Gleiss Lutz is led by Stefan Völker, who is head of IP and specialises in trade marks. Another key figure at the firm is Thomas Bopp who specialises in patent litigation. Bopp is well regarded by peers, with one commenting: "Thomas is one of their good guys. He is experienced and really knows what he is doing." The firm continues to operate as a firm of IP lawyers in formal alliance with Herbert Smith and has been active in a range of sectors over the past 12 months. Acting on behalf of Sharp, Bopp and Matthias Sonntag represented the client in three infringement proceedings regarding mobile phone standards. In other work, Bopp and Henrik Holzapfel acted on behalf of KBA-GIORI in proceedings against TEMA and Mühlbauer in connection with software for bank verification systems. Work involved two inspection proceedings, two infringement actions and two nullity actions. Andreas Wehlau represented Stomix in relation to the cancellation of a large number of trade marks as well as cross-action to force the party in question to cease using the trade mark Stomix in Germany. The case involved parallel opposition proceedings in various countries including the US, Chile and UK. The work involved negotiations of a global differentiation and coexistence agreement.