Pinsent Masons hires leading IP partner duo Kai Rüting and Philipp Widera in Germany

Kai and Philipp join from Vossius & Partner, one of Germany’s leading IP boutique firms. 

Kai is an experienced patent litigator, with a practice focusing on complex patent litigation and IP disputes, with expertise in life sciences, telecommunications and technology-related matters. He advises clients on proceedings before the Unified Patent Court (UPC), German national courts and across multi-jurisdictional patent disputes, acting for both innovators and technology companies on patent enforcement, defence and freedom-to-operate strategies.

Philipp's practice focuses on patent litigation and IP disputes, with particular experience in UPC proceedings and cross-border litigation. He advises international clients across the technology and life sciences sectors on complex patent enforcement and defence strategies, as well as disputes involving standard essential patents and telecommunications technologies.

Co-head of IP at Pinsent Masons, Judith Krens, said: “The UPC has accelerated the need for clients to access coordinated, technically strong patent litigation advice across Europe. Germany is central to that market, and the arrival of Kai and Philipp gives us a significant new capability in one of the most important patent litigation jurisdictions. They will work closely with our global IP team across Europe and beyond, helping clients manage complex cross-border disputes.”

Head of Germany at Pinsent Masons, Dr. Thomas Peschke, said: “Düsseldorf is one of the most important patent litigation markets in Europe, and these appointments mark a significant step in the development of our German practice. Kai and Philipp bring the technical credibility, market experience and entrepreneurial approach to offer clients a strong patent litigation platform in Germany. Their arrival will deepen our Düsseldorf offering and create new opportunities for clients seeking seamless German, European and international IP advice.”

On his appointment, Dr. Kai Rüting, LL.M commented: “Pinsent Masons has a strong international IP platform and a clear ambition to grow its European patent litigation capability. The opportunity to build out the German practice, working alongside the firm’s teams in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin and Frankfurt, is very exciting.”

Philipp Widera, LL.M. added: “The UPC has changed the way clients think about patent litigation in Europe. We look forward to working with Pinsent Masons’ IP team to support clients on complex German and cross-border patent disputes.”