The IP and tech practice group at DLA Piper Weiss-Tessbach Rechtsanwälte GmbH leverages its global network to provide comprehensive advice on all IP rights, including UPC and transactional matters, with a focus on the life sciences, consumer goods and art sectors. Veronika Appl, who was appointed practice head in March 2026, handles matters ranging from unfair competition issues to trade mark and copyright challenges. Sabine Fehringer departed the firm in March 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I believe the real strength of DLA Piper lies in its individual lawyers and their reputations. While the firm is large and international, our experience showed that what truly matters is the quality, dedication, and collaboration of the lawyers and their teams. In our case, this combination set them apart from other big firms we had worked with before.’
- ‘Working with Veronika Appl has been an outstanding experience. She not only prepared us thoroughly for every hearing but also took the time to truly understand even the most technical details of our case. Her commitment and personal dedication went far beyond what we had experienced with other lawyers.’
- ‘Veronika Appl and her team stand out for their deep sector expertise, pragmatic legal advice, and exceptional responsiveness. What makes this practice unique is its ability to combine high-level legal precision with a strong understanding of the commercial realities clients face, particularly in the DACH region.’
- 'I had the pleasure of working with Veronika Appl in several complex IP matters, and I cannot recommend her services highly enough. From the very beginning, she demonstrated exceptional legal expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the nuances of our business and case.'
Key clients
- Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften
- Land Niederösterreich
- Hutchison Drei Austria GmbH
- Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien
- Spin Master Corp
- Alt-Wiener Schnaps-Museum GmbH
Work highlights
Provided counsel to Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften on the establishment of the AITHYRA Institute for Biomedical AI, funded by the Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung, including contractual considerations for IP development and protection.
Advised the Land Niederösterreich on the cross-border donation of a contemporary art collection valued at approx. €31m by Professor Helmut Zambo, including legal structuring of the donation agreement and assessment of copyright and tax issues.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Veronika Appl