BCLP Strengthens Technology and IP Practice in Germany with Counsel Appointment

International law firm BCLP is strengthening its Technology & IP practice group with the June 1, 2023, counsel appointment of Michael Geier. The hiring of Michael underscores BCLP's growth strategy in Germany, where it looks to increase a focus on technology matters across most German and EU sectors. Currently, the firm has a total of 60 attorneys working across offices in Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg.

Michael joins BCLP from GSI Helmholtzzentrum fuer Schwerionenforschung (GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research) in Darmstadt, where he led the patents and licenses group. This significantly expands BCLP’s German IP practice advisory portfolio, particularly in the areas of patents, trade secrets and employee inventions. Geier will look to advise in particular on issues relating to inventions, innovations and technology, including their legal protection and enforcement. He will also focus on the drafting of contracts for the licensing of intellectual property assets, as well as in the context of developing research projects, the handling of employee inventions and IP advice accompanying transactions.

Dominik Weiss, Head of the BCLP IP practice in Germany and Partner in the Hamburg Office, is enthusiastic about the addition noting that: "With Michael Geier, we gained a colleague with many years of experience and comprehensive expertise in all patent law issues, greatly expanding our range of advice in Germany. In his new role, Michael Geier will work closely with our renowned patent practice in the United States and across the globe. We are very excited that in the future we will be able to provide clients with exeedingly competent support in this important IP area."

This hire continues BCLP’s emphasis on building around strategic ‘multipliers’ who can leverage the firm’s global platform with multi-office, multi-disciplinary practices to serve its international client base and continue to strengthen its robust offering in Germany.