In order to be protected by a patent, an invention must meet certain patentability requirements, such as the invention
- must be a technical invention,
- must be novel,
- must involve an inventive step or be non-obvious, respectively,
- must be susceptible of industrial application.

A patent search to establish prior art is therefore an essential part of the patent application process. Our Search and Surveillance Team is staffed by mechanical, chemical and electronic engineers who assist the attorneys by searching relevant databases and libraries.

The legal processes involved in Intellectual Property law related to patents include:
- applying for the patent,
- patent prosecution (negotiating with the patent office before and after a patent
  is granted),
- licensing the patent to third parties, and
- handling infringement of a patent.

We are specialized in German and European patent applications and proceedings.
Otherwise we cooperate worldwide with experienced colleagues working in the IP field.
Our team is built of a long-term co-working attorneys ("Bürogemeinschaft") team.