Dipl.-Ing. Frank Harner

Frank is an associate in Withers & Rogers' Advanced Engineering group. During his time working in IP, Frank has acquired experience dealing with inventions in a variety of fields spanning engineering and physics, particularly including automotive interiors, brake systems and gear mechanisms, medical devices, welding systems as well as telecommunication devices and laser applications.

Frank is an associate in Withers & Rogers' Advanced Engineering group. During his time working in IP, Frank has acquired experience dealing with inventions in a variety of fields spanning engineering and physics, particularly including automotive interiors, brake systems and gear mechanisms, medical devices, welding systems as well as telecommunication devices and laser applications.

 Management of European IP portfolio;  Coordination of outside counsel;  Audit of IP portfolio regarding chain of title and inventor rights/compensation;  Preparation and implementation of new IP strategies;  Support for preparation and review of non-disclosure and joint-development agreements;  Support for due diligence activities relating to various divestitures;  Support of technical staff regarding IP related inquiries.

 Drafting of German, European and International patent & design applications;  Prosecution of German, European and International patent & design applications;  Representation in oral proceedings at the EPO;  Drafting and prosecuting German and European opposition cases;  Drafting of expert opinions on infringement and validity;  Conducting prior-art searches for Freedom-To-Operate analysis and opposition cases.

• Professional conduct and litigation • Pre-action behaviour • Alternative Dispute Resolution • Evidence and proof • Issuing proceedings • The Intellectual Property Enterprise Court • Costs and budgets • Disclosure and privilege • Witness statements • Interim advocacy

UK and International Intellectual Property with particular focus on patent, trademark and design law.