HOFFMANN EITLE further strengthens its patent litigation capabilities with the hire of Jonas Smeets
News | 05.12.2025
Following the start of Dr. Thomas Gniadek as new co-chair of HOFFMANN EITLE’s patent litigation group on 1 December 2025, the firm is pleased to share another significant enhancement of its patent litigation capabilities: Attorney-at-Law Jonas Smeets, LL.M. will join HOFFMANN EITLE's Dusseldorf office as partner on 1 March 2026. This further strategic investment in a team of tech-litigation focused lawyers will further expand HOFFMANN EITLE’s UPC and national patent litigation strength and agility.
Jonas is an aspiring and already well-regarded patent litigator joining HOFFMANN EITLE from Bird & Bird. Working many years with the patent litigation teams of Bird & Bird, Jonas truly learnt his craft and built substantial experience in high stakes patent litigation in tech, electronics, automotive and mechanical engineering. His expertise includes handling complex global FRAND licensing and SEP litigation matters.
Anne Schön, co-chair of the management committee, outlines:
“This hire is another strategic move of HOFFMANN EITLE at the right time and the right place. It underpins our ambition to be the market-leading patent firm in Europe offering combined teams of patent attorneys and lawyers.”
Dr. Thomas Gniadek, co-chair of the patent litigation group, adds:
“I have been watching Jonas’ ascending career for a while. I am delighted that he will join my team now. We will go from win to win.”
The combined team of HOFFMANN EITLE and its new lawyers has been involved in around 100 cases before the UPC so far; and more to come in the near future. This strong litigation activity complements the firm’s market-leading European patent prosecution and opposition practice, which includes more than 130 qualified patent attorneys and attorneys-at-law.
Given the importance of seamless cooperation between technical and legal expertise at the UPC, HOFFMANN EITLE’s clients benefit from integrated teams of patent attorneys and attorneys-at-law, working closely together to achieve the best possible results.