9 JULY 2025
London/Düsseldorf: European Intellectual Property law firm Powell Gilbert has announced the appointment of a new partner and the launch of an office in Düsseldorf to add to the firm’s existing bases in London and Dublin. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in the growth of Powell Gilbert’s European patent litigation capabilities and provides a significant boost to its award-winning UPC practice.
The new Düsseldorf office is expected to open in September and will be anchored by an eminent team, led by renowned German patent litigator Dr Andreas Kramer. Dr Kramer brings a wealth of experience in high-profile cross-border patent disputes, including in the fields of electronics and telecommunications, particularly in SEP/FRAND disputes, as well as mechanics, life sciences and medical devices. He is joined by an outstanding team which includes Hannes Obex, Of Counsel, and Andreas Ditler, Associate. They have represented clients in many leading UPC cases, including before various German and other local divisions of the UPC and the UPC Court of Appeal, as well as acting in disputes before all levels of the German courts, and the EPO. They join the firm from VOSSIUS, where Dr Kramer has been a partner since 2018.
The team’s arrival will further strengthen Powell Gilbert’s European IP litigation practice, and expand its award-winning UPC team, which is one of the most active of any firm in Europe. Through their office in Dublin, the firm has acted in more than 40 UPC cases in the Court’s first two years, appearing before nine different local, regional, and central divisions, and the Court of Appeal. Dr Kramer and his team bring synergies to the development of the Powell Gilbert UPC practice, which will operate in integrated teams across all technical areas, and divisions, of the UPC.
The new Düsseldorf office will also provide an additional base within Europe from which the firm will conduct cross-border patent litigation coordination – with Dr Kramer’s team adding further expertise in advising major international corporations bringing proceedings across multiple jurisdictions.
Dr Penny Gilbert, partner at Powell Gilbert LLP, commented:
“This is a landmark moment for Powell Gilbert. Dr. Kramer and his colleagues have an exceptional reputation that is grounded in first class technical and scientific knowledge, combined with extensive experience. Germany is one of the most active patent jurisdictions in the world, and Düsseldorf lies at its core. It is a natural choice for our first office in continental Europe, bolstering our presence across the UPC landscape and expanding our capacity to support clients in a key jurisdiction..”
Alex Wilson, partner at Powell Gilbert LLP, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Andreas and team to PG and excited to grow our UPC practice. Their arrival perfectly aligns with our strategy to deliver high-calibre patent litigation services across Europe, including across all divisions of the UPC, drawing on local jurisdictional knowledge and strong ties with local counsel.
Andreas is a great fit for us – he has handled some of the most important UPC cases in the SEP field before German local divisions complementing the fantastic start we have had across the UPC divisions. He is an internationalist who also brings a deep understanding of this key jurisdiction. It will be great to have him on board.
Dr. Andreas Kramer commented:
“Powell Gilbert has had a major impact on the European IP market, frequently advising clients in European patent litigation strategies and co-ordinating litigation across multiple European jurisdictions. The firm has been very successful with its UPC practice to date, which is built on a comprehensive understanding of the strategic and technical dimensions of patent litigation. My team and I are very excited to bring our experience to the firm’s newly established Düsseldorf office, creating an exciting platform to deliver one of the most compelling patent litigation offerings in the UK, Germany and across the UPC area.”
