2024
Chambers and Partners – Global and Europe Rankings 2024
Intellectual Property: Patent Contentious
Band 2 – Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling | More
„Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling is well known for handling contentious patent matters in the telecommunications and technology sectors, including SEP issues. The law firm boasts expertise representing clients in opposition and nullity proceedings before the EPO and German Federal Patent Court. The team also frequently works with attorneys at law to assist clients with complex patent infringement litigation. Advising clients on patent applications further belongs to the law firm’s fields of expertise“.
„The collaboration is extremely professional, efficient and effective. The lawyers always initiate the right measures and implement them efficiently and well.“
„The law firm provides very good responsiveness and we get the information we want very quickly.“
„The team is very strong on the technical side“
Band 1 – Friedrich Emmerling | More
„Friedrich Emmerling demonstrates outstanding expertise representing clients in contentious patent mandates. He frequently represents clients in opposition and nullity proceedings and assists with patent litigation with a focus on the technology and telecommunications sectors.“
“His strengths are his professional competence and very profound experience in litigation.”
“He is really one of the best patent attorneys in Germany. He digs really deeply into the matter and understands what it is about in the end.”
“For me he is the best patent attorney in litigation and nullity actions.”
“Friedrich Emmerling has very good expertise and knowledge. His preparation is very detailed and thorough, and he always goes the extra mile to see what more can be done.”
The Legal 500 – Deutschland
„With a clear focus on contentious proceedings, BRAUN-DULLAEUS PANNEN EMMERLING continues to be one of the top dogs in the field of patent litigation. In addition, the firm scores with substantive focus areas, for example in relation to standard-essential patents in connection with mobile communications, power electronics and connected cars, and complements this with expertise in related trademark and competition law matters. The Düsseldorf and Munich offices advise and represent a client base consisting mainly of globally operating groups. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus regularly advises companies from the telecommunications sector and heads the practice together with Friedrich Emmerling; both have many years of experience in patent law disputes, including opposition and nullity proceedings.“
Leading Individuals:
- Friedrich Emmerling
Recommended Individuals:
- Friedrich Emmerling
- Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus
Further key individuals:
- Franck Klein
- Jörg Kohlschmidt
„In the field of patent litigation, the team provides by far the most complete package of services in the areas of physics, technology and software, resulting in a high success rate in both defence and attack in patent infringement and nullity actions. There are few who work at a similar level.“
„Two aspects stand out: Expertise in patent infringement proceedings and technical depth, e.g. conducting extensive technical experiments to gain knowledge.“
„One of BDPE’s outstanding strengths is its responsiveness. Any concerns are dealt with promptly and competently. BDPE is characterised by its extensive experience, particularly in patent infringement proceedings, which makes the team the ideal partner.“
„Proficiency in all three official languages of the EPO with partners who are native French speakers, which is an asset for a German law firm when dealing with patent matters in French.“
„The firm is setting new standards for Germany in the fields of physics, electrical engineering and electronics as well as mechanical patent disputes.“
Who’s Who Legal – WWL
Thought Leader – Friedrich Emmerling | More
Germany – Patent Agents 2024
Recommended IP – Patent Agents 2024 – Friedrich Emmerling
Recommended IP – Patent Agents & Attorneys 2024 – Friedrich Emmerling
„Friedrich Emmerling is lauded by peers for his “thorough and technical” understanding of complex IP matters emerging from the mobile and telecoms industries.“
2023
JUVE Handbuch 2023/2024
Recommended law firm for patent litigation/patent attorneys (3 Stars) | More
„This IP boutique from Düsseldorf and Munich is one of the most active litigation outfits on the patent attorney side before the German civil courts and EPO. With a strong market position, the team led by Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus and Friedrich Emmerling has an excellent reputation for litigation in complex mobile communications cases.
The firm’s experience in defending clients against SEP claims stands out. Here, the team has seen much activity for Deutsche Telekom before the German courts of late. Also, one new client is Chinese semiconductor manufacturer Goodix, known for touch displays and which the firm is defending against an attack by Wavetouch involving implementation patents.
As Huawei increasingly enforces its own patents for 5G standards and wifi technology, the firm supports its regular client more and more in active suits before the German infringement courts. In cooperation with Clifford Chance, Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling is also playing a part in Huawei’s first UPC suit against Netgear. In other campaigns, Huawei depends on the patent attorneys at its second go-to advisor in Germany, Mitscherlich.
Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling also litigates in other technological fields when the stakes are high, for example the e-cigarette dispute for Philip Morris. There has been a recent rise in patent filing and litigation in renewable energies – for Huawei but also for other companies.
Strengths: Litigation, mainly over mobile communications and electronics patents.
Recommended individuals: Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus (“very sound research, very high rate of success in nullity cases”, client), Friedrich Emmerling (“best patent attorney for SEP prosecution and litigation”, competitor; both patent attorneys)
Patent attorneys with technical specialty: Friedrich Emmerling for digital communication and computer technology | More
The Legal 500 – Germany
“For contentious proceedings, in particular for nullity proceedings or infringement proceedings accompanied by patent attorneys, Maikowski & Ninnemann, BRAUN-DULLAEUS PANNEN EMMERLING, df-mp as well as Bardehle Pagenberg and Cohausz & Florack mentioned above are among the top addresses; Zimmermann & Partner Patentanwälte mbB and Maiwald Intellectual Property also enjoy an excellent reputation in the market.”
„In the fields of physics, electrical engineering and electronics, and mechanical patent litigation, the firm sets new standards for Germany.“
IAM Patent 1000 – The world’s leading patent specialists 2023
Highly recommended firm – Prosecution and Nullity | More
Highly recommended individual: Friedrich Emmerling, recommended individuals: Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dulllaeus and Markus Kreuzberg
„The small but mighty patent attorney boutique Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling is laser focused on supplying the very best support for litigious matters, from infringement through nullity proceedings. The team has an especially sophisticated grasp on SEPs in mobile communications and connected cars. In Munich, practice leader Friedrich Emmerling earns accolades: “Fritz is the best patent attorney you will find in Germany or even the EU. He has a deep technical understanding of telecommunications and abundant litigation experience. He does not limit himself to the tried and true – he is able to think outside of the box to further aid the client. He is supported by an able and sizeable team, dedicated to achieving the patron’s objectives.” The other named partner is Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus in Dusseldorf. Braun-Dullaeus has 20 years’ experience in the patent profession and has devoted 15 of those to perfecting his work in contentious matters. He delivers high-quality German and European prosecution for Deutsche Telekom AG and Hochland SE. Three other top-notch patent attorneys at the firm all bring technical expertise and industry experience to their arsenal. Markus Kreuzberg worked as an engineer in metal processing before moving into the patent profession, while Franck Klein gained invaluable sector specialism in the mobile communications industry and Jörg Kohlschmidt was employed for more than 15 years as a development and systems engineer at mobile phone and semiconductor manufacturers. Klein and Kohlschmidt support Emmerling in his opposition work for Huawei, while Kreuzberg joins Braun-Dullaeus for VVG-Befestigungstechnik GmbH & Co KG and Honsel Umformtechnik GmbH. Klein also dishes up high-value oppositions for Adidas AG.“
“The firm understands the business of the client and is clear and transparent in its communication. Excellent forensic work.”
“They have an excellent understanding of the underlying technology, extensive commitment and great teamwork.”
Who’s Who Legal – WWL
National Leader – Friedrich Emmerling | More
Germany – Patent Agents 2023
„Fritz is recognized as Though Leader“
Handelsblatt
List of the best lawyers for Germany: Intellectual Property | More
Dr. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus
Dr. Friedrich Emmerling
Markus Kreuzberg
Heinrich Georg Pannen
Financial Times
Europe’s leading patent law firms 2023 | More
BDPE is recognized amongst Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2023 for Germany.
2022
IAM Patent 1000 – The world’s leading patent specialists 2022
Highly recommended firm – Prosecution and Nullity | More
Highly recommended individual: Friedrich Emmerling, recommended individuals: Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dulllaeus and Markus Kreuzberg
“BDPE comprises service-oriented patent attorneys who go above and beyond for their clients. The attorneys exhibit the knowledge level of top technical specialists and, through this, light can be shed on weak arguments of the opposite party. The team is always on top of the technology and creative in finding the right legal solution. Its dedication to its work, combined with exceptional resource management clearly distinguishes it from other patent attorney firms in Germany.” Responsible for the above feedback and giving the outfit its name are physicists Friedrich Emmerling and Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus. Emmerling counts Huawei among his many high-profile patrons and receives top plaudits for his work: “He has continually demonstrated not only his impeccable technical expertise, but also his close attention to detail, despite a huge number of cases. He is certainly a pleasure to work with, being not only highly respected among his peers and colleagues, but also with the courts. More importantly, Friedrich can think from the commercial perspective – a unique thing not many outside attorneys are capable of.” Braun-Dullaeus also receives high praise, with clients confirming that he “focuses on understanding business and provides constructive suggestions in difficult situations”. “It has been Karl-Ulrich’s strategic masterpiece to join forces with Friedrich Emmerling. With the joint forces of their respective teams, Fritz and Karl-Ulrich are able to accommodate not only the needs of demanding clients but also handle numerous large litigations in parallel.” Joining the pair in the guide this year is Markus Kreuzberg, who brings experience as an engineer in the metal processing industry to his work prosecuting patents and defending them before the registry offices.” | More
Managing IP EMEA Awards 2022
BDPE was nominated in the following categories for Germany.:
Law Firm for Patent Contentious (Patent & Trademark Attorney Firms)
Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling
Practitioner of the Year (Patent & Trademark Attorney Firms)
Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus
“The Managing IP Awards programme recognises remarkable IP achievements and developments in the last year. Now in its 17th year, the awards cover several intellectual property practice areas and more than 50 jurisdictions.” | More
Chambers and Partners – Global and Europe Rankings 2022
Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution in Germany
Band 4 – Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling | More
- “Braun-Dullaeus continues to demonstrate strength in patent matters, most notably in the technology and telecommunications sectors. The boutique frequently acts on oppositions and PCT applications, further boasting strength in standard-essential patents.”
- “The Braun-Dullaeus team is very friendly, perfectly organised and pleasant to work with,” asserts a client, further noting that “the lawyers always deliver a perfectly reliable and future-oriented result.”
Band 4 – Friedrich Emmerling | More
- This is the fourth year that Friedrich Emmerling has been ranked in the Chambers Global and Europe Guides.
The Legal 500 – Deutschland
TIER 2 LAW FIRM RANKING | More
“BRAUN-DULLAEUS PANNEN EMMERLING has established itself as one of the most active IP boutiques for nullity actions in Germany since its foundation in 2019. From its offices in Munich and Düsseldorf, the firm is also active in infringement litigation and appeal proceedings. In addition to the litigation practice, the firm also offers advice on patent applications and representation in the corresponding office actions. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus (Düsseldorf) and Friedrich Emmerling (Munich) are the group leaders of the firm. Jörg Kohlschmidt (Munich; data protocols and bus systems, high-frequency technology, mobile communications, circuit technology) was appointed salary partner in May 2021.”
Recommended Lawyers:
Friedrich Emmerling
Jörg Kohlschmidt
Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus
Best Lawyers™/Handelsblatt
List of the best lawyers in Germany for intellectual property law | More
Dr. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus
Dr. Friedrich Emmerling
Markus Kreuzberg
Heinrich Georg Pannen
Leaders League – Ranked Firms 2022
Recommended law firm for patent prosecution | More
Recommended Patent Attorneys Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus and Friedrich Emmerling
Financial Times
Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2022 | More
One of 167 leading European patent law firms. Recommended for Electrical Engineering and IT & Software (Bronze).
IAM Global Leaders 2022 – Germany
Dr. Friedrich Emmerling has been named an IAM Global Leader. – More
2021
JUVE Handbuch 2021/2022
Recommended law firm for patent litigation/patent attorneys (3 Stars) | More
“This patent attorney team is one of the most active in patent litigation before the German courts and the EPO. The two name partners Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus and Friedrich Emmerling enjoy excellent names when it comes to mobile communications and electrical engineering patents.
Recent times have seen them working once again for Deutsche Telekom and Huawei in many SEP suits brought by NPEs. Although both mobile communications companies often work with other patent attorney firms, they always choose BDPE for their high-stakes proceedings. The team’s vast experience in SEPs and FRAND aspects was the reason why Continental selected the team to represent it in the connected cars suits as co-litigant for Daimler.
The firm’s litigation experience is now appreciated beyond mobile communications actions, as highlighted in the global e-cigarette dispute for Philip Morris against BAT. Very close relationships with law firms like Hoyng ROKH Monegier help open the door to such work.
The firm sets itself clearly apart from competing patent attorney firms with its strong focus on patent litigation. Even strong competitors like Maikowski & Ninnemann or Cohausz & Florack opt for far more comprehensive prosecution activity. This difference could soon be a thing of the past, however, as BDPE is currently in a transitional phase and is looking to build up more patent prosecution work.” | More
Strengths
Litigation, mainly over mobile communications patents.
Recommended individuals
Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus (“Mr. mobile communications. Renders even the most complex technical matters understandable”, competitor), Friedrich Emmerling (“very successful because he really digs down deep into the subject matter”, competitor)
IAM Patent 1000 – The world’s leading patent specialists 2021
Recommended Firm – Prosecution and Nullity | More
Recommended Individuals: Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dulllaeus and Friedrich Emmerling
“Commercially focused boutique Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling arrives in the IAM Patent 1000 this year on a wave of client commendations: “Its advice is clear, well thought out and applicable across multiple jurisdictions; and the team is detail oriented, sensible and shows great judgement.” With legal and technical expertise in abundance, it has made annulment actions something of a specialty: it is currently involved in 5% of all such pending proceedings in Germany. In the spotlight is physicist Friedrich Emmerling, who has been appearing in oppositions and drafting applications for Huawei, while also representing adidas at the EPO. “Friedrich’s attention to detail is immaculate and he recalls all of the issues straight away, so you can discuss any point with him instantly. He is one of the best German patent attorneys out there and has a good feel for what will work before the courts.” Fellow namesake and physicist Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus is “an impressive analyst” with “broad knowledge of SEP procedure” and the ability to handle a challenging number of cases inparallel.” | More
Chambers and Partners – Global und Europa Rankings 2021
Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution in Germany
Band 4 – Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling | More
- Increasingly active boutique, entering the rankings due to its strength in patent matters, most notably in the technology and telecommunications sectors. Frequently acts on oppositions and disputes relating to FRAND. Further boasts strength in standard-essential patents.
- Sources repeatedly point to the firm’s technical understanding, with one saying that they possess “great knowledge and understanding of cellular technologies and great resources management despite a huge number of cases.”
- Another interviewee adds: “The patent attorneys are all highly experienced and drive their work while being practical and efficient.”
Band 4 – Friedrich Emmerling | More
- According to his clients, Friedrich Emmerling provides “great coordination of huge lawsuits and resources as well as profound legal and technical knowledge.” He regularly advises clients from the telecommunications sector on various patent matters including FRAND disputes.
Legal 500 Germany
TIER 3 LAW FIRM RANKING | More
“Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling, a boutique law firm founded at the beginning of 2019, stands out for its particularly brisk activity in nullity proceedings. The firm got off to a good start, representing large German companies as well as several major international corporations. It is particularly known for its representation of Huawei. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus in Düsseldorf and Friedrich Emmerling in Munich head the practice and, in addition to drafting patent applications, are particularly active in patent litigation. Matthias Erdmann, who joined from Betten & Resch, also joined the practice in July 2019 and brings further litigation experience.”
Recommended:
Friedrich Emmerling
Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus
Matthias Erdmann
Other key lawyer(s):
Markus Kreuzberg
Ju Min Kim
Who’s Who Legal – WWL
National Leader – Friedrich Emmerling | More
Germany – Patent Agents 2021
Friedrich Emmerling with Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling is “a true patent litigation expert” with “the knowledge level of a top technical specialist”. His “ability to shed light on the weak arguments of opposing parties” is further applauded.
Best Lawyers™/Handelsblatt
List of the best lawyers in Germany for intellectual property law
- Dr. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus
- Dr. Friedrich Emmerling
- Markus Kreuzberg
- Heinrich Georg Pannen
Wirtschaftswoche (Business Weekly)
Top Law Firms 2021 – Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling
Top Attorneys 2021 – The most renowned patent attorneys – Dr. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus and Dr. Friedrich Emmerling. | More
Financial Times
Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2021 | More
One of 168 leading European patent law firms. Recommended for IT & Software (Bronze).
IAM Global Leaders 2021 – Germany
Dr. Friedrich Emmerling was ranked as one of IAM’s “Global Leaders.” | More
2020
JUVE Handbuch 2020/2021
Recommended law firm for patent litigation/patent attorneys (3 Stars) | More
“This patent attorney team has only been operating in this setup for two years and is already one of the most active in patent litigation before German courts, especially when it comes to mobile communications and electrical engineering patents. The two name-partners Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus and Friedrich Emmerling enjoy an excellent reputation in this field, partly for their litigation for two companies often taken to court by NPEs: Deutsche Telekom and Huawei. Both mobile communications giants, however, also work with other patent attorney firms. Nonetheless, Emmerling’s work in a dispute involving photovoltaic patents demonstrates just how firmly he sits in the saddle for Huawei. Thanks to its vast litigation experience involving standard essential patents, Continental, one of the central interveners for Daimler, has also hired the firm for the dispute with Nokia and Conversant over connected cars patents. Huawei was also represented as intervener in this dispute. The firm can be seen in a central battle in another sector, too: Braun-Dullaeus represented Philip Morris along with Hoyng ROKH Monegier in a global series of suits by BAT over e-cigarettes. A strong focus on patent litigation is what sets the firm clearly apart from competing patent attorney firms. Even fierce competitors such as Maikowski & Ninnemann or Cohausz & Florak are reliant on more extensive prosecution practices.“
Recommended individuals: Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus, Friedrich Emmerling (“his creative thinking fits in perfectly with our patent strategy”, client)
Patent attorneys with technical specialty: Friedrich Emmerling for digital communication and computer technology | More
Chambers and Partners – Global and Europe Rankings 2020
Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution in Germany
Band 4 – Friedrich Emmerling | More
Friedrich Emmerling advances in the rankings this year in recognition of his growing market reputation. Emmerling frequently handles patent infringement and validity proceedings in the telecommunication sector. Sources say: “He is a sharp and clever guy. He looks at the technology and really cuts to the chase.”
Managing Intellectual Property IP STARS
IP-Star 2020 | More
Dr. Friedrich Emmerling of Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling has been included in as an Patent Star in the 2020 edition of IP STARS.
IAM Patent 1000 – The world’s leading patent specialists 2020
Highly recommended individual for prosecution and nullity: Dr. Friedrich Emmerling | More
Telecoms corporations have Friedrich Emmerling on speed dial for his cross-jurisdictional SEP expertise: “He is very knowledgeable, legally and technically, and is also a charming and warm man, who is a pleasure to deal with and speak to.” – IAM Patent 1000 Handbuch 2020
IAM Strategy 300
The World’s Leading IP Strategists | More
IAM says, “Friedrich Emmerling practices patent litigation from solid foundations in research, corporate management and patent prosecution. He assembles excellent teams and provides an above-and-beyond service. He’s an ace on cases relating to standard-essential patents.”
Best Lawyers™/Handelsblatt
List of the best lawyers in Germany for intellectual property law
- Dr. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus
- Dr. Friedrich Emmerling
- Markus Kreuzberg
- Heinrich Georg Pannen
Global Law Experts
Exclusively recommended lawyer for patent litigation in Germany – Dr. Friedrich Emmerling
Exclusively recommended law firm for patent litigation in Germany – Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling | More
Finance Monthly Legal Awards 2020
Patent Law Attorney of the Year in Germany – Dr. Friedrich Emmerling | More
Wirtschaftswoche (Business Weekly)
Top Law Firms 2020 – Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling
Top Attorneys 2020 – The most renowned patent attorneys – Dr. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus and Dr. Friedrich Emmerling. | More
Financial Times
Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2020 | More
One of 160 leading European patent law firms in 2020. Recommended for electrical engineering (Level 3, Bronze).
IAM Global Leaders 2020 – Germany
Dr. Friedrich Emmerling was ranked as one of IAM’s “Global Leaders.” | More
2019
JUVE Handbuch
Recommended law firm for patent litigation & patent attorneys 2019/2020 | More
“The most impressive event of the past year was the amalgamation of patent attorneys Dr. Karl-Ulrich Braun-Dullaeus (until then in his own law firm) and Dr. Friedrich Emmerling (previously by Prüfer & Partner) at the end of 2018. The new law firm Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling advises Huawei and Deutsche Telekom, two of the companies most frequently sued by patent exploiters in Germany. In contrast to other patent law firms, they have a clear focus on litigation.“ | More
Chambers and Partners
Europe 2019
Friedrich Emmerling of Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling represents technology and telecommunications sector clients in patent law disputes and infringement proceedings. Clients say: “His advantage lies in his experience. He knows what the judge will accept and makes sure that the court takes in the arguments. That is high class that I haven’t seen with other patent attorneys.“
Managing Intellectual Property IP STARS
IP-Star Patents 2019 | More
“Dr. Friedrich Emmerling of Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling has been included in as an IP Star in the 2019 edition of IP STARS.”
IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals
Recommended Individual 2019
The “charming and warm” Friedrich Emmerling, newly of Braun-Dullaeus Pannen Emmerling, garners a truly remarkable amount of praise for his infringement and nullity prowess in the electronics and telecommunications fields. “He is one of the most brilliant colleagues I have ever met, and the go-to practitioner in Germany in his field. His accuracy and precision are exemplary, remarkable. He really is an exceptional phenomenon among German patent attorneys – respected by colleagues and judges across the land.”
Friedrich Emmerling is “highly recommended” in the category “Individuals: prosecution and nullity.”
IAM Strategy 300
Recommended Individual 2019 | More
“Friedrich Emmerling is masterful in his handling of technically complex patent litigations and a leading expert on standard essential patents. Highly commercial and strategic, and well-connected internationally, he is a discerning choice for innovators in the software, communications and semiconductor fields.”
Financial Times
Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2019 | More
One of 142 Europe’s leading patent law firms of 2019.