manitz | finsterwald covers the entire spectrum of IP law, advising on patent prosecution matters in fields such as technology, engineering, computer science, chemistry and life sciences. Sebastian Schaefer, Harald Bachhofer and Oliver Fries are central figures in team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They have the ability to understand the business field from which the inventions arise and the ability to provide a concise summary of the information that is required for the client to make decisions regarding the prosecution of patents.’
  • ‘Long term association with the same individuals has allowed a relationship based on mutual respect and trust to be established. New associates that have joined the team always seem to fit in well and can quickly support the established working relationship.’
  • ‘We work with Manitz Finsterwald in the field of patent prosecution for highly technical, innovation-driven matters. Their team combines deep technical understanding with pragmatic, forward-looking legal advice, a rare combination that adds strategic value far beyond formal IP filing.’
  • ‘Through their technical expertise, reliability and strategic thinking. They act as true sparring partners for IP-related decisions. We particularly appreciate their ability to proactively point out strengths or gaps in our patent applications and recommend improvements that are both legally and commercially relevant.’
  • ‘We find the firm's practice to be easy to work with. Partners are accessible and engage others as needed to ensure that work is done in a timely manner.’
  • ‘All are responsive, experienced and knowledgeable. We like that the team is quick to have a call on unusual matters which avoids miscommunication. Partners are particularly sensitive to client service and protecting client confidences.’

Key clients

  • General Motors Corp.
  • Aptiv
  • Sumitomo Rubber Industries
  • Schneider Electric SE
  • Sick AG
  • ABUS August Bremicker Söhne KG
  • ARRI AG
  • Max-Planck-Innovation
  • medmix Switzerland AG
  • Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG
  • MACO
  • WITTE Automotive GmbH

Work highlights

Advised on the majority of General Motors' patent applications filed at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office.
Filed and prosecuted a number of German and European patent applications for Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., including opposition and appeal proceedings.
Drafted and filed patent applications for medmix Switzerland AG, in addition to managing its international patent portfolio.
Practice head

Sebastian Schaefer; Oliver Fries; Harald Bachhofer