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IP · Trademarks · Patents · Designs

Intellectual property lawyers in Hannover, Germany

Trademarks, patents, designs, trade secrets and fair competition: attorneys and patent attorneys under one roof – for filing, defending and enforcing your IP in Germany and Europe.

Intellectual Property · Hannover, Germany

Protecting intellectual property – from filing to litigation

Intellectual property is the core of our firm. Several of our lawyers are certified specialists in IP law (Fachanwalt für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz), and together with our German patent attorneys we cover the full spectrum: trademarks, patents, utility models, designs, plant variety rights, trade secrets and unfair competition law.

We file IP rights with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA), the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the European Patent Office (EPO) and internationally via WIPO. If your rights are infringed in Germany, we send warning letters, obtain preliminary injunctions and litigate before the specialised chambers of the German courts and the Unified Patent Court.

For foreign companies, we are a reliable local partner for enforcement in Germany – including at trade fairs in Hannover.

Certificates in the corridor of the horak law firm
Services

Our IP services

TrademarksClearance searches, filings, watch services, oppositions and enforcement in Germany, the EU and worldwide.
Patents and utility modelsGerman and European filings, freedom-to-operate, oppositions, nullity and infringement actions.
Designs and product imitationRegistered and unregistered designs and supplementary protection under unfair competition law.
Unfair competitionMisleading advertising, comparative advertising, warning letters and preliminary injunctions.
Trade secrets and employee inventionsProtection concepts under the German Trade Secrets Act and the Employee Inventions Act.
LicensingPatent, trademark, design and know-how licences, coexistence and delimitation agreements.
Case examples

Typical cases from our practice

What mandates in this area often look like – from the first call to the solution.

Case 1

Copycat product at a trade fair

Situation: A manufacturer discovers a nearly identical copy of its patented and registered product at a trade fair in Hannover.

Our approach: We secure evidence at the fair, assess patent and design infringement together with our patent attorneys and apply for a preliminary injunction to stop further sales.

Case 2

Opposition against a new trademark

Situation: A start-up has filed its trademark. Shortly after publication, the owner of a similar older mark files an opposition.

Our approach: We assess the likelihood of confusion and genuine use of the earlier mark, defend the application and negotiate a coexistence agreement in parallel.

Case 3

Warning letter from a competitor

Situation: An online retailer receives a German cease-and-desist letter over an allegedly misleading advertising claim, with a one-week deadline.

Our approach: We check the claim, standing and costs and either draft a modified cease-and-desist declaration or reject the demand.

Note: These examples are anonymised, typical scenarios. They do not describe specific mandates and do not promise any outcome – every case is assessed individually.

How we work

Four steps to a solution

Get in touchBy phone, email or video call. Please mention any deadlines right away.
Initial assessmentWe review your documents, clarify goals and risks and tell you openly what is realistic.
Strategy & feesYou receive a clear plan and a transparent fee structure – statutory fees or agreed rates.
ExecutionWe negotiate, draft, file or represent you before authorities and courts throughout Germany.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an attorney and a patent attorney in Germany?

German patent attorneys hold a degree in science or engineering and specialise in filing and prosecuting IP rights. Attorneys (Rechtsanwälte) represent clients before the civil courts and draft contracts. We offer both under one roof.

How quickly must I respond to a German warning letter?

Within the deadline set, which is often only a few days. Do not sign a cease-and-desist declaration without review – it is binding indefinitely and backed by a contractual penalty.

How long does a German trademark registration take?

With complete documents and no objections, registration often takes a few months; accelerated examination is available. A three-month opposition period follows publication.

Contact

Your lawyer for Intellectual Property in Germany

Tell us about your matter. We usually reply within one business day – faster where deadlines apply.

horak Rechtsanwälte · Fachanwälte · Patentanwälte
Georgstrasse 48 · 30159 Hannover · Germany
Phone +49 511 35 73 56-0
Email hannover@fachanwalt-hannover.com
Mon–Thu 8:00–17:30 · Fri 8:00–17:00 (CET) · Video meetings available