Stephan Dorn

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT STEPHAN DORN

I’m a patent litigator who genuinely enjoys diving deep into technology and helping clients navigate the complexities of German and European patent law. Over the past decade, I’ve represented national and international companies in high‑stakes disputes before German courts, and since June 2023, also before the Unified Patent Court (UPC), where I’ve been actively involved from the very beginning.Much of my work revolves around cutting‑edge technologies: mobile communications, Wi‑Fi, audio and video coding, and the many innovations that connect our modern devices. Beyond courtroom advocacy, I support clients with technology transfer, licensing strategies, and IP‑related aspects of M&A transactions. SEP and FRAND licensing has become a particular passion of mine, an area where I’ve built deep expertise through years of hands‑on negotiation and litigation. I’ve had the privilege of advising clients ranging from global tech companies to automotive innovators and consumer electronics leaders, often in multi‑jurisdictional disputes that span Europe, the U.S, and China. These matters frequently involve standard‑essential patents, including Wi‑Fi 6, HEVC, and cellular communication standards.Being recognized by JUVE Patent as “one to watch” and as a “UPC recommended individual” in the 2025 UPC ranking is something I’m genuinely grateful for. What truly drives me, however, is working closely with clients to develop practical and thoughtful strategies in technically complex environments, including identifying viable design‑around options where appropriate.I firmly believe that many standard‑essential patents (though certainly not all) can be avoided through intelligent device configuration. This is especially true in the Wi‑Fi ecosystem, where the standard’s flexibility offers numerous configuration paths that fall outside the scope of allegedly standard‑essential claims. Helping clients navigate these possibilities is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.I’m particularly excited about the opportunities the #UnifiedPatentCourt (#UPC) brings. It’s not often that a completely new judicial system launches in Europe, and I’m committed to helping clients make the most of this new chapter in patent litigation.