Bardehle Pagenberg is described by its competitors as one of the most successful mixed firms, with patent attorneys as well as litigators. The firm has particular expertise in the IT sector and continues its focus in this area. In July 2010, it hosted a conference on software patents with delegates from courts, patent offices and industry. Clients in this sector include high-profile names such as Apple, Dell, Samsung and Cisco. Involved in over 100 patent infringement cases a year, the practice has maintained a strong position and remains a respected contender in the IP market. The firm has been involved in a significant case advising High Point in a patent dispute against E-Plus, Ericsson and Nokia Siemens Networks. Bardehle Pagenberg achieved victory for its client in a milestone decision from the German Federal Patent Court in November 2010 to uphold High Point's UMTS standard-essential European patent in Germany. Further infringement and validity proceedings are pending in the Netherlands, US and Japan. The decision of the Court is particularly significant given the Dutch District Court in The Hague had nullified the same European patent in first instance. In line with High Point's argument, the German Federal Patent Court considered the Dutch decision legally flawed. This is thought to increase the chances of High Point's appeal in the Dutch proceedings. Further work involved representing Cisco Systems, a networking and communication technologies company, before the German Federal Supreme Court. Johannes Lang, Jochen Pagenberg and Christof Karl advised the client in connection with patent litigation that had lasted over seven years. Cisco Systems successfully invalidated a European and a German patent filed against it by Teles, a German telecommunications equipment company. A subsequent request to re-open proceedings, on grounds of violation of right to be heard, was rejected by the Federal Supreme Court in July 2010.