GJE announces alliance with Wächtershäuser & Hartz

GJE is pleased to announce that the firm has formed an alliance with the German patent and trade mark firm Wächtershäuser & Hartz (W&H).

Founded in 1998 and based in Munich, W&H is headed by partners Dr Nikolai F. Hartz and Dr Wolfgang Blodig. The practice is well renowned for its expertise in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences and nanotechnology.

By forming an alliance with W&H, GJE is now able to offer clients the ability to file German national patents, trade marks, registered designs and utility models. With the increasing importance of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), there will be immense benefit to clients from having advice and representation from attorneys trained in both civil and common law jurisdictions.

Speaking on the announcement, GJE Chairman Alasdair MacQuarrie said:

“I am delighted to welcome our new colleagues to GJE and to be able to extend our service offering to our existing clients. The alliance strengthens our presence in Germany and the EU, while also opening up a wider portfolio of services for W&H’s clients.”

W&H partner Nikolai Hartz said:

“We are excited to be forming an alliance with GJE. By joining forces, we can continue providing the same service and quality of work to clients, but with the additional capabilities and support available from a larger firm. This is a positive development for our clients and us alike.”

Both GJE and W&H will continue to serve their own clients, and attorneys will continue to practise through both partnerships. Clients will not notice any change to the service they currently receive.

FAQs

Why are GJE and W&H forming an alliance? Are the two firms merging?

Both GJE and W&H are long-established intellectual property firms. By forming an alliance and sharing our wealth of knowledge, we will be able to offer clients of both firms a wider range of services. At this time, both firms are continuing to practise independently, so there will be complete continuity of service for clients.

How will this new alliance benefit intellectual property owners?

By combining our expertise and resources, W&H and GJE intend to integrate our services into a single IP powerhouse. Through the alliance, clients will benefit from access to attorneys in both of Europe’s leading IP centres under one roof, saving the need to instruct multiple firms. Acting together, we have seasoned attorneys who have trained in both the civil and common law jurisdictions. As more and more patent law disputes are resolved in the Unified Patent Court (UPC), having access to advice and representation from attorneys in both jurisdictions will be increasingly important.

What languages will the alliance be able to offer?

We recognise that many German inventors and technical experts prefer to manage their IP in German, even when they are proficient in English themselves. By forming an alliance, all clients have access to English and German-speaking attorneys. This could be particularly useful for clients with R&D functions in both English and German speaking centres.

What additional services will GJE clients now have access to?

By forming an alliance with W&H, GJE is now able to offer clients the ability to file German national patents, trade marks, registered designs and utility models.

Will GJE and W&H continue to have offices in London and Munich?

Yes: GJE’s office in London and W&H’s office in Munich will be unaffected. Staff previously based at GJE’s Munich office have moved to W&H’s existing office, a short walk away on Weinstraße.

Which currency will W&H and GJE invoice their services in?

Clients will see no change in billing currency or practices.

Will my GJE point of contact change?

No: both GJE and W&H are retaining all their existing partners and staff, including attorneys and business support. Please continue to liaise with your usual attorney and other points of contact.

What should I do if I have any questions?

Please email or call your usual attorney if you have any questions. Alternatively please email gje@gje.com. Media enquiries should be directed to ben.walker@gje.com.