Profile
Thomas is an IP litigator with more than 25 years of experience. He has advised and represented clients in IP disputes relating to a broad range of technological areas and industry sectors.
Thomas is particularly known for his expertise in advising and representing clients in complex and often multinational patent disputes. He has acted for a variety of clients in the fields of pharma, biotechnology, life sciences, chemistry, automotive, electronics and engineering.
In addition to representing clients before the German courts, Thomas has experience of European Patent Office opposition proceedings. He also practiced in proceedings before the European Court of Justice and has represented clients in arbitration proceedings relating to technology contract disputes. Thomas has been involved in many multi-jurisdictional disputes, working with advisors and practitioners from across Europe, North America, China, Korea, Japan and Australia.
Other major fields of activity for Thomas are the law of unfair competition and license agreements. He has also assisted clients in the course of IP-related M&A negotiations and transactions.
Thomas was called to the bar as lawyer (Germany) in 1995 and became a Partner in 2000.
Key cases
- AMO (J&J Vision) ./. Alcon (ophthalmic laser systems)
- BASF ./. Bayer (crop protection)
- BASF ./. Realchemie (crop protection)
- Bayer ./. Ceva (animal nutrition)
- Biogen ./. ratiopharm et al (MS-drugs)
- Bombardier ./. Siemens (tram)
- DSM ./. Novozymes (enzymes, biotechnology)
- Ford ./. Opel (engine)
- GAT ./. LuK dual mass flywheels)
- Honda ./. Kipor (design)
- Karmann ./. Porsche (roof)
- Leo Pharma ./. Hexal (psoriasis ointment)
- Medinol ./. Cordis (stents)
- Mundipharma ./. Ratiopharm et al (pain relief drug)
- Novartis ./. Johnson & Johnson (contact lenses)
- Osram ./. Philips (arbitration, cross license)
- Osram ./. Samsung (LEDs)
- Osram ./. Asus
- Sanofi ./. Actavis (diabetis medicament)
- Shire ./. CSL Behring (HAE (orphan) drug)
- Swedish Biofuels ./. Aral and BP (fuel)
- UCB Pharma ./. Nectar Therapeutics (reagents)
Education
1984 – 1990 Universities of Saarbrücken and Cologne
1990 Teaching Administrative and Constitutional Law in Eastern Germany in preparation for German Unification
1990 – 1991 Assisting sales of East German refineries (Schwedt)
1992 – 1995 internship at the Düsseldorf Court of Appeal
Connections & Networks
AIPPI, DAJV, GRUR, LES and VPP
Awards & Recognitions
IAM Patent 1000: Gold for Patent Infringement
MIP: Patent Star 2022, Patent Star 2023
JUVE Patent Germany: Recommended Individual
Legal 500: Key Lawyer Patent Litigation: Solicitors
Chambers & Partners: Notable Practitioner in Intellectual Property
WWL: Global Leader IP – Patents 2022; National Leader Germany IP- Trademarks 2023 and Patents 2023
