Acquisition of law firm Jungblut & Seuss

Gulde & Partner expands through integration of Jungblut & Seuss

In a significant move for Gulde & Partner, the firm has acquired the renowned law firm Jungblut & Seuss which is based in Berlin Tegel. Following the merger, the firm now has more than 35 attorneys, including 8 partners. The two highly qualified patent attorneys Dipl.-Chem. Dr. rer. nat. Bernhard Jungblut and Dipl.-Chem. Dr. rer. nat. Thomas D. Seuss have impressive scientific backgrounds.

After studying chemistry, both lawyers worked mainly in the fields of medical technology, cosmetics/dermatology, special construction technology and biochemistry/biotechnology. Their clients include small and medium-sized companies, some of which are world leaders in specialised segments. Their expertise and experience are a valuable addition to the Gulde & Partner team, and the decision to merge is not only an expansion of the legal network or client base, but also the beginning of a promising collaboration. Gulde & Partner is looking forward to a successful year together with Jungblut & Seuss and to further strengthen its market position in intellectual property law with increased resources and expertise, especially for the branch of chemistry.

Niklas Mellmann becomes new partner

Gulde & Partner expands partnership with Niklas Mellmann

There is exciting news in the ongoing development of Gulde & Partner: Niklas Mellmann, an experienced patent attorney who has been with Gulde & Partner since 2017, joined the firm as a new partner as of 1 January 2024.

As a graduate engineer in information technology, Mr Mellmann has a strong technical background in IT-related solutions, particularly in the field of image signal processing and communication technology. As a dedicated expert, he works across the entire spectrum of intellectual property law, including patent prosecution, opposition proceedings and patent analysis. In the course of his work as a patent attorney, he has also been involved in exciting infringement proceedings and parallel nullity proceedings before the German Federal Patent Court.

In March 2023, Mr Mellmann opened a branch of Gulde & Partner in Düsseldorf, not only to be closer to the local chambers of the Unified Patent Court and the important regional and higher regional courts in the city, but also to be able to serve clients based in North RhineWestphalia, Germany's most densely populated state.

With him joining as a partner, the firm now has eight experienced partners who combine their extensive expertise and individual strengths to best serve the diverse needs of their clients. Gulde & Partner is convinced that the Düsseldorf office will benefit from the appointment of Niklas Mellmann as partner and looks forward to a continued successful cooperation.

Fee increases at the European Patent Office

The EPO has once again decided to increase its official fees as of 1 April 2024

There will be an average increase of around 4% for the most common official fees. The most substantial increase, however, will affect the early renewal fees. However, it is possible to pay renewal fees up to three months in advance of the due date. Therefore, applicants may consider a payment for annuities falling due up to 30 June 2024 before 1 April 2024 in order to take advantage of the current fees.

We will be happy to support you in optimising your filing strategy in terms of costs. Please contact us for any questions.