Legal 500 Germany 2022/2023

Ranking Trademark Law– Tier 1
Ranking Design Law – Tier 1

The IP boutique KLAKA Rechtsanwälte is known for its strength in extensive contentious proceedings before the courts, the German PTO and the EUIPO.

In particular, practice group leader Ralf Hackbarth has an outstanding reputation, in particular due to his work in major trademark and design law disputes in the automotive sector. His clientele includes a large number of major German corporations as well as numerous international clients, including clients from other European countries, Japan and the USA. Florian Schmidt-Sauerhöfer, Carola Onken, Oliver Rauscher, Stefan Abel, Susanne Schackert and Andreas Schulz are also experienced soft IP lawyers, all based in Munich.

Leading name:
Ralf Hackbarth - KLAKA Rechtsanwälte

Names of the next generation:
Carola Onken - KLAKA Rechtsanwälte

Further core lawyers:
Florian Schmidt-Sauerhöfer; Andreas Schulz; Susanne Schackert; Stefan Abel; Carola Onken; Oliver Rauscher

References

'Excellent, longstanding, strong and perfectly complementary team with extensive knowledge of trademark law.’

‘'Fast, flexible, competent and solution-oriented advice in trademark law, tailored to the client's specific needs.’

‘'Extremely agreeable and for years very successful cooperation that is without equal.’

‘'Ralf Hackbarth is a specialist in his field and offers goal-oriented and well thought-out solutions. Thanks to his many years of experience and his comprehensive knowledge of trademark law, he navigates his clients through even the most complex proceedings with an overview and clever strategy. The cooperation with Mr. Hackbarth is always extremely pleasant and uncomplicated and characterized by mutual trust.’

'The team Ralf Hackbarth/Florian Schmidt-Sauerhöfer is the perfect team. Mr. Schmidt-Sauerhöfer is very well experienced in trademark law and provides professional, competent and solution-oriented advice. The cooperation is extremely constructive and pleasant.'

'KLAKA Rechtsanwälte has a team of impressive litigators, proactive and incredibly effective. Their knowledge of German and European law is outstanding and their reactivity and precision in handling each case is much appreciated.'

‘Carola Onken and Andreas Schulz are very efficient and goal-oriented.’

‘Long-standing experience in trademark and competition law, good and quick assessment of the protectability of an intended trademark, uncomplicated handling of trademark applications worldwide - large worldwide network of corresponding attorneys for trademark applications all over the world, even in outlying countries.’

Ranking Comperition Law– Tier 2

Die wettbewerbsrechtliche Praxis von KLAKA Rechtsanwälte, einer Boutique mit Sitz in München, besteht zum einen in enger Bindung an die renommierte markenrechtliche Praxis der Kanzlei, zum anderen aber auch als eigene Säule, vor allem in der Tätigkeit für die Wettbewerbszentrale. Praxisgruppenleiter Ralf Hackbarth und sein Team, darunter Stefan Abel, Wolfgang Straub, Carola Onken, Andreas Schulz, Stefan Eck und Ralf-Michael Burkhardt, gehören zu den bekanntesten Prozessrechtlern in Deutschland.

Leading name:
Ralf Hackbarth

Further core attorneys:
Stefan Eck; Stefan Abel; Carola Onken; Ralf-Michael Burkhardt; Andreas Schulz; Wolfgang Straub

References

‘Quick, precise evaluation of the legal situation and offer of possible solutions, put themselves in the position of the client, easily reachable.’

'Ralf Hackbarth has many years of experience in the field of law, able to work out the problems in detail and develop possible solutions, easily reachable. Forensically experienced.’

‘The partners have very good knowledge in competition law. The work is consistently good, even if it is prepared by a representative or associate. Everyone is very motivated, they do not simply work on complaints, but contribute their own ideas. Pleadings are carefully prepared and well structured. You always feel well advised and in good hands.’

'Engaged, works very carefully and thoroughly, always up-to-date in terms of competition law, factual and yet convincing appearance in court, great procedural knowledge, excellent presentations, very pleasant personal contact.'

‘It just fits, no matter who is being addressed.‘

‘We would like to highlight Ralf-Michael Burkhardt, Andreas Schulz and Carola Onken as very competent.’

Ranking Paten Law – Tier 3

KLAKA Rechtsanwälte offers a recognized litigation team with experience in infringement and nullity proceedings. Practice group leader Olaf Giebe is particularly well-known, but Wolfgang Götz, Stefan Eck, Constantin Kurtz and Of Counsel Michael Nieder are also highly visible before the German courts and the Federal Patent Court. The expertise in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the patent offices completes the forensic practice. 2020/2021 was successful in acquiring numerous new automotive, chemical, mechanical and plastics technology clients. The firm is also skilled in handling complex proceedings in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and electronics sectors. In addition, the firm also offers an experienced licensing practice, including advice on research and development agreements.

Hall of Fame
Olaf Giebe –KLAKA Rechtsanwälte

Further core attorneys:
Constantin Kurtz; Stefan Eck; Wolfgang Götz; Michael Nieder

References

‘Focus on the key points; not every legally possible argument is discussed, but only those that are relevant; up-to-date with regard to the approach/preferences of the individual courts.’

Stefan Eck takes the necessary time to explain the issues in dispute to the other party; has the technical understanding in addition to outstanding legal expertise; is flexible in terms of time. Olaf Giebe brings things to the point; knows the court; works directly towards the goal; remarkably quick familiarization with a new topic. Both are very collegial, especially with other lawyers from the same party.'

‘Very high level of expertise, very good technical understanding and willingness to familiarize themselves deeply with the underlying technology. The firm is always up to date with the latest case law of German and European courts.’

‘'Constantin Kurtz is characterized by outstanding commitment to the client and very high responsiveness. He works reliably at the highest professional level. His pleadings are convincing due to the clarity and stringency of his arguments.’

'Boutique law firm; individual and fast service; strong representation in patent and trademark disputes; prompt response in injunction proceedings.'

‘Stefan Eck: Very experienced in patent disputes, good technical understanding, fast and effective processing.’

'Extremely competent, high level of familiarization; exceptionally good technical and legal understanding.’

‘'Olaf Giebe: Very strong litigator. Stefan Eck: Good technical and procedural understanding. Wolfgang Götz: Very present in the trial room.’