Menold Belzer

Firm overview:

Menold Belzer is the largest one site firm in Germany, with 300 to 400 lawyers in Stuttgart in southern Germany. Menold Belzer is a full service firm Intellectual Property is an integrated part of the firm’s full service offer with due diligence, and other support provided to the corporate law,  commercial rights, IT rights and tax consultancy practices in particular.

The majority of the practice is standalone, trademark registration and trademark monitoring, and the consistent expansion of trademark monitoring (cancellation and opposition proceedings, infringement proceedings). The Client’s describe a group with “deep knowledge” and a “good understanding” of trademarks rooted in “knowing the company”. The firm focuses on upper midsize companies, drawing many of its clients from the local automotive industry, as well as from the vibrant local start up scene, and clients from the north and west of Germany, from Munich and elsewhere.

The team acquired client Quality Group GbmH via the corporate team, home to the brands ESN and More Nutrition. Menold Belzer did the due diligence work on an investment by private equity firm CVC and won a competitive tender to manage a portfolio of 200 trade marks. The firm has an active litigation practice in the field of trademark law and competition law, and has recently expanded its clients within the supplements industry. On international matters the firm leverages its best friends network and on filings the firm works with a trademarks agent.

Team overview:

Dr Mannfred Hammer and Dr Julia Schneider lead a trademarks team of four partners and four other fee earners. Dr Julia Schneider, has a mixed prosecution and litigation practice, and works on trade marks, know-how and trade secrets. Building the trademarks team from joining the firm 16 years ago is a proud achievement.

Key matters:

• Menold Belzer represented Hamburg-based sports nutrition maker, The Quality Group GmbH, in multiple proceedings including partners Dr Julia Schneider and Dr Markus Kleinn opposition.
• Menold Belzer partners Dr. Julia Schneider and Dr. Markus Kleinn provide strategic counselling to long term client GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG, an electronics, measuring, valves and technology company. The work involves the worldwide management, defence, expansion and implementation of trademark and design portfolios. This includes the preparation of legal assessments, conduct of official and legal proceedings, negotiation of contracts, and the filing of trademark applications.
• Menold Belzer partners Dr. Julia Schneider and Dr Makus Klein represent US drinks company Monster Energy Opposition proceedings against several EUTMs.
• Menold Belzer partners Dr Julia Schneider and Dr Markus Kleinn represent GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG, an electronics, metal, chemistry, raw materials and technology company, in opposition proceedings against a conflicting trademark application in the UK. The instruction is a new long-term consulting and litigation mandate for the firm.

Clients:

AGCO GmbH (Fendt Tractors), Celsion Brandschutzsysteme GmbH, Centered Riding Inc., centrotherm international AG, Daniel Husch Vertrieb, Fitmart GmbH & Co. KG, Frutarom Germany GmbH, GEMÜ Gebr. Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG, GRENKE AG, Ingenics AG, Metall und Agrartechnik, Monster Energy Company, The Quality Group GmbH, RODA Licht und Lufttechnik GmbH, SACS Aerospace GmbH, Wiha Werkzeuge GmbH