The office is located near to the European Patent Office and represents an expansion of the firm’s intellectual property services, following a period of significant growth in the UK. It will offer a comprehensive range of patent, trade mark and design services, including drafting, prosecution, oppositions, litigation, IP strategy consulting and portfolio management. Mewburn Ellis, which is this year celebrating its 150th anniversary, has undertaken European IP work for domestic and international clients for many years, operating from its four UK offices, located in London, Bristol, Cambridge and Manchester. It has seen an increase in European work which triggered its decision to establish an on-the-ground presence in mainland Europe.

EU-based clients

The Munich base will allow the firm to service its EU-based clients, but also its large portfolio of non-EU and international clients, including those from across the US, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and more.The office is led by partner Tanis Keirstead, who was previously based in the UK.  Tanis is supported by new partner Christoph Moeller who joined the firm in August. Mr Moeller is a German and European Patent Attorney and an EUIPO representative. He  comes from an in-house role as VP/Head of Patents of Schindler Elevators. Both are German nationals. The firm expects to expand the office further into a five-partner office within 12 to 18 months and is in discussion with a number of new hires.