Dirk Bühler

Dirk Bühler specialises in the management of product-related patent portfolios worldwide, as well as the associated opposition, nullity and infringement proceedings in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, personalised therapy and diagnostics. He regularly advises clients on complex SPC matters and freedom-to-operate strategies in these areas.

His extensive experience enables him to bring strategic IP consultancy and patent portfolio creation/management into alignment with the economic interests of his clients in a rapidly changing market environment. Clients value his interdisciplinary approach of combining questions relating to patent law with regulatory requirements for marketing authorisation of medicinal products in order to achieve the fullest protection possible.

Dr Bühler has received numerous recognitions for his professional activities as patent attorney and regularly publishes articles on various aspects of patent law.

Important cases

• Representation of patentee in opposition appeal proceedings leading to the BGH X ZB 8/12 Dipeptidyl-Peptidase-Inhibitors decision
• Representation of patentee in SPC application proceedings before the ECJ in case C-650/17 (Royalty Pharma/Sitagliptin)
• Representation in nullity and opposition proceedings and litigation support concerning non-invasive prenatal diagnostics
• Representation of patentees in opposition proceedings relating to basic CRISPR/Cas9 patents

Practice areas

• Pharma, biotech and diagnostics
• Patents and utility models
• Supplementary protection certificates
• IP consulting

Services

• Complex patent portfolio management and patent prosecution
• Opposition, appeal and nullity proceedings
• Patent infringement proceedings
• Supplementary protection certificates proceedings
• Freedom-to-operate and validity analysis
• Strategic consulting for biotech start-up companies