contentious IP specialist Reimann Osterrieth Köhler Haft is known for its outstanding patent litigators. One particularly notable partner is Klaus Haft. Unusually for a lawyer, name partner Haft has a technical background (as a qualified physicist) which clients say "helps him have very good understanding of the technology" and makes "his arguments more convincing". Competitors are equally impressed: "He's technically brilliant and he does a very good job in court: he comes across in a very compelling manner," says one. Fellow name partners and co-founders Thomas Reimann and Christian Osterrieth, are also widely praised.
The firm's 19 lawyers are based in Düsseldorf, but also have an office in Mannheim to work from when a case necessitates it. It has a strong international client base which includes important names from the telecommunication, electronics and pharmaceutical industries.
Clients and competitors agree the firm is "one of the top three litigation boutiques in Germany". A Clifford Chance spin-off, one client says it retains the "expertise you would expect from a magic circle firm" while offering the "more personal approach" that comes with smaller operations. Another client remarks: "It is really an excellent firm. It is highly experienced and has a great team. It has six partners and a very good mix of generations."