Schoenherr (Schönherr Rechtsanwälte) takes a ‘proactive approach to tackling complex cases,’ pleading trademark, patent and unfair competition disputes before the Austrian Supreme Court, the EUIPO and ECJ. Outside of the courtroom, the practice assists clients with the registration and ongoing management of their IP, including overseeing licensing agreements and IP transfers. A tripartite team of Michael Woller, an expert in both trademark, patent and false advertising litigation, Christian Schumacher, whose contentious trademarks practice covers inter alia colour and single letter marks, and Dominik Hofmarcher, whose workload encompasses unfair competition, trade secrets and trademark matters, heads the team.
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Phone
+43 1 534 37 50178
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Profile

Profile

Work Department

Intellectual property & technology practice group

Position

Partner

Career

Christian Schumacher is a partner at Schoenherr, where he focuses on intellectual property and unfair competition law. He regularly advises Austrian and international clients on all aspects of intellectual property law, in particular on trademark, copyright and unfair competition law, including domain name disputes. His area of specialisation also includes personality law (media law). He represents clients in conflicts, both in pre-trial negotiations and in the various types of court and administrative litigation. He is editor in chief of the IP and competition law journal "Österreichische Blätter für Gewerblichen Rechtsschutz und Urheberrecht (ÖBl)" and author and co-author of several publications in the trademark, copyright and media law field as well as a lecturer on intellectual property law on the University of Vienna. He received his Master's degree in law from the University of Vienna (Mag. iur.) in 1994 and his PhD degree (Dr. iur.) in 1999. In 1998 he earned a postgraduate degree (LL.M.) from the New York University, USA.

Languages

German, English, French

Memberships

Austrian Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property and Copyright, Member of the Board International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) International Trademark Association (INTA), Committee Member MARQUES, Committee Member

Education

University of Vienna, Vienna/Austria (Dr. iur. 1999)
New York University, New York/USA (LL.M. 1998)
University of Vienna, Vienna/Austria (Mag. iur. 1994)
Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas/France (Erasmus 1992)

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They have been supporting us for years with the highest level of professional expertise and industry knowledge.’

  • ‘Competent, flexible and quick in responding to our wishes and inquiries.’

  • ‘What sets Schönherr apart is the team's deep understanding of national and international trademark law, coupled with their proactive approach to tackling complex cases.’

  • ‘Christian Schumacher is one of the leading trademark attorneys in Austria. He has an in-depth knowledge of trademark law, in particular on non-traditional trademarks. His advice is quick, reliable and leaves no open questions. Dominik Hofmarcher is another outstanding trademark practitioner. He is a very strong and experienced litigator with a wealth of knowledge.’

  • ‘The firm's IP practice is outstanding in terms of quality of legal services. Their output is not only to the point, but they also deliver the required guidance beyond legal advice. We especially like their communication skills and their problem-solving attitude. ’

  • ‘Michael Woller and Dominik Hofmarcher stand out as excellent IP lawyers, who lead their field. They both have qualities that are unparalleled on the Austrian market.’

  • ‘Outstanding expertise, very good availability. This refers especially to Birgit Kapeller-Hirsch and Christian Schuhmacher.’

  • ‘Dominik Hofmarcher impresses through his cooperative and professionally competent manner. Questions are always dealt with to our complete satisfaction, promptly and competently. His professional knowledge is outstanding, even in the most unusual legal cases, and he always has solutions ready, even for the most difficult situations.’

Key clients

  • A-Nobis Sektkellerei
  • Albertina
  • Allianz
  • Anton Bruckner Privatuniversität
  • Arineo
  • Astl & Mucki
  • Auer-Blaschke
  • BKS Bank
  • Brau Union Österreich AG
  • Chanel
  • Danone
  • Deutsche Telekom
  • derStandard
  • Dominic Thiem
  • EGLO Leuchten GmbH
  • Erste Bank
  • EUIPO
  • Fassbinderei Klaus Pauscha
  • Gallup International Association
  • Gasteiner
  • Grand Production
  • Institute of Science and Technology
  • Lallemand
  • Louis Vuitton Malletier
  • Mast-Jägermeister
  • Microsoft
  • OMV AG
  • Power Horse Energy Drinks
  • Schlumberger
  • S.Spitz
  • STAMAG Stadlauer Malzfabrik
  • Tehnoexport
  • Uber
  • UNIQA Insurance Group AG
  • voestalpine Böhler Welding Group
  • Sony

Work highlights

Obtained an EU-wide preliminary injunction confirmed by the Supreme Court against the imitation by a discount private label product on behalf of Mast-Jägermeister.
Represented Uber B.V. and Uber Austria GmbH in a series of disputes with Taxi 40100, litigated under the unfair competition regime.
Represented Tehnoexport before the EUIPO Cancellation Division and Boards of Appeals, seeking the cancellation of the opposing party's trademarks on the grounds of bad faith.