IP Department
Depending on a company‘s readiness and awareness of its intellectual property assests, the internal IP department can be seen as a cost center or a profit center or as something inbetween. Accordingly, the requirements differ. For example, whether the IP department is associated with the R&D department or whether it is reporting to the General Counsel does often make a difference, not to mention public research institutions. Based on these requirements, our support differs in order to assist you in achieving the internally set goals and thereby your KPIs.
Instructions
Hover or tap on any section of the image to read more about it.Faced with Industry 4.0, IoT, edge computing and digital twins, not to mention the integration of AI applications, ANY company that is successful in light of these changes creates patentable inventions, merely to stay in the market. Whether it is the process improvement by the integration of AI which leads to a +50% reduction of defective goods and the reduction of resource consumption or any other technical problem solved in day-to-day production challenges.
Now this is a crucial point, since any other competing company can make a similar modification and try to patent it. This renders your investment in e.g. process innovation or packaging improvements more or less useless, because your competitor can – and in a worst case senario will – block you from performing your invention or – will in a best case – block you from further improving your invention, for the next 20 years.
We believe that the way we approach intellectual property in general and patents in particular starts with assessing your business model. Only by having a proper understanding of your underlying business model, identifying the building blocks that are relevant for your value generation, can we provide you with the best IP counsel.
Proven Methodology
IP Department Business Cases
Thereby, we arrive at the Service offering for IP departments, where we can guarantee a fixed number of invention disclosures and first filings
Our IP Department Team
Our IP Department team acquired extensive experience as inhouse patent counsel before joining. This enables us to find the best possible solution for your specific problem, be it cost constrains or timing pressure, or anything else. We make use of out-of-the-box thinking in order to deliver results. We consider ourselfs as sparring partner and encourage the regular personal interaction with our clients.
Breitenbach
Patent AttorneyZiebig
Patent AttorneyHengelhaupt
Patent AttorneyKarl
Patent AttorneyWinkler
Patent AttorneyRichter
Patent AttorneyGoesch
Patent AttorneyWalter
Patent AttorneyAdamczyk
Patent AttorneyZhao
Chinese Patent AttorneyHeid
Patent AttorneySommer
Patent AttorneyTechnical Areas
The Chemistry and Pharmaceutical industries are innovation-driven, heavily investing in R&D to discover new compounds and develop treatments. They operate under strict regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and efficacy. Dominated by large multinationals and agile SMEs, these sectors emphasize intellectual property for competitive advantage. Sustainability and green chemistry are increasingly prioritized. Global supply chains and advanced technologies like biotech and AI play crucial roles in operations. Overall, these industries are characterized by complexity, rigorous regulation, and a significant impact on global health and the economy.
The Telecommunications industry is essential for global connectivity, encompassing the transmission of data, voice, and video through wired, wireless, and satellite networks. It is driven by rapid technological advancements and significant investments in infrastructure, such as 5G networks and fiber optics. Regulatory frameworks ensure fair competition and service quality. The sector is highly competitive, with major players and innovative startups pushing the boundaries of communication technology. Key trends include the proliferation of IoT, cloud computing, and enhanced mobile broadband. Overall, the industry is characterized by dynamic growth, continuous innovation, and a critical role in connecting the modern world.
The media and entertainment industry is a dynamic landscape where creativity meets technology. It encompasses film, television, music, gaming, publishing, and more, catering to diverse audience tastes and preferences. Rapid digital advancements continually reshape distribution channels, consumption habits, and revenue models. Content remains king, driving fierce competition for originality and relevance. Globalization opens doors for cross-cultural exchanges, while emerging technologies like AI and VR revolutionize storytelling. Despite challenges like piracy and shifting consumer behaviors, the industry thrives on innovation, collaboration, and the timeless allure of captivating content.
The automotive and mobility industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by advancements in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and connectivity. This sector focuses on sustainability, innovation, and efficiency, with a strong push towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing urban mobility. The integration of smart technologies, such as AI and IoT, revolutionizes vehicle design and functionality. Shared mobility services and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping market dynamics. Collaboration between automakers, tech firms, and regulatory bodies is crucial to navigate challenges and harness opportunities. This industry is at the forefront of creating a sustainable and connected transportation ecosystem.
The Life Sciences and Biotech industries are driven by innovation in biological research and technology to improve healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. They heavily invest in R&D for developing novel therapies, diagnostics, and sustainable solutions. Regulatory compliance is crucial, with stringent oversight ensuring product safety and efficacy. The sector includes a mix of large corporations and agile startups, fostering a dynamic landscape. Intellectual property and patents are vital for protecting innovations. Advanced technologies like CRISPR, genomics, and bioinformatics are transforming the field. Overall, these industries are characterized by rapid technological advancements.
Digital Businesses and Digital Assets are driven by technological innovation, encompassing e-commerce, fintech, digital marketing, and blockchain-based assets like cryptocurrencies and NFTs. It relies on robust internet infrastructure, cybersecurity, and advanced data analytics. The regulatory environment is rapidly evolving to address privacy, security, and digital ownership issues. The industry features a dynamic mix of established tech giants and disruptive startups. Key trends include the growth of decentralized finance (DeFi), digital transformation across various sectors, and increasing consumer dependence on digital platforms. Overall, it is a fast-paced, transformative industry central to the modern economy.
The green tech, renewables, and nuclear sector represents a pivotal shift towards sustainable energy solutions. Innovation drives advancements in solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, fostering a cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure. Investment in research and development fuels breakthroughs in efficiency and affordability, promoting widespread adoption. Nuclear energy, while controversial, offers a low-carbon alternative with its base-load capacity. Regulatory frameworks, government incentives, and public perception play crucial roles in shaping the industry’s trajectory. Collaboration between public and private sectors drives progress towards a greener, more sustainable future.
Mechanics and optics are a cornerstone of technological innovation, blending precision engineering with advanced optical systems. This sector drives developments in fields such as aerospace, healthcare, telecommunications, and manufacturing. High-precision components and cutting-edge optical technologies enable breakthroughs in imaging, sensing, and measurement. Continuous research and development focus on enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and miniaturization. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and robust quality control are vital for success. As technology evolves, the industry remains pivotal in advancing scientific discovery and improving everyday life through sophisticated mechanical and optical solutions.
The Med Tech and Imaging Methods industries focus on developing advanced medical devices and diagnostic technologies to enhance patient care and clinical outcomes. Innovation is paramount, with significant investment in R&D for cutting-edge solutions like MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound. These industries operate under strict regulatory standards to ensure safety and efficacy. They are characterized by a mix of established companies and innovative startups. Integration of AI and machine learning is increasingly prevalent, improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. Overall, these sectors are marked by technological advancements, regulatory rigor, and a profound impact on healthcare delivery and diagnostics.
The Software industry is characterized by rapid innovation, extensive R&D, and a broad range of applications from enterprise solutions to consumer apps. It includes system software, application software, and software-as-a-service (SaaS). Agile development methodologies and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices are standard. The industry is highly competitive, featuring established giants and dynamic startups. Key trends include artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and open-source development. Intellectual property protection and regulatory compliance are crucial. Overall, the industry is fast-evolving, pivotal to digital transformation, and fundamental to numerous sectors of the global economy.
The field of material science and energy storage technology is at the forefront of innovation, enabling revolutionary advancements in various industries. From batteries to supercapacitors, fuel cells to nanomaterials, it drives the development of efficient energy storage solutions. Continuous research enhances performance, longevity, and sustainability, paving the way for electric vehicles, grid-level storage, and renewable energy integration. Challenges such as cost, scalability, and environmental impact drive collaboration across academia, industry, and government. As demands for clean energy solutions rise, this dynamic sector remains pivotal in shaping a more sustainable and electrified future.
The aviation and aerospace industry is a high-tech sector focused on the development, production, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. It encompasses commercial aviation, defense, space exploration, and unmanned aerial systems. Key characteristics include rigorous safety standards, advanced engineering, and significant R&D investment. Innovations in materials, propulsion, and avionics drive progress, while sustainability efforts aim to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The industry relies on a global supply chain and skilled workforce, with collaboration between governments, private companies, and international organizations essential for advancement. This dynamic sector continually pushes the boundaries of technology and exploration.
The Electrical Engineering industry is pivotal in advancing technology across various sectors, including telecommunications, power generation, and consumer electronics. It is driven by innovation and extensive R&D, focusing on developing efficient, reliable, and sustainable electrical systems and devices. The industry encompasses a wide range of activities from designing circuits and developing renewable energy solutions to advancing semiconductor technology. Regulatory compliance and standards are critical to ensuring safety and interoperability. The sector features a blend of large multinational corporations and agile startups, fostering a dynamic and competitive landscape. Key trends include the rise of smart technologies, IoT, and green energy solutions.
The robotics and AI industry is characterized by rapid advancements fueled by innovation and collaboration across sectors. Key features include automation solutions enhancing efficiency and safety in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. AI algorithms drive decision-making processes, enabling predictive analytics and autonomous systems. Interdisciplinary approaches merge robotics with machine learning and computer vision, expanding applications from self-driving vehicles to smart homes. With ongoing research pushing boundaries, the industry fosters a dynamic ecosystem of startups, established companies, and academic institutions driving the future of technology.
The mining and engineering industry is the backbone of global infrastructure, supplying essential raw materials for construction, manufacturing, and technology. From minerals to metals, it operates in diverse terrains, facing challenges of safety, environmental impact, and resource depletion. Continuous innovation drives efficiency gains in exploration, extraction, and processing, optimizing resource utilization and minimizing ecological footprint. Technological advancements such as automation, IoT, and AI enhance productivity while mitigating risks for workers. Sustainability practices, including responsible mining and reclamation, are increasingly prioritized to ensure long-term viability. Collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies shapes the sector’s evolution towards a more sustainable future.
The defense and security technology industry is critical for national and global safety, focusing on advanced systems for military, intelligence, and cybersecurity applications. This sector drives innovation in weaponry, surveillance, communication, and protective technologies. It requires cutting-edge research, significant investment, and adherence to stringent regulations. Emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems enhance capabilities and response times. The industry is marked by high stakes, rapid technological evolution, and the need for robust defense against ever-evolving threats. Collaboration between governments, private firms, and international allies is essential for maintaining security and technological superiority.
Quantum computing, a frontier technology, is characterized by rapid innovation, intense research, and collaboration across academia and industry. Key players range from tech giants like IBM, Google, and Microsoft to startups such as Rigetti and IonQ. The industry thrives on interdisciplinary expertise in physics, mathematics, and computer science, with applications spanning cryptography, drug discovery, and optimization. Challenges include hardware stability, error correction, and scalability. With governments and private investors heavily investing, the quantum computing landscape promises transformative breakthroughs and competitive disruption.