Comparative Guide
Class Actions
Germany
Dr. Thomas Lennarz, Dr. Peter Wende & LL.M.
The team at CMS is particularly noted for its cross-border capabilities, which it brings to cases ranging from nullity actions to infringement proceedings. Markus Deck has notable expertise in the automotive, consumer goods and high-tech sectors, while Thomas Hirse focuses on matters spanning the life sciences, mechanical engineering, and automotive fields. UPC work is a growing focus for the group, which Constantin Kurtz joined the firm in January 2026 from KLAKA.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Deep sector expertise, international integration, and commitment to innovation.'
- 'Good at combining local market insight with global perspective, delivering legal solutions both commercially grounded and forward-looking.’
- ‘Thomas Hirse: highly regarded IP specialist, known for his strategic counsel in complex licensing, trade mark, and cross-border IP matters. He combines deep legal expertise with commercial insight, making him a trusted advisor to multinational clients navigating regulatory and transactional challenges. Thomas is particularly valued for his clarity, responsiveness, and collaborative approach, and plays a key role in cross-jurisdictional IP practice.’
Work highlights
Advised a European provider of clinic services and medical tests on ad hoc arbitration proceedings under ICC rules between the parties in a case concerning the alleged infringement of a total of five patents.
Representing a manufacturer of retractable dog leashes in disputes concerning infringement of patents and registered designs.
Advised a medical device manufacturer on the enforcement of vindication claims and enforcement of claims for unauthorised use of trade secrets.
Practice head
Markus Deck
Other key lawyers
Thomas Hirse; Constantin Kurtz