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Legal 500 Rankings Germany 2024

Insurance litigation

bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten focuses on D&O and E&O liability law and disputes pertaining to professional liability. The firm primarily represents coverage matters for insurers as well as complex recourse cases, where Stefan Bank regularly takes the lead; he jointly heads the team with Dirk Schmitz, who represents auditors, tax consultants, lawyers, notaries and corporate bodies in liability cases; he is additionally well versed in corporate and tax law matters. This interface is handled by Daniel Al-Hami, who also focuses on notarial recourse. The team is also regularly appointed as coverage and monitoring counsel.

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘At Bock Legal one always gets a competent and detailed answer. The law firm represents us in liability and coverage issues and always provides a sufficient picture so that we can find the best possible path together with the policyholders. The individual lawyers work together reliably and profitably for us.’

‘Daniel Al-Hami still has a solution for individual cases when the normal route seems hopeless. Very hard to coordinate with us; fast, reliable, good pleadings and fair.’

‘Stefan Bank: Very reliable, competent, always available and with a comprehensible solution, even in very complex cases.’

‘Dirk Schmitz: Friendly, competent, easy to reach and always with arguments even outside the standard solution. Very committed and fair in dealings.’

‘Highly specialized law firm at the interface between insurance law and commercial law; Strong communication skills, to put complex issues into understandable words and to convey an understanding of the factual and legal situation to people with no legal training.’

‘Extremely legally experienced in handling complex matters, mass proceedings and special matters (e.g. by Stefan Bank in tax and insolvency law).’

‘Dirk Schmitz is professionally excellent, very easy to contact and personally pleasant.’

Work highlights

Liability representation of the former CFO of Wirecard AG and Wirecard Bank AG against numerous investors, the insolvency administrator and the litigator Wirecard AG in the context of actions for a declaration of invalidity.
Representation of the alleged initiators of the Cum-Ex models due to allegedly incorrect reports against Caceis Bank.
Monitoring counsel for Allianz Versicherungs-AG in claims against numerous municipalities following the insolvency of a bank.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Bank; Dirk Schmitz

Other key lawyers:

Daniel Al-Hami

Legal 500 Rankings Germany 2024

Design law: TIER 1

Trade marks: TIER 3

bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten focuses on contentious IP proceedings and has a renowned design law practice, although it also handles portfolio management; its trade mark practice receives instructions both nationally and internationally. The team is led by experienced litigator and founding partner Andreas Bock and assists German medium-sized companies and large international corporations, particularly from the fashion and luxury goods industry. Jan Müller-Broich impresses with expertise in trade mark and design law matters and recently acted in disputes before the EUIPO. Advising on unconventional trade marks is a focus for Benedikt Frank, who made partner in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Bock

Other key lawyers:

Jan Müller-Broich; Reinhard Döring; Michael Fügen; Benedikt Frank; Daniela Burghardt

Testimonials

‘Special knowledge in colour trade marks. In-depth knowledge of intellectual property protection, highest quality of advice and matter handling.’

‘Innovative and creative in their legal advice, yet pragmatic for an industrial company.’

‘Andreas Bock manages to quickly understand complicated factual and legal issues and to offer practice-oriented legal advice within a very short time. He always keeps the client’s economic interests in mind. He is also a good negotiator, both in and out of court.’

‘With Benedikt Frank you always receive excellent advice. He analyses facts and arguments in a very short time. He is very familiar with the latest case law on intellectual property protection and knows how to apply it skilfully.’

‘The law firm has a high level of professional expertise. If you have urgent concerns, you can rely on them being dealt with at short notice.’

‘Jan Müller-Broich is a very experienced lawyer and a very pleasant sparring partner who doesn’t let himself be disturbed, but knows how to get to the heart of the legal situation calmly and precisely.’

‘High degree of pragmatism combined with excellent quality legal solutions. Very good forensics, quick reaction and good office organisation.’

Work highlights

Representing a connection technology company in several proceedings, including several urgent trade fair matters (interim injunction proceedings) in connection with community designs and 3D trade marks.
Annual representation of Vodafone in dozens of UWG proceedings (active and passive), most recently in connection with advertising statements about the expansion and quality of the 5G network before the Hamburg Higher Regional Court.
Strategic advice and procedural representation of a cleaning equipment manufacturer in various trade mark disputes.

Unfair Competition

Unfair Competition: TIER 2

With a focus on litigation, bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten represents numerous high-profile clients, particularly in the telecommunications sector, against competitors as well as consumer and competition associations. The group is also considered an experienced advisor for the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industries, while its advice further covers related areas such as trade mark and design law. Practice head Andreas Bock includes pharmaceutical advertising and unfair competition among his areas of expertise, but also assists with patents and trade marks. Benedikt Frank, who made partner in January 2023, frequently advises on advertising appearances and campaigns, while Reinhard Döring counts several market-leading telecommunications providers among his clients..

Practice head(s):

Andreas Bock

Other key lawyers:

Jan Müller-Broich; Reinhard Döring; Benedikt Frank

Work highlights

Representation of Vodafone in numerous UWG proceedings (active and passive), most recently including successful representation in connection with advertising statements about the expansion and quality of the 5G network before the Hamburg Higher Regional Court.

JUVE Handbook of Commercial Law Firms 2024/25

Insurance law: litigation and contractual advice ★★★☆☆

Valuation

The firm has established itself very successfully with its focus on D&O and advisor’s liability. Bank and Schmitz are among the most renowned experts in the market in these specialised areas, so that renowned law firms, tax advisors as well as auditors have repeatedly called on their services. For further growth, however, the firm is dependent on attracting and training young talent. This is all the more important as insolvency figures are rising again and the lawyers have built up an excellent reputation, particularly at the interface with insolvency law. Also, frequent and fierce disputes over directors’ and officers’ liability follow waves of bankruptcies.

Strengths: Professional liability and D&O liability.

Often recommended:

Stefan Bank (“absolute expert, very well versed in insurance and tax issues; extremely pleasant cooperation”, client; “impressive number of proceedings in the area of insolvency administrator liability and D&O”, competitor), Dr Dirk Schmitz (“in-depth detailed knowledge of liability law”, client; “competent, calm, experienced”, “professional, good negotiator”, client. “Excellent, good negotiator”, competitor).

Main areas of specialisation:

Litigation and advice on D&O and advisor’s liability, often in connection with insolvencies or after failed transactions. Regularly acts for insurers in recourse and liability defence (in particular auditors, lawyers, insolvency administrators, notaries, also directors and officers of banks and financial service providers).

Juve Handbook for Commercial Law Firms 2024/2025

Trade mark and design law★★★★☆

Unfair competition law★★★★☆

Rating:

In trade mark, unfair competition and design law, the partners have enjoyed an excellent reputation as litigators for many years. Their experience, e.g. in product piracy cases, is regularly sought after by many long-standing clients from the luxury and telecommunications sectors as well as SMEs. For instance, Vodafone is represented by Döring with high frequency in unfair competition proceedings in the telecommunications sector and has thus built up expertise that few other IP units can match. The fact that BL (bock legal) is now also increasingly advising Vodafone on trade mark law reflects the strong client loyalty. The practice also demonstrates its expertise in trademark law in various fundamental proceedings, including on the subject of colour trademarks. In addition, the good connections to patent attorneys outside the firm also regularly result in new clients in soft IP. In terms of personnel, the practice is excellently positioned at partner level and was thus able to absorb the retirement of Fügen. However, the associate level remains thinly staffed.

Strengths:

Litigation, product piracy. Support for luxury goods manufacturers, design law.

Often recommended:

Dr Andreas Bock, Dr Jan D. Müller-Broich, Dr Reinhard Döring (“trusting cooperation, always very satisfied”, client; “always good professionally”, competitor), (“overall excellent law firm”, client)

Main areas of specialisation:

Frequently encomp. advice on trade mark, design and unfair competition law, often at the interface with copyright law. Mainly litigation work, but also formal trade mark law. Also patent law.

World Trademark Review 2024

Over two decades, bock legal has cemented its position as one of Frankfurt’s premier boutiques. “A strong firm which knows what it’s doing”, it regularly features in some of the most complex IP and unfair competition disputes on the market on behalf of many household names; while its savvy strategic advice is also highly prized. Daniela Burghardt and Jan Mueller-Broich are two of the top performers at the practice. Burghardt offers refined international portfolio management and efficient trademark registration services, which come underpinned by support from a solid network of global associates. As well as his strategic work, Mueller-Broich is a familiar face before the courts. Giving the set its name is another star litigator, Andreas Bock: “Andreas is detail oriented but pragmatic, and always has an eye for the big picture. He will not sugar-coat your chances, but will tell you the risks and rate them. His legal documents, in and out of court, are impeccable. He puts all of his energy and effort behind your case and is available for meetings, even on short notice. He understands corporate and legal aspects and goes the extra mile to search for every last argument to give your case a chance at winning. He is also creative in his thinking and not afraid to work in legally unclear terrain.”

Leaders League 2023

Dispute Resolution: INSURANCE LAW

Excellent

Germany – Best Law Firms for Insurance Law – 2023

Dirk Schmitz | Stefan Bank

TRADEMARK LITIGATION

Excellent

Germany – Best Law Firms for Trademark Litigation – 2023

Andreas Bock | Jan D. Müller-Broich

PATENT LITIGATION

Recommended

Germany – Best Law Firms for Patent Litigation – 2023

Andreas Bock | Reinhard Döring

The Legal 500 EMEA 2023

Insurance Litigation

bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten specialises in D&O and E&O liability law as well as contentious matters pertaining to professional liability, where the firm advises numerous leading insurers. The team is also regularly appointed as coverage and monitoring counsel and represents companies in connection with fidelity damages and M&A insurance. Practice head Stefan Bank has extensive experience in liability and recourse law and jointly heads the team with Dirk Schmitz, who frequently represents auditors, tax consultants, lawyers, notaries and governance bodies in liability cases. The interface between liability law and corporate and tax law is covered by Daniel Al-Hami; he also assists with notarial recourse.

Practice head(s):
Stefan Bank; Dirk Schmitz

Other key lawyers:
Daniel Al-Hami; Silke Rohnfelder

Testimonials

‘Stefan Bank is a reliable and strong cooperation partner in liability and coverage issues.’

‘Stefan Bank is reliable, accurate and very meticulous in his work. We really appreciate his pleasant manner.’

‘Stefan Bank impresses with outstanding expertise in insurance and corporate law. The analyzes are precise and well-founded.‘

Work highlights

Legal representation of the former Chief Financial Officer of Wirecard AG and Wirecard Bank AG against a large number of investors.
Representing the alleged initiators of the Cum-Ex models against Caceis Bank for allegedly incorrect expert opinions.
Monitoring Counsel of Greensill Bank AG, among other things, with regard to liability claims by numerous municipalities after the insolvency of a bank.

JUVE HANDBOOK FOR COMMERCIAL LAW FIRMS 2023/2024

Trade mark and design law ★★★★☆

Competition law ★★★★☆

Rating

The IP partners at this Frankfurt firm are among the trade mark, design and unfair competition lawyers in Germany who are highly regarded for their extensive expertise and many years of experience in litigation. “All top IP lawyers, a reliable force in the market,” praises a competitor. In addition to numerous luxury goods manufacturers such as Tod’s or Gucci (particularly with regard to product piracy), clients in trademark law also include many large German medium-sized companies, which the team often assists with complex issues such as colour trademark protection. Döring in particular has also built up a great deal of experience and industry expertise in unfair competition litigation in the telecommunications sector through his intensive work for regular client Vodafone. The sought-after practice recently increased its personnel strength at partner level through an internal appointment, but is growing rather slowly with associates.

Strengths

Litigation, product piracy. Advising luxury goods manufacturers, design law.

Often recommended

Dr Andreas Bock (“professional and solution-oriented”, competitor), Dr Jan Müller-Broich (“fights hard but fair”, “comprehensive knowledge in soft IP, experienced and good price-performance ratio”, competitor), Dr Reinhard Döring (“focused, committed and solution-oriented”, “very good and collegial unfair competition lawyer”, competitor), Michael Fügen.

JUVE HANDBOOK FOR COMMERCIAL LAW FIRMS 2023/2024

Insurance law: Litigation and contract advice ★★★☆☆

Rating

The firm is in regular demand and firmly established in disputes relating to D&O and E&O insurance. The intensive involvement in mandates in the insolvency context is also noticeable here. The large-volume mandates in this area include the work for Allianz in the Greensill-complex, one of the large-volume mandates in this area. This experience in particular is likely to be in greater demand if the forecast that insolvency filings will increase materialises. New insurers are already approaching the lawyers. The second major field of activity is advisor liability. A number of accountants and lawyers or their law firms have entrusted the firm with liability cases, some of which are large in volume.

Strengths

Professional liability and D&O liability.

Often recommended

Stefan Bank (“very experienced in litigation”, competitor), Dr Dirk Schmitz (“fast, reliable, always a good idea, also in terms of litigation tactics”, client)

The Legal 500 EMEA 2023

Design law: TIER 1
Trade marks: TIER 3

Medium-sized companies and international corporations turn to bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten in trade mark and design law matters, while the team enjoys a particularly good reputation in the fashion and luxury goods industries. Disputes, such as in connection with product piracy or the enforcement of unconventional trade marks, are a particular focus of the practice and its head Andreas Bock, who also advises on pharmaceutical and drug advertising law. Jan Müller-Broich regularly acts for clients in proceedings pertaining to geographical indications of origin as well as community design infringements and further assists with the development and management of trade mark portfolios. Benedikt Frank impresses with expertise at the interface of trade mark and competition law, while Michael Fügen handles trade mark infringement proceedings and trade mark advice.

Practice head(s):
Andreas Bock

Other key lawyers:
Jan Müller-Broich; Reinhard Döring; Michael Fügen; Benedikt Frank; Daniela Burghardt

Testimonials

‘Michael Fügen is a hit! Can make very complex issues extremely easy to understand and never loses patience.’

‘Profound knowledge and experience in European trade mark law; Well connected with international contacts for national issues; close and smooth cooperation and agreements with international colleagues.’

‘The law firm offers a high level of competence, sound specialist knowledge and solution-oriented advice.’

Work highlights

Advice to Bottega Veneta in combating product piracy.
Representing Vodafone in a number of UWG proceedings, most recently in connection with advertising statements on the expansion and quality of the 5G network before the Hamburg Regional and Higher Regional Court.
Representing brands of Swatch Group in design law disputes.

Unfair Competition
Unfair Competition: TIER 2

Frankfurt IP boutique offering bock legal Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten predominantly focuses its competition expertise on contentious matters and is particularly known for its experience in landmark proceedings before the Federal Court of Justice; the competition practice is further complemented by know-how in trade mark, design and patent law. Andreas Bock, who is experienced in drug advertising, leads the team which also includes telecommunications expert Reinhard Döring, advertising law specialist Benedikt Frank and Jan Müller-Broich, who is increasingly instructed with matters concerning geographical indications of origin and product imitations.

Practice head(s):
Andreas Bock

Other key lawyers:
Jan Müller-Broich; Reinhard Döring; Benedikt Frank

Work highlights

Advising Rothenberger on trade mark, competition and IT law matters.

WTR 1000

Handelsblatt / Best Lawyers 2023

2023

The German business daily Handelsblatt in cooperation with US Best Lawyers elects Dr. Dirk Schmitz as “Lawyer of the Year” in the field of insurance law for the year 2023.

The Handelsblatt also names four other bock legal lawyers in the field of intellectual property law as “Germany’s Best Lawyers”.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Insurance Litigation

bock legal partnership of lawyers’ insurance team specialises in contentious D&O and E&O liability matters as well as in lawyer, tax consultant, auditor and insolvency administrator liability. In addition to classic professional liability issues, Dirk Schmitz also covers tax-related matters and jointly heads the practice with Stefan Bank, whose expertise is particularly sought after for the representation of numerous professional liability insurers. Daniel Al-Hami made equity partner in January 2021 and impresses with broad experience in enforcing and defending against claims.

Practice head(s):
Stefan Bank; Dirk Schmitz

Other key lawyers:
Daniel Al-Hami; Silke Rohnfelder

Testimonials

‘The law firm has a large number of competent lawyers. For example, as soon as someone is no longer working in their area of expertise, they can bring in a colleague at any time, so that the cases are always perfectly looked after! ‘

‘Dr. Schmitz: Always good advice, even in unusual cases. Fast and comprehensive assessment, which makes further steps easy to assess. Very fair and quick to deal with. Dr Rohnfelder: Also works intensively on complex issues, constructive and interesting exchange. Fast, flexible, friendly and competent. Mr. Bank: Always easy to reach, fast and reliable, competent solutions. Mr. Al-Hami looks after some property manager cases with a good overview.’

‘Excellent expertise in the areas of property damage liability insurance for auditors, tax consultants and lawyers.’

‘Dr. Dirk Schmitz: Excellent expertise in professional liability law for the liberal professions, eloquence in speaking and writing, excellent negotiating skills.’

‘Nice and professional team in the best sense of the word, excellent in legal and tax advice. Very fast and uncomplicated reaction, pragmatic.’

‘Dr. Schmitz is technically highly competent. The cooperation is very pleasant both personally and professionally and leads to very good results. Mr. Al-Hami supplements in particular in the area of notary liability and also delivers very good results.’

‘Very high professional competence.’

‘Mr Bank: Very pleasant personal contact’

Work highlights

Legal representation of the former CFO of Wirecard AG and Wirecard AG Bank against a large number of investors.
Representing the alleged initiators of the Cum-Ex models because of allegedly incorrect expert opinions.
Advising Allianz-Versicherungs-AG as Monitoring Counsel on claims from former DFB presidents, among others, in connection with unresolved payments in connection with the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

WTR 1000

Over two decades, bock legal has cemented its position as one of Frankfurt’s premier boutiques. “A strong firm which knows what it’s doing”, it regularly features in some of the most complex IP and unfair competition disputes on the market on behalf of many household names; while its savvy strategic advice is also highly prized. One eminent player which has enlisted it for prosecution is the European Central Bank, whose filings have been processed by Daniela Burghardt and Jan Mueller-Broich. Burghardt enters the WTR 1000 this year on account of her refined international portfolio management and efficient trademark registration services, which come underpinned by support from a solid network of global associates. As well as his strategic work, Mueller-Broich is a familiar face before the courts; he recently acted for Ferrari in disputes relating to replica cars. Giving the practice its name is another star litigator, Andreas Bock: “Andreas is detail oriented but pragmatic, and always has an eye for the big picture. He will not sugar-coat your chances, but will tell you the risks and rate them. His legal documents, in and out of court, are impeccable. He puts all of his energy and effort behind your case and is available for meetings, even on short notice. He understands corporate and legal aspects and goes the extra mile to search for every last argument to give your case a chance at winning. He is also creative in his thinking and not afraid to work in legally unclearterrain.”

The Legal 500 EMEA 2022

Design law: TIER 1
Trade marks: TIER 3

Frankfurt-based bock legal partnership of lawyers focuses on contentious proceedings. The renowned design dispute practice stands out among its competitors, but is also a good choice for trade mark proceedings, both at national and international level. The team, led by practice head Andreas Bock, also includes well-known Jan Müller-Broich (design infringement proceedings) and Reinhard Döring (IP and litigation), and is frequently instructed by German medium-sized companies as well as large international corporations, the latter often from the luxury goods industry.

Practice head(s):
Andreas Bock

Other key lawyers:
Jan Müller-Broich; Reinhard Döring; Michael Fügen; Benedikt Frank; Daniela Burghardt

Testimonials
‘Andreas Bock and Benedikt Frank are a harmonious team that responds very quickly.’

‘Andreas Bock is a proven expert in trademark and competition law.’

‘Well-founded knowledge and experience in European trademark law, contacts to international colleagues for national issues, close and smooth cooperation and agreements with international colleagues, fast and transparent communication. ‘

‘Daniela Burghardt: High level of competence, well-founded specialist knowledge, solution-oriented advice. ‘

Work highlights

Conducting numerous lawsuits for Swatch AG for counterfeiting Swatch watches, including against an online retailer.
Extensive advice to Kettler Holding GmbH on trademark and design law and legal defense in connection with the Kettcar brand.
Defense of Bottega Veneta against design imitations offered by wholesalers and retailers in Germany.

Unfair Competition
Unfair Competition: TIER 2

Frankfurt-based IP boutique bock legal partnership of lawyers specialises in contentious proceedings, which the team also regularly demonstrates in landmark proceedings before the BGH. In addition to the strong competition law practice, the group also offers comprehensive expertise in trade mark, design and patent law. Key contacts include name partner Andreas Bock as head of the practice group, Reinhard Döring, whose specialist areas include the telecoms sector and pharmaceutical advertising law, Jan Müller-Broich, who advises on copyright and antitrust law as well as product piracy, and Benedikt Frank, who advises on advertising law and specialises in online shops, among others.