Hammonds considers patent services tie-up as partners exit
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Hammonds is in talks with German firm Gulde Hengelhaupt Ziebig & Schneider about setting up a patent prosecution referral relationship following the departure of two partners from the UK firm’s Munich office.
Eversheds has hired Hammonds Munich office head Herbert Kunz, a patent prosecution partner, and partner Michael Schneider to launch a patent services and prosecution practice in Germany.
Hammonds, which is now left with just two associates in patent prosecution in Munich, is in talks with Gulde Hengelhaupt regarding a tie-up that could see the firm farm out all patent prosecution work to the German firm.
Eversheds has hoped to establish a dedicated patent services and prosecution practice group for some time.
Eversheds head of international Stephen Hopkins said: “It’s in response to real demand from our US, European and Far East clients and complements our international corporate, HR and litigation practices.”
A Hammonds spokesman confirmed Kunz and Schneider have resigned.
