Pinsent Masons has hired a pair of intellectual property partners from Vossius & Partner to boost its German IP team.
The incoming duo are Kai Rüting and Philipp Widera, who will both be based in Düsseldorf.
Rüting’s practice focuses on patent litigation and IP disputes, advising life sciences, telecommunications and tech-related companies on patent enforcement, defence and freedom-to-operate strategies.
Widera’s practice also focuses on patent litigation and IP disputes, with experience in Unified Patent Court (UPC) and cross-border litigation matters, advising on enforcement and defence strategies and disputes involving standard essential patents.
Judith Krens, co-head of IP at Pinsent Masons, said: “The UPC has accelerated the need for clients to access coordinated, technically strong patent litigation advice across Europe. Germany is central to that market, and the arrival of Kai and Philipp gives us a significant new capability in one of the most important patent litigation jurisdictions. They will work closely with our global IP team across Europe and beyond, helping clients manage complex cross-border disputes.”
Rüting brings more than two decades of IP experience, joining after just over 10 years as a partner at Vossius, having previously practised at Jones Day, Bird & Bird and Taylor Wessing.
Widera joins after nine years at Vossius, making partner at the start of 2024. He also had earlier spells at Simmons & Simmons and Preu Bohlig & Partner.
Thomas Peschke, Pinsent Masons’ German head, said: “Düsseldorf is one of the most important patent litigation markets in Europe, and these appointments mark a significant step in the development of our German practice. Kai and Philipp bring the technical credibility, market experience and entrepreneurial approach to offer clients a strong patent litigation platform in Germany.
“Their arrival will deepen our Düsseldorf offering and create new opportunities for clients seeking seamless German, European and international IP advice.”
Pinsent Masons is not the only international firm expanding its German IP footprint. Earlier in August, K&L Gates absorbed a nine-strong IP team in Munich from local boutique Wende IP, including partners Christian Wende and Markus Eustermann.
Meanwhile back in March, HSF Kramer hired IP partner Philipp Cepl from DLA Piper in Düsseldorf.
And in July last year, boutique IP firm Powell Gilbert opened an office in Düsseldorf to expand its UPC coverage, led by former Vossius partner Andreas Kramer.
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