Dr. Stefan Schohe
Diplom-Physiker
Patent Attorney | European Patent and Trademark Attorney | Registered Representative before the Unified Patent Court
Research degree (Diplom) in physics 1987 | Doctorate in physics 1992 | Patent attorney 1995 | Professional representative before the EPO 1996 | Admitted to representation before the UPC 2023 | Partner of a leading intellectual property law firm 2000 to 2023
Short bio
I have studied physics and wrote my doctoral thesis on a computer-based research project in theoretical solid-state physics. I have been working in the field of intellectual property since 1992, being a patent attorney since 1995. For more than twenty years I have been a partner in one of the leading German intellectual property law firms before I founded the law firm SCHOHE.
Technical fields
During my career as a patent attorney, I have worked in a wide variety of technical fields, including medical technology, lighting technology, semiconductor technology, logistics and, time and again, information technology. My background as a physicist allows me to quickly familiarize myself with new technologies, identify problems and establish solutions.
Prosecution
Advising my clients on inventions and representing them before the patent offices is part of my core business. Due to my longtime practice, even with unfamiliar technologies I can quickly get an idea of what is important. Drafting and prosecuting an application, I attach importance to the communication with the client in order not to lose touch with the technical and economic reality. Representing my clients, I try to convince the examiners and reach consensus on allowable subject matter. In case this is not successful, I will also enter a controversial debate, if this is in the client’s interest.
Litigation
My business as a patent attorney is not limited to obtaining patents for my clients. I also advise and represent my clients when it comes to enforcing their patents and defending them against attacks out of patents. I have been involved in major international patent disputes and resolved many disputes out of court. To this end, I take advantage of my mediation training at the former Centrum für Mediation und Verhandlungsführung (Center for Mediation and Negotiation (CVM)).
Legal issues
Patent practice also means practice of law. The legal aspect of patent law is just as important to me as the technical part of it. I also occupy myself with legal issues outside the scope of my professional activities and have authored several legal publications. I am also involved in the publications of others in my capacity as a member of the editorial board of the journal “Mitteilungen der deutschen Patentanwälte”.
International activities
My business is international. I have a worldwide network of colleagues and specialists at my disposal that I can call on if necessary. I am involved in international organizations such as LES, AIPPI and FICPI, in some of which I serve or have served in a leading capacity. I am, for example, Past Chair of the High Tech Committee of LESI and member of AIPPI’s Standing Committee for IT and Internet.