlin, Bremen, Dusseldorf and Potsdam (here again with special mention of Dr Andreas Dustmann) again made the listing.
Patent Law: In "patent registrations – patent lawyers", BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is this year again placed in the first category of listed law firms and is thus among the most important German law firms of this report. JUVE describes BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT as a one of the strongest registration practices in Europe. The manual goes on to point out that the firm has been able to defend its position as one of the greatest IP boutiques in Germany through economically turbulent times and remains one of the "leading patent law firms". JUVE describes the field of patent prosecution as one of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT's particular strengths, saying the firm's "partners and practice groups enjoy an unusually good reputation for their prosecution work." In "legal representation - lawyers" and "legal representation – patent lawyers", the Munich office again stood out as an office with exceptional patent lawyers. This year too, Prof Heinz Goddar (Physics) and Dr Jan B. Krauss (Pharmaceuticals) were given special mention as patent lawyers with recommended technical focus. The following patent lawyers were often recommended by those surveyed: Prof Heinz Goddar, Dr Jan Krauss, Christian Appelt, Dr Stefan Schohe, Dr Thomas Bittner and Dr Markus Engelhard and Dr Christian Czychowski whose "results orientated advice" was emphasised.
Lawyers: In "brand and competition law" BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was described as an oft-recommended, mixed IP law firm with an unwaveringly strong presence in brand, design patents and competition law. Competitors attest that the law firm has "exceptionally good and experienced IP lawyers." Often recommended in this category were: Michaela Huth-Dierig, Dr Volker Schmitz-Fohrmann, Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann, Wilhelm Stahlberg, Dr Martin Wirtz, Dr Christian Czychowski and Prof Axel Nordemann. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is described as "recommended firm for TV, film and entertainment" which has for years been one of the recognised specialists for copyright law. Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann, Dr Andreas Dustmann, Dr Christian Czychowski and Dr Martin Schaefer were given special mention in this category. The latter was described as "a long-standing authority in music law". Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann was again mentioned as one of the leading German copyright lawyers. In "media, press and publishers", Prof Axel Nordemann and Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann and Dr Martin Schaefer were given special mention. In "information technology, media, technology and communication", the IT practice run by Dr Christian Czychowski was described as a small but strong business field. One competitor said "we would like to be as far ahead in software law" when commenting on BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT's IT department. The "JUVE Manual Corporate Law Firms" is geared towards clients and lawyers. Its editors are considered to have particular knowledge of the industry. Rankings are based on research carried out by the JUVE team, assessment of questionnaires, interviews with competitors, clients as well as further relevant industry sources. www.juve.de
23.11.2009
"Legal 500 Germany" 2009/2010 with very good results for BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT did very well in the current version of "Legal 500 Deutschland" (2009/2010). In the field of "patent law" (category: registrations), the chambers made 1st position and is described as one "of the greatest IP chambers in Germany with excellent reputation". Their "list of clients reads like a Who's Who of the technology industry," the review went on. In particular, Prof Heinz Goddar was described as an "exceptional personality" and "authority in his field", Dr Jan B. Kraus, Christian W. Appelt and Dr Markus Engelhard are also given special mention. In "dispute settlement", the chambers is described as an "IP boutique with an exceptionally strong registration practice with focus on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry". In brand law, the chambers is said to have a "fantastic reputation on the basis of its international client base". In particular, management of the brand portfolio was described as "respected". With respect to the chambers' "strong litigation practice", special mention was made of Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann, Dr Volker Schmitz-Fohrmann, Wilhelm Stahlberg and Michaela Huth-Dierig. In the "media, entertainment and press" category, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was described as "highly visible on the market", in particular in the fields of music and film. Here, special mention was made of Dr Martin Schaefer and Christoph Schmökel as music experts, the latter as counsel to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Salzburg Festival. In "press and publication law", Prof Axel Nordemann and Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann were mentioned and "praised" for their expertise in copyright issues. "Legal 500 Deutschland" markets itself as guide to exceptional chambers and leading lawyers on the German market with the aim of helping clients with the selection of a first class chambers. www.legal500.de
13.11.2009
Boehmert & Boehmert in 2nd position for joint trademark registrations in Germany.
In the current ranking issued by the World Trademark Review (October/November 2009), BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT stands among the Top 10 for joint trademark registrations in Germany. With a total of 250 registrations, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT achieves 2nd place. The registrations were counted between 1 June 2008 and 1 June 2009. www.worldtrademarkreview.com
06.10.2009
Prof Jan Bernd Nordemann appointed to the board of AIPPI Deutschland.
At the annual members conference (25.09.2009) of the German arm of the International Association for Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Jan Berndt NORDEMANN was appointed to the board. The task of the AIPPI is to provide support for IP concerns at national and international levels. The German arm of the Association counts approx. 1,000 members from industrial companies, law firms, the judiciary and universities. www.aippi.de
05.10.2009
Copyright Commentary Fromm/Nordemann accessible online as of now.
The well-known Commentary on Copyright "Fromm / Nordemann" is now available on the online law library www.juris.de in the 10th edition. The collaboration with Kohlhammer Publishers allows the commentary to be linked on the juris database. The facility allows readers to search for judicial dicta and norms with ease, juris.de announces. Fromm / Nordemann is the oldest commentary on copyright law (1st Edition 1966) and is published by BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners Prof Axel NORDEMANN, Prof Jan Bernd NORDEMANN and Prof Wilhelm NORDEMANN.
04.08.2009
Yodelling before the Regional Court: Heirs win in copyright dispute surrounding "Kufsteinlied".
Munich Regional Court issued judgement on the "Kufsteiner Lied" (Die Perle Tirols) copyright dispute on 23 July. Heirs of the Austrian author Karl Ganzer, represented by BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr Martin SCHAEFFER, had sued the music publisher Egon Frauenberger. Frauenberger claimed that he had collaborated in the 60s on the yodel part of the song and that it was this that allowed the song to reach world fame. The progress of proceedings had attracted national media interest as the yodel passage was discussed at length and even sung before court, which - as was to be expected - attracted immediate parallels with Loriot's well-known sketch "The Yodel Degree"
Dr Schaefer is satisfied with the judgement: "Copyright ownership has now been clarified: Karl Ganzer was and is the sole author of both text and music, not only of the original version of this global hit, but also of the interpretation sung by Fritzl Lang which has enjoyed popularity in Germany since the end of the 60s". The judgement is not yet in force. Individual articles can be read or heard here: FAZ.NET / Süddeutsche / SAT1 / Bild
27.07.2009
50 years "What You Will" – GVL celebrates anniversary with symposium in Berlin
To mark its 50th anniversary, the Gesellschaft zur Verwertung von Leistungsschutzrechten (GVL), the collecting body representing secondary exploitation rights of artists and manufacturers, invites participants to the symposium "What You Will" together with the Institute for the Protection of Industrial Property Rights and Copyright Law of the Humboldt University, Berlin. The symposium will take place on 29. September and will focus on the "Collective Protection of the Rights of Performing Artists and CD Producers". In this context, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr Martin SCHAEFER will give a lecture on "CD Producers and the GVL". The event will begin at 10 a.m. and will end at 4 p.m. More details can be found at www.gvl.de.
14.07.2009
"Managing IP Award 2009" for BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has been presented with the highly coveted and respected prize awarded by the international specialist magazine "Managing IP" 2009. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was distinguished as "Germany Prosecution Law Firm of the Year 2009". BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners Prof Jan Bernd NORDEMANN and Dr. Stefan SCHOHE and Dr Andreas WINKLER accepted the award this spring in London.
02.07.2009
"MIP Manual 2009": BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in the premier league in two categories.
In the current 16th edition of the MIP Manual 2009, the Germany report places BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in the first league in the fields of "Patent Prosecution" and "Copyright". The chambers came in the second group in the field of "Trade Mark Prosecution". Special mention is to be made of the description of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof Heinz GODDAR as a "very charming special guy" who has a presence "everywhere".
18.06.2009
"Chambers Europe 2009" places BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in 1st Position in "Patent Filing"
In the latest edition of "Chambers Europe 2009", BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is placed among the leading firms for patent filing and holds first position in the ranking (band 1). BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner, Prof Heinz GODDAR, is also counted among the leading individuals in Germany in the field of intellectual property. He too is listed in the highest category, band 1. GODDAR is "a deeply admired veteran figure of the patent scene" and is described as an "exceptionally knowledgeable and intelligent lawyer who cuts a fine figure before the courts".
30.06.2009
Chinese Delegation of the Legislative Affairs Commission with BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in Berlin.
A delegation from the Legislative Affairs Commission (LAC) of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China will visit the Berlin offices of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT on 30 June 2009. The purpose of the visit shall be primarily to discuss questions of invalidity of trademark. The 10-man delegation shall also visit selected locations in Germany as arranged by the GTZ, the German International Cooperation Enterprise for Sustainable Development. www.gtz-law.org
30.06.2009
"Music Industry – quo vadis?" - Contribution by BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner in the brochure on the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology sector hearing
The Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology has now published a brochure entitled "Initiative Culture and Creative Economy". The brochure is the outcome of the Music Sector Hearing held on 5. May in Berlin. The central objective of the culture and creative economy is to determine the economic significance and the challenges facing individual branches of industry. In response to the invitations sent out by Dagmar Wöhrl, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, well known experts from the music industry, politics and culture discussed the possibilities for action and central topics as well as the challenges facing the industry. Now, a brochure has been published with comments from all speakers. The brochure can be downloaded under the following link as pdf-document: http://www.bmwi.de/BMWi/Navigation/Service/publikationen,did=303480.html
BOEHMERT & BOEHMET partner Dr Martin SCHAEFER is cited extensively in the brochure. On the subject of "fair pay for artistic works", he said the following: "If you want to understand this branch of industry, you must avoid thinking in terms of remuneration per hour or in lump sums for a certain work or creation. The entire business of creation is, in one sense, a lottery of success before the public. An artist is not paid on an hourly basis, but is accorded a portion of this possible success. It's not necessarily unfair when someone earns a huge sum for a comparably small amount of work."
26.06.2009
"Markenartikel": BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT with highest brand registration rate.
In its June edition, the magazine "Markenartikel" (6/2009) published a ranking of the Top 10 law firms in Germany with respect to brand registration, in particular, the brand registration rate (source: smd-markeur). BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT achieved first place with 84.89 percent of brands actually registered after application. The magazine also published a list of the 50 law firms with the most brand registrations in Germany and placed BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in 4th position (with 407 DE-brand registrations in 2008). For clients, registered brands are most important as only they entail complete brand rights. For Prof Jan Bernd NORDEMANN, it's therefore a matter of course "that we make our clients aware of any concern with respect to capability of registration before application." He made this clear in an interview with "Markenartikel".
15.06.2009
New ground in IP protection for the Federal Republic of Germany.
In its annual report 2008, the initiative "Germany – Land of Ideas" also turns to the subject of protection of intellectual property as it breaks new ground. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT, here: Dr Christian Czychowski, is charged with securing and administering the rights for the word-picture brand "Germany - Land of Ideas". What's new is: The brand is not registered for any particular good or service, but for an entire state as service. Dr C. Czychowski comments: "The brand is the nucleus of the entire business." - this is also and especially true of our country. The full article from the annual report 2008 of the initiative "Germany – Land of Ideas" can be downloaded here as pdf:
25.05.2009
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT now assumes complete brand portfolio for Dresdner Bank AG.
Within the scope of the merger of Commerzbank AG with Dresdner Bank AG, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT will now assume the entire global brand portfolio of Dresdner Bank AG. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has been instructed by Commerzbank AG in all areas of trademark law for the last two years. Incumbent lawyer and contact partner is Dr Carl-Richard Haarmann in our Munich Office.
19.05.2009
8 Lawyers at BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT have been listed in Best Lawyers International 2009
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is represented in the US publication Best Lawyers International 2009 (Germany) with a total of 8 lawyers working in three of its offices. In the USA, the publication Best Lawyers is one of the oldest and most respected legal reference works. Lawyers included in the listing from the Berlin office are: Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann (IP), Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann (Entertainment, IP, Media), Dr. Christian Czychowski (IP). And in Bremen: Dr. Ludwig Kouker (IP) and Dr. Andreas Winkler (IP) and in Munich Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar (IP), Dr. Markus Engelhard (IP) and Dr. Christian W. Appelt (IP). The assessment of chambers and lawyers is conducted on the basis of the opinions of around 1,500 top US lawyers. Best Lawyers rankings are published in the USA and worldwide by leading magazines and other media, including the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine, Bloomberg and in Germany, the Handelsblatt, which will publish the complete ranking for Germany in May.
19.03.2009
European Court of Justice delivers principle judgement in European Copyright Law
In its judgement from 20.01.2009 (AZ C-240/07), the European Court of Justice (ECJ) held that non-EU manufacturers of sound recording media may, under EU law, rely on full 50 year protection in Germany for their recordings, even where the recordings originated from a date in which manufacturer protection didn't exist in Germany. The condition for protection is that the title was protected in at least one EU member state before 1st July 1995. By way of background information: A dispute had arisen between Sony Music Entertainment (Germany) GmbH and Falcon Neue Medien Vetrieb GmbH in respect of the unauthorised publication of Bob Dylan Songs on CD. Falcon Neue Medien contended that no licence protection existed in Germany for songs recorded or appearing before 1966. Sony Music responded that this title was protected in Great Britain before this period and that, under European law, this protection must be recognised in Germany. Sony Music Entertainment was represented before the ECJ by BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT Music Law Expert Dr. Martin Schaefer. The judgement affirms the position of Sony Music.
29.01.2009
Innovation Prize of German Industry awarded to immatics biotechnologies GmbH
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT congratulates immatics biotechnologies GmbH on winning the 29th Innovation Prize of German Industry, received on 24.01.2009. The Tübingen based start-up company was picked from around 300 applicants for its innovative developments in individualised cancer vaccines. The prize, the world's oldest of its kind, has been awarded since 1980; patron of the prize is Federal Minister for Economics and Technology, Michael Glos. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners Dr. Jan Krauss and Dr. Carl-Richard Haarmann advise immatics biotechnologies GmbH in all questions of protection of industrial property. Further information on immatics biotechnologies GmbH can be found at the website www.immatics.com.
28.01.2009
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner becomes member of Professors Committee at Peking University
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner, Professor Dr. Heinz Goddar has been appointed as a member of the Professors Committee of the newly founded Institute for International Intellectual Property (IIIP) at Peking University, China.The committee also includes Professor Zhang Guoyou, Vice President of Peking University (PKU) as Chairman, Professor Paul C.B. Liu, Adjunct Professor at PKU as Vice Chairman, Professor Zheng Shengli, Professor at PKU Law School and Intellectual Property School, Judge Randall R. Rader, CAFC, U.S.A., and Professor Zhang Shouwen, Professor at PKU Law School. The task of the newly founded institute is to establish and guarantee proper and professional training in intellectual property. http://english.pku.edu.cn/index.htm
19.01.2009
Ring tones: Federal Supreme Court decides against two tier licensing process
Before Christmas, Germany's Federal Supreme Court (BGH) delivered its judgement in the so-called ‘ring tone case’, now subject to so much discussion in the industry. The dispute began as composer Frenk Kretschmer sued a provider on account of it offering Kretschmer's song "Rock My Life" on the strength of a licence from a collecting society yet without individual release from the composer.The BGH's judgement brings welcome clarity in rejecting the two-tier licensing process under which a unit sum is paid for every ring tone sold, one sum to GEMA and another to the music publisher. In future, it will suffice that GEMA safeguard ring tone rights insofar as such rights are vested in GEMA. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT Music Rights Expert Dr. Martin Schaefer comments on this issue in the specialist magazine MusikWoche (2+3/2009): "The BGH judgement will probably have far reaching consequences beyond the licensing of ring tones. All music publishers that have dreamed of a general transfer of the two-tier licensing process including GEMA to various other licensing areas will have to rethink their position."Dr. Schaefer supported the chambers representing the provider in the process. He is also working on a parallel ring tone case currently pending before the BGH.
www.bundesgerichtshof.de (Press-News 237/2008)
12.01.2009
“The best way to predict the future is to shape it.” Peter F. Drucker
With this in mind, we would like to wish our clients, business partners, colleagues, employees and friends of our law firm all the best and every success for 2009.
27.12.2008
Title of specialist conferred on four BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners.
The title of "specialist" has been conferred on a total of four BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners by the respective chamber of lawyers during 2008. Three of the titles were conferred on Dr. Rudolf Böckenholt, Dr. Ludwig Kouker and Malte Nentwig, who all work in the field of "Commercial Legal Protection" at the Bremen office. Both the title of "Specialist in Copyright and Media Law" and the title of "Specialist in Information Technology Law" were conferred on Dr. Christian Czychowski; he works at the Berlin/Potsdam office. The title of specialist (in accordance with Section 43c of the Federal Lawyers' Act (BRAO)) may only be conferred by the relevant chamber of lawyers on lawyers who have particular qualifications and experience in a field of law, provided that the respective conditions have been met. For this, the prospective specialists must be able to demonstrate particular theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the respective field of law. This knowledge and experience must exceed the usual level of knowledge achieved as a result of professional training and practical experience in the profession. www.brak.de
16.12.2008
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT comes off very well again in the 2008/2009 "JUVE Handbook".
This year sees BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT represented again in the current edition, the 2008/2009 edition, of the "JUVE Handbook of Commercial Law Firms" in numerous categories and JUVE selection lists.The Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Munich and Potsdam locations (with a special mention again for Dr. Andreas Dustmann) are named in particular in the regional law firm evaluations.
Patent law area: In "Patent Filing - Patent Attorneys", BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has been placed in the second category of the law firms named and is therefore one of the four most important law firms in Germany in this area. JUVE describes BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT as "a leading law firm in patent law". The law firm is one of the largest intellectual property boutiques in Germany and has one of the "strongest filing practices in Europe, numerically." JUVE describes the Patent Prosecution area as a particular strength "with its many renowned technical focal points, particularly in pharmaceuticals, biotechnical processes and licensing agreements."
JUVE considers that one of the reasons of the current dominance of the market by certain law offices, including B&B, lies in their stability in terms of personnel. In addition, B&B is one of the large law firms - of patent attorneys - who do not have any trouble recruiting staff. This is due to professional applicant marketing and/or the greater presence in natural sciences professorships of universities.
Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar (physics) and Dr. Jan Krauss (pharmaceuticals) are mentioned as leading names among patent lawyers with a recommended technical focus. B&B is in the top group in the "Legal Representation - Patent Attorneys" category. The Munich location stands out again in the "Legal Representation - Lawyers" category. The following patent attorneys were very frequently recommended by the respondents: Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar, Dr. Jan Krauss, Christian Appelt, Dr. Stefan Schohe, Dr. Andreas Winkler, Dr. Thomas Bittner and Dr. Markus Engelhard. As a lawyer, Dr. Christian Czychowski was named by clients in this area.
Lawyers: B&B is "highly regarded" by its competitors in the "Film, TV and Entertainment" category. JUVE believes that this is "confirmed by the wide range of fundamental proceedings in which B&B is involved." B&B has stood out in the entertainment field due to its participation in major copyright lawsuits on the side of exploiters or authors. The attorneys Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, Dr. Martin Schaefer, Dr. Andreas Dustmann as well as Dr. Christian Czychowski are particularly frequently recommended in this category. Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann is also listed as one of the leading German copyright lawyers this year. B&B is also honoured in the "Trademark and Competition Law" category thanks to its "impressive presence, not only in the registration field, but also in trial practice". "Specialist knowledge, flexibility, adherence to deadlines, personal service as well as proficient assistance" are qualities attributed by clients to the law office according to JUVE. The following are very frequently recommended in this category: Michaela Huth-Dierig, Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, Wilhelm Stahlberg, Dr. Martin Wirtz, Dr. Volker Schmitz-Formann, Dr. Christian Czychowski and Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann.
Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann, Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann and Dr. Martin Schaefer are named in the "Media: Press and Publishers" category. In the "Information Technology Media, Technology and Communications" category, the IT practice centred on Dr. Christian Czychowski is described as still being positively perceived on the market for the Berlin region.
The "JUVE Handbook of Commercial Law Firms" is sent to clients and lawyers; its editors are considered to be experts in the field. The evaluations are based on research conducted by the JUVE editorial staff, analysis of questionnaires, interviews with competitors, clients and other relevant sources. www.juve.de
12.12.2008
“Who´s Who Legal Trademarks 2009” with BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner.
For the fifth time in a row, the "Who's Who Legal Trademarks 2009" counts BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Michaela Huth-Dierig among the most important trademark lawyers in Germany.The new, 5th edition of "Who's Who of Trademark Lawyers" includes 557 lawyers across the globe, 24 of these in Germany. Solicitor Michaela Huth-Dierig is based in our offices in Munich.She is active in all fields of protection of industrial property, principally in trademark and competition law with further speciality in product piracy and domain grabbing. www.whoswholegal.com
29.11.2008
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT represents General Musical Director of Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT currently represents Christian Thielemann in negotiations with the city of Munich to extend his contract as General Musical Director of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra. Considered to be Germany's most outstanding conductor, Thielemann has been with Munich's Philharmonic orchestra since 2004. His Strauss repertoire as well as his Berlin performances of all Wagner operas playing in Bayreuth have made him one of the most internationally sought after conductors. Employment law and copyright expert at BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT, Christoph Schmökel, specialised in stage contract law and consultancy in respect of the performance, production and exploitation of classical music, handles this case. www.mphil.de
10.11.2008
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT Takes Over Entire Trademark Portfolio of the Hearst Corporation.
The Hearst Corporation and Hearst Communications, Inc. have assigned the management of their entire, trademark portfolio in Germany to BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT. This includes more than 50 national trademarks, such as the title “Cosmopolitan Family” with its well-known comic characters (e.g. Popeye, Hägar der Schreckliche [Haegar the Terrible]) and corresponding merchandising marks. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has already conducted consultancy and provided support for this client in legal disputes over trademarks since 2001. Contact partner and responsible consultant is BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr. Anke Nordemann-Schiffel.
11.07.2008
Inaugural Lecture by Prof. Dr. H. Goddar at the Huazhong University Receives Public Recognition.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar has been Consultant Professor at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, People’s Republic of China since 28. April 2008. The award-giving ceremony as well as his inaugural lecture has now received public recognition from HUST. The HUST article on the inaugural lecture and award-giving ceremony can be viewed here under: http://www.hust.edu.cn/english/hustnews/news103.htm
18.06.2008
“European Legal 500”: BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT still in first place for “Patents: Registrations”.
As in previous years already, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT retains first place in the category “Intellectual Property: Patents and Registered Designs (Registrations)” in the current edition 2008 of “Legal 500”. Particular tribute is paid to Christian W. Appelt, Dr. Jan Krauss, Dr. Volker Scholz and Dr. Stefan Schohe in the form of „enthusiastic praise from a satisfied client base“.
Furthermore, this year, the law firm is placed among the first third of all lawyers’ offices assessed in four further categories: “IP: Trade Marks”, “IP: Patents (Dispute Resolution)”, “IP: Media – Press and publishing” as well as “IP: Media Entertainment”. Particular recommendations from their clients go to Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Nordemann, Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann, Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, Dr. Christian Czychowski and Dr. Martin Schaefer for their expertise in the field of the film and music industry.
In the field “IP: Patents (Dispute Resolution)”, the BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar and Christian W. Appelt receive special mention. In the category “IP: Trade Marks”, Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann and Michaela Huth-Dierig are referred to as “key personalities” in this field.
www.legal500.com
23.05.2008
“Chambers Europe 2008” puts BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in first place in two categories.
The latest edition of „Chambers Europe“ puts BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in first place in each of the categories Patent Filing and Copyrights. In the category Patent Litigation, in the third block – relating respectively to Germany.
In the category Patent Filing, particular praise is given for the “very good service, expertise and co-operation” of the law firm, whereby Professor Dr. Heinz Goddar receives outstanding mention as "very sympathetic and supportive”. In the category Patent Litigation - assessments by third parties: “depth and breadth, good network and brilliant client service”. In the field of Copyright, the law firm is perceived as “a strong player in copyright law“.
Among the “leading individuals” in Germany, Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar (“one of the leaders” and “a first-class patent agent”), in the category Intellectual Property: Patent Filing, and Professor Dr. Wilhelm Nordemann (“the firm’s copyright star”), in the category Intellectual Property: Patent Litigation, are in first place, respectively.
Chambers Europe 2008: www.chambersandpartners.com
15.05.2008
Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar becomes Consultant Professor at the Huazhong University.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT-Partner Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar has been appointed to Consultant Professor at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. Prof. Heinz Goddar is known as a recognized expert in intellectual property rights, particularly focussed in various fields of patent law.
10.04.2008
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT represents Sony BMG before the European Court of Justice on the Issue of Term of Copyright.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner and music copyright law specialist Dr. Martin Schaefer is to represent Sony BMG Music Entertainment Germany Ltd. before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice. In the current legal dispute concerning the utilization of certain old recordings of Bob Dylan performances, the issue relates to the calculation of the term of copyright in Germany. The EU directive on terms of copyright already harmonized the terms of copyright for copyright holders, performing artists and manufacturers of sound recording media throughout the EU as early as 1993. Within this framework, there existed the possibility that, in certain cases, already expired protection was re-established. The submission of the BGH is now concerned with the question as to whether protection exists even in the case that, at the time of the music recording, protection for the sound recording producers in Germany did not even exist. Furthermore, the issue concerns the problem of whether sound recording producers that do not belong to the EU can also avail themselves of such a “retroactive re-establishment of the copyright term”. The (public) hearing is due to take place on 15th April, 2008, in Luxemburg. The submission to the European Court of Justice is published in: BGH NJW 2007, 2352.
09.04.2008
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT supports the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in a test case concerning vendor information on the terms and conditions for cancelling an order.
Online traders are increasingly being obliged to defend themselves against cease and desist orders on the grounds of real or alleged infringements of the law against unfair competition. The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), in a current test case, is supporting an Ebay trader and vendor of African art objects, who received a notice of objection and a summons to cease and desist on the grounds that he had allegedly infringed the German law against unfair competition (UWG). In this case, it is particularly a matter of the formulation of the clause stipulating the “terms and conditions for cancelling or withdrawing an order”, which refers the online buyers to their rights to withdraw from the contract. Even those online traders that use the model text for the cancellation clause published by the German Federal Ministry of Justice are not immune against such summonses to cease and desist. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner, Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, who is representing the DIHK in this test case, regards the pertinent jurisdiction so far as inadequate in practice. “An ordinary entrepreneur has to be wiser than the legislator. If the German Federal Ministry of Justice cannot even manage to draw up a model cancellation clause without legal errors, how should an ordinary Ebay trader know how to formulate the instructions?” In spite of the court decision against the Ebay trader pronounced by the Regional Court of Berlin on 26th February, the case will possibly go before the German Federal Court of Justice. As the competition law specialist of the DIHK, Hildegard Reppelmund, commented in the “Handlesblatt” newspaper, “This gives us the opportunity to pursue the proceedings right up to the German Federal Court of Justice.” www.handelsblatt.de
10.03.2008
Higher Regional Court (OLG) of Munich confirms decision in appeals court: The daughter of the composer, Joaquin Rodrigo, receives sole exploitation rights for famous guitar concerto.
In her dispute with the music publisher administrating the world famous work, “Concierto de Aranjuez”, composed by Joaquin Rodrigo, the daughter of the composer has now been awarded the sole exploitation rights also by the appeals court of the Higher Regional Court (OLG) of Munich. This dispute, particularly in regard to the question of differentiating between administration agreements and publishing agreements, is of great importance for future practice in the application of the law on copyright contracts. For this reason, the OLG Munich has granted the right appeal through the German Federal Court of Justice (Germany’s highest appeals court), which, in the meantime, the publisher has already lodged.
The law firm BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT (Dr. Martin Schaefer and Dr. Anke Nordemann-Schiffel) has been representing and will represent the daughter of the composer in this dispute with the music publishing house.
The guitar concerto “Concierto de Aranjuez” was first performed in Barcelona in 1939. It belongs to the most popular instrumental concertos of all times and, to this day, both the original and many other pop and jazz versions can still be heard in concerts, on radio, in films and on television. The work formed the foundation stone for Joaquin Rodrigo’s long lasting fame and his recognition as one of the best known composers of the 20th Century.
(Court decision dated 08/11/2007, OLG Munich, File Ref.: 6 U 4434/06)
11.01.2008
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT Partner Becomes Director of the Global Institute of Intellectual Property (GIIP), Delhi, India.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar has been appointed Director of the Global Institute of Intellectual Property (GIIP), Delhi, India. The GIIP works in close cooperation with the Center for Advance Studies and Research on Intellectual Property (CASRIP) of the University of Washington School of Law, Washington, WA, U.S.A. The GIIP is a training institute based in New Delhi, India, and San José, CA, U.S.A., which has set its sights on the training and further training of IP specialists with a technical background, according to the needs of the Indian business economy. www.giipinfo.com
10.01.2008
BRAK Appoints BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT Partner as Member of Expert Committee.
Dr. Anke Nordemann-Schiffel, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner at the Potsdam location, has been appointed by the German Federal Bar (BRAK) as member of the Expert Committee on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights. In addition to copyright, trademark, press and competition law, her specialised fields include international law. www.brak.de
10.01.2008
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT Goes Online with Japanese Website Version.
At the beginning of the year 2008, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT released a Japanese version of the law firm’s website on the internet. Here, interested Japanese persons and clients can find the most important information concerning the law firm, the spectrum of services offered, the specialist competences and the corresponding contact partners.
03.01.2008
Japanese version of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT website now online.
The beginning of 2008 has marked the launch by BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT of a Japanese version of its website on the Internet, where Japanese clients and interested parties can find the most important information regarding the law firm, the range of services offered and regarding the firm’s areas of expertise and contacts.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner awarded specialist title.
Dr. Ludwig Kouker, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner at the Bremen location, has been awarded the title of “Specialist in Commercial Legal Protection” by the Hanseatic Chamber of Lawyers of Bremen. In accordance with Section 43c of the Federal Lawyers’ Act (BRAO), the title of specialist may only be conferred on lawyers who have particular qualifications and experience in a field of law. www.rak-hb.de
Chinese version of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT website online.
Since 14 December 2007, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT now also has a Chinese version of its website on the Internet. The law firm is therefore providing its Chinese clients, business partners and interested parties with a further service and is taking account of the expansion of its business connections. A Japanese version will follow shortly.
German Commercial Law Firms – JUVE 2007 – BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT named numerous times.
The English-language version of the JUVE handbook, the “JUVE German Commercial Law Firms 2007” – analyses the largest European law market. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has also been named in this in several categories on the strength of its excellent performance. In the “Film and Entertainment Media” category the company is considered to be a “highly recommended firm for film and entertainment”, which has been actively involved in the most important problems and issues in the media field (particularly download matters relating to copyright law and copy protection) in the past few months thanks to its expertise in copyright law. In the “Patent Filing” category it is “One of the leading practices for patent prosecution. This mixed firm is among the largest IP boutiques in Germany and enjoys high international renown.”
www.juve.de/cgi-bin/juve/hbportal.cgi?year=2006&lang=2
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT achieves “very good” evaluations in the 2007/2008 “JUVE Handbook” in numerous categories.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is again represented in the current edition, the 2007/2008 edition, of the “JUVE Handbook of German Commercial Law Firms”, which is published annually, in numerous categories and JUVE selection lists. The firm has achieved very good evaluations and descriptions.
The Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf and Munich locations and, this year, the Potsdam office as well (with a special mention for Dr. Andreas Dustmann) are named in particular in the regional law firm evaluations.
Patent law area: In “Patent Filing – Patent Attorneys”, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has been placed in the first category of the law firms named. In its description of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT, JUVE states that the firm “is still one of the leading law firms in patent law.” The law firm is among the largest intellectual property boutiques in Germany. In addition, its patent attorney practice is one of the market leaders for filing and prosecution. In the “Legal Representation - Patent Attorneys” category B&B is considered by clients and attorneys to be a “particularly renowned” law firm. The Munich location stands out in the “Legal Representation – Lawyers” category. The following patent attorneys were very frequently recommended by the respondents: Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar, Dr. Jan Krauss, Christian Appelt, Dr. Volker Scholz, Dr. Walter Hoormann, Eva Liesegang and Dr. Stefan Schohe.
Lawyers: In the “Film, TV and Entertainment” category JUVE states that “the characteristic feature of B&B” is its “huge expertise in copyright law, for which it is frequently praised on the market.” The attorneys Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, Dr. Martin Schaefer and Dr. Andreas Dustmann are particularly frequently recommended in this category. Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann is even listed as one of the leading German copyright lawyers. In the “Trademark Law and Competition Law” category tribute is paid in particular to the “young teams in Potsdam/Berlin and Munich.” Very frequently recommended in this category are Michaela Huth-Dierig, Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, Wilhelm Stahlberg, Dr. Martin Wirtz, Dr. Volker Schmitz-Formann, Dr. Christian Czychowski and Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann. Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann and Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann and Dr. Martin Schaefer are named in the “Media: Press and Publishers” category. Furthermore, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is considered to be a “frequently recommended IP boutique in press and publishing law” in this category. The striking thing is that the lawyers “are frequently involved by other law firms in transactions with respect to checking legal clauses in contracts.” Even competitors frequently stress the high expertise of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT’s lawyers. Dr. Christian Czychowski is often recommended in particular in the “IT Law” category and the law firm itself is described as “very respected” in the combination of IT and IP law subjects.
The “JUVE Handbook of German Commercial Law Firms” is sent to clients and lawyers; its editors are considered to be experts in the field. The evaluations are based on research conducted by the JUVE editorial staff, assessment of questionnaires, interviews with competitors, clients and other relevant sources. www.juve.de
“Legal 500 Germany 2007/2008”: BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT achieves excellent evaluations.
In the current edition, the 2007/2008 edition, of “Legal 500 Germany” BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has been ranked number one in the “Patent and Utility Model Law, Filing” category. In particular, the jury felt that the firm’s know-how in the life sciences, biotechnology, semiconductor and software technology fields, but also its experience and “excellent specialised knowledge” merited a mention: “Boehmert & Boehmert is a well-established name on the market which has a large number of talented patent attorneys in all of its many branch offices,” was the comment made by Legal 500’s editorial staff.
In the Copyright Law category, the competences at the Berlin location around Prof. Dr. Jan Nordemann and Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann were highlighted in particular. B&B also received excellent comments in Trademark Law. Boehmert & Boehmert is thus considered to be one of “the most outstanding all-round IP niche law firms in Germany and operates impressive trademark practices in Munich and Bremen which deal with all portfolio management problems.” Michaela Huth-Dierig was mentioned in particular as a well-known practitioner.
World Trademark Review Ranking: Outstanding ranking for BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.
In the 09/10 2007 edition of the World Trademark Review, the current ranking can be found (P. 37, Source: OHIM), in which BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is ranked in 9th position among all registering law firms for Community Design Patents. Among the German law firms, BOEHMERT & BOHMERT is even in first position in regard to the registration of Community Design Patents.
New edition of the “Berlin Agreement” for research co-operations with BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT participation.
The two BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners, Prof. Dr. H. Goddar and Dr. Ch. Czychowski, have collaborated in an expert group, initiated by the company Patentverwertungsagentur ipal GmbH and chaired by Prof. Dr. Goddar, on a new edition of the so-called “Berlin Agreement”. The Berlin Agreement refers to a set of rules, describing the manner in which to deal with patentable inventions ensuing from research co-operations or assignments financed by industry. The Berlin Agreement modules are to be understood as alternative sets of modules for research co-operations between industry and the universities. They were developed for the first time three years ago in joint collaboration between the Berlin universities, industry partners and the company Patentverwertungsagentur ipal GmbH. The newly published edition of the Berlin Agreement can be downloaded under www.ipal.de.
Interview with BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner in the Süddeutschen Zeitung: “More Protection and Less Money”.
In the Süddeutschen Zeitung of 04.10.2007, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner, patent attorney and biotech expert, Dr. Jan Krauß, expresses his views in an interview on the consequences of the “London Agreement” for enterprises in the biotech sector. The London Language Protocol now provides that patents of the European Patent Office must henceforth only be made available in the three languages English, French or German in order to be recognized by the national authorities. Up until now, the patent specification has had to be translated into the languages of all EU countries in which its protection shall apply. For this reason, patents in the EU are currently considerably more expensive than, for example, in the USA or Japan. “I can well imagine that, with the Language Protocol, altogether more patterns will be registered, meaning that more aggressive patent strategies will be developed.” said Jan Krauß in the interview. “One consequence of this could be that enterprises become more adventurous in the way they deal with innovations.” He also anticipates a further positive development for start-ups and small enterprises, for which comprehensive European patent protection could now become affordable. www.sueddeutsche.de
Expert contribution to the World Trademark Review with BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner.
The current edition of the World Trademark Review (September/October 2007) is devoted, under the heading “Loved but Underused”, to the Community Design Patent Law and its current application in the various European countries. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner, Dr. Carl-Richard Haarmann is quoted several times in regard to his assessment and to the manner of dealing with Registered Community Designs (RCDs) and Unregistered Community Designs (UCDs). From his office in Munich, Dr. Haarmann watches over international property rights portfolios and conducts proceedings relating to trademark, patent and design patent violations as well as measures to combat product piracy. www.worldtrademarkreview.com
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has a clear lead in markenfacts rating.
The July edition of the trade journal “Markenartikel” features a current rating of the fifty most active German law firms in registering trademarks in 2006 at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA). BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT takes first place with 514 registrations – and holds a clear lead to the second placed company. This ranking once again underlines the leading position that BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT fills amongst German law firms active in the intellectual property sector. Source: Markenartikel 7/2007 and www.markenfacts.de by s.m.d.-markeur.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT counts among “registration giants”.
The statistics website www.markenfacts.de has compiled a ranking list of the most active law firms with regard to trademark registering (relating to 2006). BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is among the 20 law firms with the greatest number of registrations and is the only German law firm represented in the ranking list. The magazine “Markenartikel” placed an article in its July edition which names the law firms in the ranking list as “trademark giants.” BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann comments on trademark law in this article, expressing his opinion that there is still a need for action on trademark law and outlining what that action should be.
“Deutschland privat” (Germany in Private): The new film by Robert van Ackeren with advisory services from BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.
Robert van Ackerens new Film “Deutschland privat – Im Land der bunten Träume” (Germany in Private – in the Land of Colorful Dreams) was released in German theatres on the 21st of June 2007. It is a compilation of 25 home-made German Super-8 format movies and an “amusing sequel” to the 1980 cult movie “Deutschland privat”, as stated by www.kino.de . After his father Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Nordemann provided legal support and supervision for the creation and marketing of the first movie, now Prof. Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann - BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT film rights expert is responsible for the legal support and supervision of the sequel. He was an advisor to the production, the rental, video and television contracts.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner successfully defends be.bra Publishers: Interim injunction lifted on be.bra Publisher’s “Preußen-Krimi-Kochbuch” (Prussian Thriller Cookbook)
In proceedings before the 16th civil chambers of the Berlin State Court, copyright attorney and BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dr. Anke Nordemann-Schiffel was able to convincingly argue that passages within the book “Preußen-Krimi-Kochbuch” (Prussian Thriller Cookbook) were not an illegal further development of the novel character ‘Langustier’ but rather a legal “free use” of the character. The 16th civil chambers of the Berlin State Court ordered the immediate lifting of the interim injunction against the sale of Harry Balkow-Gölitzer and Ronny Pietzner’s “Preußen-Krimi-Kochbuch” (Prussian Thriller Cookbook). The background: the interim injunction was actioned by Berlin author Tom Wolf as he considered his copyright infringed as the creator of the novel character ‘Honoré Langustier’. The “Preußen-Krimi-Kochbuch” makes reference to the figure Lagustier – the protagonist in Tom Wolf’s eight Prussian thriller novels , also published by be-bra Publishers - in several passages. Sources: be.bra Publishers, www.bebraverlag.de / www.boersenblatt.net
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner in "World Trademark Review" article on Germany as a trademark law location.
The professional journal "World Trademark Review" (edition 6, March/April 2007) focuses on current trademark and patent law practice in Germany in its feature article "Europe’s trademark powerhouse bounces back". The article is based, among others, on statements of some of the most important German trademark law experts. Dr. Florian Schwab, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner at the Munich site, in this article comments on different aspects of the procedure for trademark registrations and explains specifics of the German market with regard to IP topics. “World Trademark Review“ considers BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT to be one of the 25 leading application offices in Germany in the trademark field. (Source: Thomson/World Trademark Review). www.worldtrademarkreview.com
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in "Chambers Europe 2007" in first place twice.
The latest version of "Chambers Europe" even rates BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT as a first-class “major player“ in two aspects: The firm of solicitors ranks first in the category "Patent Filing" in the assessments for Germany. In the ranking of "Leading Individuals", Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar is also in the lead and is there considered to be a "very visible expert in the physics and pharmaceutical sectors". Chambers Europe – Europe's Leading Lawyers for Business“, 2007. www.chambersandpartners.com
"European Legal 500 2007“ (Europe, Middle East and Africa) again positioned BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT on first place at „Patents and Registered Designs“.
This year BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT again took first place in the category "Intellectual Property: Patents and Registered Design (Registrations)" in the current 2007 edition of "European Legal 500". Furthermore, the solicitor’s office this year also placed in the first third for three additional categories: „IP: Trade Marks“, „IP: Patents and Registered Designs (Dispute Resolution/Advice)“ as well as “IP: Copyright”. These excellent results underline the competence of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in a prominent manner. www.legal500.com
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” Henry Ford I.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT wishes all its clients, business partners, colleagues, employees and friends of the law firm a successful and happy New Year for 2008.
„Managing Intellectual Property – World IP Survey 2007“ with excellent assessment for BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.
The internationally well renowned professional journal "MIP Managing Intellectual Property" considers BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT to be one of the most important solicitor’s office in Germany in the field of patent prosecution. The solicitor’s office received further well placed entries in the categories “Trademark Prosecution“ und “Trademark/Copyright Contentious“. In the February edition 2007, the following twelve partners of the firm of solicitors are mentioned explicitly in this category: graduate physicist Christian W. Appelt, Dr. Christian Czychowski, Michaela Huth-Dierig, Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar, graduate engineer Hans W. Groening, Dr. Carl-Richard Haarmann, graduate engineer Eva Liesegang, Dr. Hans Ulrich May, Malte Nentwig, Dr. Stefan Schohe, Dr. Florian Schwab, Dr. Marion Tönhardt. MIP bases its yearly overview of leading solicitor’s offices in the field of IP/intellectual property on a five-month research phase and interviews with some hundred clients and patent lawyers. www.managingip.com
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners appointed to committees for new specialist attorneyships.
In 2007, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners Dr. Christian Czychowski, Dr. Andreas Dustmann and Dr. Anke Nordemann-Schiffel have been appointed to the committees for new specialist attorneyships of the bar associations for the countries of Brandenburg or Berlin respectively. Our Berlin partner, Dr. Christian Czychowski, is a member of the specialist attorneyship committee for industrial property protection in Berlin. In the country of Brandenburg, Dr. Anke Nordemann-Schiffel takes the chair of this committee. Dr. Andreas Dustmann was also voted as chairman of the specialist attorneyship committee for copyright and media law for the country of Brandenburg. The nominations cover the special qualifications of the BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT lawyers in the legal areas represented by the solicitor’s office. www.rakberlin.de and www.rak-brb.de
“Who’s Who Legal Trademarks 2007” with BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner.
The current „Who’s Who Legal Trademarks 2007“ numbers the BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Michaela Huth-Dierig among the most important trademark lawyers in Germany for the fourth time in a row already. Lawyer Michaela Huth-Dierig works at the Munich site. She covers all areas of industrial property protection, mainly trademark and competition law, with additional emphases on product piracy and domain grabbing. "The International Who's Who of Trademark Lawyers" was issued in its 4th edition and names about 500 lawyers worldwide, 23 of them from Germany. www.whoswholegal.com
“Patent protection – quo vadis?” Expert contribution by Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner, Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar, has published an article in the recently released reference work “Law Firms in Germany 2007” entitled, “Patent protection – quo vadis?”. In this article, Prof. Dr. Goddar, patent attorney and partner of the Munich office, discusses incisively procedures, opportunities and further considerations for the protection of technical inventions. Further information: www.nomos.de. “Kanzleien in Deutschland”, 8th edition, 2007 edition.
DemasWeb: BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT way ahead in terms of trademark registrations in Germany.
DemasWeb shows a total of 852 trademark registrations (German, European and international trademarks) for the law firm BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in 2006. The legal practice, specialised in intellectual property is thus the German law firm with the most trademark registrations (for all trademark types). DemasWeb, the research database, includes all German, European and international marks. Source: www.demasweb.de
“Law firms in Germany, 2007” released – BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT included with detailed profile and outstanding review.
The current reference work “Law firms in Germany” has just been released and describes and evaluates around 500 German law firms dealing primarily in commercial law who have acquired a “notable reputation regionally, nationally or internationally”. The editorial staff of this reference work describe BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT as an “internationally oriented law firm in the legal area of intellectual property with an excellent position amongst German law firms.” The work also offers the possibility of searching directly according to location, foreign language spoken, fields of law and of searching directly for individuals. “Law firms in Germany” is aimed at companies and their legal departments as well as at attorneys who are seeking specialists from other legal fields. Further information: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft, Baden-Baden. www.nomos.de. „Kanzleien in Deutschland“, 8th edition, 2007 Edition. ISBN: 978-3-8329-1930-6
“As for the future, your task is not to foresee it, but to enable it.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT would like to wish all our clients, business partners, colleagues, staff and friends of the firm a happy and prosperous 2007.
JUVE Handbook 2006/2007 recommends BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in a total of 13 categories.
The annually released JUVE German Commercial Law Firms Handbook cites BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in a total of 13 categories.
Area of patent law: In the section entitled “Registrations and Official Proceedings”, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is listed in the first category. In respect of registrations and consultation of clients in respect of pharmaceutical/biotech and medical products”, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is regarded by clients and attorneys as having an “especially good reputation”. The following BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT attorneys were recommended particularly often: Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar, Dr. Jan Krauss, Dr. Marion Tِnhardt. Regarding the regional description, the following offices were highlighted: Bremen, Berlin, Dusseldorf and Munich.
Area of attorneys at law: in the section entitled “Media: press and publishers” the evaluation reads as follows: “Particularly well known is the copyright expertise. In this respect above all Berlin is seen by competitors as <highly respected and recommended without reservation>.” Similarly, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is represented in the categories, “Trademarks and Design”, “Unfair Competition”, “Film, TV and Entertainment” and “IT Law” amongst the list of significant firms and has received an excellent ranking and description. Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Nordemann is listed under “Leading Names in Copyright”. Furthermore, the following BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT attorneys were named by competitors and clients particularly often: Dr. Christian Czychowski, Michaela Huth-Dierig, Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann, Prof. Dr. Jan Nordemann, Dr. Martin Schaefer, Dr. Volker Schmitz-Fohrmann, Wilhelm Stahlberg, Dr. Martin Wirtz.
The JUVE German Commercial Law Firms Handbook is aimed particularly at clients and attorneys; its editors are regarded as hugely knowledgeable of the German market. The evaluations are based on research carried out by the JUVE editorial staff, analysis of questionnaires, interviews with competitors and clients and other relevant sources. www.juve.de
University of Bremen: Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar appointed honorary professor
The 18th October 2006 saw BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner, Prof. Dr. Heinz Goddar appointed honorary professor at the University of Bremen for the subject of “intellectual property rights”. Prof. Dr. Goddar specialises in international patent and licensing matters. In this respect he holds teaching posts both nationally and internationally: he is visiting professor at the University of Santa Clara, CA, USA as well as Seattle, WA, USA and National ChengChi, Taipei and Tokai, Tokyo.
German Composers’ Association honours Professor Wilhelm Nordemann.
Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Nordemann was active for 37 years as legal advisor to the German Composers’ Association (Deutsche Komponistenverband – DKV). Now, on the occasion of his leaving, and as a sign of appreciation of his service for the association, he has been awarded the DKV’s “Medal for special services to German music” (Medaille für besondere Verdienste um die deutsche Musik). You will find the complete laudation here: www.komponistenverband.de/content/view/310/112/
World Trademark Review: BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT takes first place for community trademark registrations in Germany.
The trade magazine, “World Trademark Review” has dedicated its third edition for 2006, the October edition, to the 10 year anniversary of the Office of Harmonization for the Internal Market (EU trademark office). The magazine printed, under the title, “OHIM and the CTM – the practitioners’ persepective” an overview of the law firms which apply for EU trademarks. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT, with 2340 registrations (period to 31st March 2006), is listed at position 1 of law firms based in Germany. www.worldtrademarkreview.com
“Patent exploitation of scientific results” – BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner once more at the Free University of Berlin
In the scope of the workshop, “Patent exploitation of scientific results”, which will be held once more in the coming winter semester 2006/2007 at the Free University of Berlin, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partners, Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann and Dr. Christian Czychowski will hold talks on their respective areas of expertise. Dr. Nordemann will discuss the topic “trademark and domain law” as last year. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner and software expert Dr. Czychowski will deal with the subject “Software – work and/or invention?”. Further information: www.fu-berlin.de
European Legal 500 has BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT first for "Patents and Registered Designs".
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT occupies first place in the category, "Intellectual Property: Patents and Registered Designs ( Registrations)" in the current edition of the "European Legal 500 - US Special Edition 2006". BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is also in the top third of all law firms included, in the categories "Trade Marks", "IP: Patents and Registered Designs (Dispute Resolution)" and Copyright". www.legal500.com
Office of Harmonisation: BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT amongst top ten law firms for applications.
The current statistics published by the Office of Harmonisation for the Internal Market (OHIM) includes BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in the "Top Ten" for representatives for community marks and community design patents for German owners. For community design patents, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT is as high as position two.
Source: Alicante-News 7/2006, OHIM: www.oami.europa.eu/en/office/newsletter/06007-08.htm
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT-workshop "Obtaining, Enforcing and Intellectual Property Rights" for ten years now with great success.
The intensive workshop, "Obtaining, Enforcing and Evaluating Intellectual Property Rights in Europe", organised annually by BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT was this year received perticularly well. A total of 30 participants came together in Munich from 13th to 22nd July, from countries including Brasil, China, Taiwan, Mongolia and Japan in order to follow the latest developments in and around trademark and patent law. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has organised and run this workshop for ten years now with great success. The team of speakers was as international as the participants´. This year we were able to involve, on the trademark law side, for example, Dr. Marianne Grabucker, one of the leading judges at the Federal Patent Court in Munich (Bundespatentgericht - BPatG) and the Vice President of the Office for the Harmonisation of internal Market (OHIM), Alberto Casado. Further experts came from our own law offices as well as from leading law firms in the USA, England, France, Spain and Jordan.
Who´s Who Legal 2006 includes BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner.
The current edition of the "International Who´s Who of Business Lawyers 2006" has included BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner, Michaela Huth-Dierig in the list of the most important business lawyers in Germany. Our legal practice has thus been represented Attorney at law, Michaela Huth-Dierig works at our Munich office. She practices across all fields of intellectual property law, mainly in trademark and competition law, thereby focussing on product piracy and domain-grabbing. "The international Who´s Who of Business Lawyers 2006" is published annually and lists around 8000 attorneys in 27 fields of law. www.whoswholegal.com
University of Constance: Honorary Professorship for Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann.
Prof. Dr. Axel Nordemann has been appointed honorary professor at the University of Constance for the summer semester 2006. Nordemann regularly gives lectures and courses on copyright law. BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT lawyers are thus currently offering 14 university courses internationally, in Germany, France, USA, Japan and Taiwan.
German Federal Supreme Court-Decision "Stapeltrockner" with participation of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner Dipl. Phys. Lorenz Hanewinkel has participated in the German Federal Supreme Court - Proceedings "Stapeltrockner". The decision of November 22, 2005 (reference no. XZR 81/01) concerned a patent infringement. The decision has just been published in the leading German Intellectual Property Law -Journal GRUR (2006, page 313). Apparatuses for exposing and drying a stack of planar articles are used in different fields, for example in the automobile, textile and glass industry.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT assist in launch of first German internet film portal, “IN2MOVIES”.
In mid-April 2006, “IN2MOVIES” was launched, as the first internet platform in Germany to offer feature films and TV series on a download-to-own basis (permanent legal use of the film). The BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT attorneys, Dr. Andreas Dustmann, LL.M. and Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, LL.M. provided the legal advice in respect of the launch. “IN2MOVIES” is a joint venture of Warner Bros. Entertainment GmbH and arvato mobile (Bertelsmann). www.in2movies.de
New Specialist Attorneys’ training course with BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT attorney’s at law.
The two BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT attorneys Dr. Christian Czychowski and Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, LL.M. will be teaching on the new specialist attorney’s training course for copyright and media law at the German Attorney Academy (DAA). The DAA is one of the leading training and seminar centres in the field of legal vocational training. www.anwaltakademie.de
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT has a clear lead in markenfacts rating.
The July edition of the trade journal “Markenartikel” features a current rating of the fifty most active German law firms in registering trademarks in 2006 at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA). BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT takes first place with 514 registrations – and holds a clear lead to the second placed company. This ranking once again underlines the leading position that BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT fills amongst German law firms active in the intellectual property sector. Source: Markenartikel 7/2007 and www.markenfacts.de by s.m.d.-markeur.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT with new and improved web site design.
The newly designed and extended internet site of intellectual property specialists BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT, went live 22nd May 2006. Layout and content was completely renewed and adjusted to cope with current needs; the menu and thus orientation within the site was optimised. Users can find out about the various BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT offices, their special fields of practice and services offered and from there contact the relevant patent attorney or attorney at law.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner listed amongst Germany’s top trademark law experts.
In the current, 2006 edition of the International Who’s Who of Trademark Lawyers (whoswholegal), our partner Michaela Huth-Dierig, Munich have been included amongst 23 nominations as leading trademark law experts in Germany.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT partner honoured in China.
Our partner, Dr. Heinz Goddar has been praised by Su Xiaoxi, head of intellectual property at the leading Chinese electronics firm, Haier, in the February 2006 edition of the magazine, "Managing Intellectual Property", for his exemplary co-organsisation of their IP system, which can now serve as a model for similar schemes in China.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT commended for patent registration practice.
Chambers’ Global lists BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in 2005 once again under the three leading German legal practices in the category, “Industrial Property: patent applications”. Our partner Dr. Heinz Goddar is named by Chambers’ Global as one of three leading individuals in the category, “Industrial Property: patent applications”. Read more on what Chambers’ Global 2005 had to say about our legal practice.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT once more listed amongst Germany’s leading intellectual property practices.
The respected legal practice directory, The European Legal 500, has listed BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT for the year 2005, once more amongst Germany’s leading IP-practices. The Legal 500 recommends BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT in particular in the following fields of law: copyright, patent and design patent law (infringement proceedings, advice), patent and design patent law (registration) and trademark law.
In February 2005, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT submitted its 15,000th European patent application.
Partner of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT named amongst Germany’s leading patent law experts
In the current edition of Chambers Global 2004, our partner, Dr. Heinz Goddar, was once more named as one of the ten leading patent law experts in Germany.
BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT secures services of top music law expert as new partner
The distinguished music law expert, Dr. Martin Schaefer, has joined our firm (starting April 2004) as a partner in the Berlin office of BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT. Dr. Schaefer, previously Vice President, Legal Counsel Europe, at Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) has for many years been a respected expert of the music industry and is a specialist in copyright and neighbouring rights. Click here for the full text of the press release.
A top legal expert within the music industry has joined BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT as a new co-partner.
Berlin/Potsdam 26th April 2004: Dr. Martin Schaefer has joined our legal practice as a partner in our Berlin/Potsdam office, starting at the beginning of April 2004. He was previously Vice-President, Legal Counsel Europe, at BMG (Bertelsmann Music Group) where he was a part of the European management team. He left the company at the end of January this year in order to apply his expertise once more as independent counsel.
For many years, Dr. Schaefer has been respected as a top legal expert within the music industry and a specialist for copyright and neighbouring rights for music, rights of collecting societies, legal issues relating to technical content protection systems and licensing arrangements for new forms of use (e.g. use with mobile telephones), including advising on political and strategic copyright issues.
“We are proud to have, in Martin Schaefer, an outstanding music industry expert in our firm. The services we have on offer, in and around intellectual property, are thus strengthened in an area which, in particular, has greatly increased in importance for the Berlin-Brandenburg region.” explained Dr. Jan Bernd Nordemann, partner and spokesperson for the Berlin and Potsdam offices.
Dr. Martin Schaefer (b. 1960) began his career as assistant to his mentor, Professor Dr. Wilhelm Nordemann, the senior partner of our Potsdam Office. From the beginning of the 1990s, Dr. Schaefer was employed by the German national group of the recording industry association, IFPI. (Bundesverband der Phonographischen Wirtschaft und Deutsche Landesgruppe der IFPI). As in-house counsel, and from 1998 as Managing Director, Dr. Schaefer was able to give fresh impetus across such areas as combating piracy, representing industry interests in the making of government copyright policy, and the development of future oriented industry projects. As early as 1997, Martin Schaefer played a decisive role in the establishment of the first legal music industry download platform in the world. In 2001, he moved to BMG, where, amongst other things, he advised on the introduction of copy protection and developed a model labelling policy for copy protected products.
The law firm, BOEHMERT & BOEHMERT, is specialised in intellectual property. The mixed legal practice currently comprises 55 specialised patent attorneys and attorneys at law working together. From their offices in Berlin, Bielefeld, Bremen, Frankfurt/Main, Düsseldorf, Kiel, Munich, Potsdam, Alicante, Paris und Shanghai, they advise and represent clients in matters of German and international patent law, trademark law, competition law, copyright law, anti-trust law, press and personal privacy law as well as IT law.
