Munich · European Patent Office · Unified Patent Court
EP & DE Patent Prosecution
in Germany.
Your associate counsel for European and German patent prosecution — conducted in English, at the seat of the EPO. Boutique depth, partner-level handling, no overhead.
About the Firm
Who We Are
ELR IP Law (EGE LEE & ROIDER Patentanwälte) is a boutique patent attorney firm based in Munich — at the seat of the European Patent Office. We represent foreign patent firms and companies in EP and DE prosecution, opposition, appeal and UPC proceedings.
Our technical focus is mechanical engineering, physics and the fields that grow from both — including process technology, optics, sensor systems, mobility, and computer-implemented inventions. Both partners bring extensive in-house experience from leading industrial companies: we understand the client perspective, not just the attorney perspective.
All work is conducted in English or German, as you prefer. Instructions, office action responses, status updates — English throughout is standard for us.
We do not cover all areas — we cover ours in depth.
Practice Areas
What We Do
Our Differentiators
Why ELR — Why Munich
Your cases are handled by partners — not delegated down.
In a firm of our size, partner involvement is not a selling point, it is simply how we work. Every file is managed by one of the two partners from instruction to grant. No handoffs, no supervision gaps.
No language barrier — in either direction.
We work with foreign colleagues entirely in English: instructions, drafts, office action responses, status updates. Where German documents need to be communicated, we handle the working translation as a matter of course.
EP and DE — strategic choice, not just geography.
We advise on the right route for each case: EP, DE national, or both in parallel. As EP examination has become more demanding, DE national prosecution and the German utility model have gained real strategic relevance — not as consolation prizes.
At the EPO — not just near it.
Our Munich office is located at the seat of the European Patent Office. Direct familiarity with EPO examination practice, oral proceedings culture and the Boards of Appeal — built over decades, not read from guidelines.
In-house experience on both sides of the table.
Both partners have worked as in-house patent attorneys at major industrial companies. We understand how patent departments operate, what matters to a portfolio manager, and how to communicate with non-attorney stakeholders.
AI-assisted — with partner judgment.
We use AI-assisted tools selectively — for prior art research, document analysis and workflow efficiency. Every output is reviewed and validated by a partner. AI supports our work. It does not replace partner judgment.
Technical Expertise
What We Know
Mechanical Engineering
Drive systems, precision mechanics, manufacturing processes, tooling, automation, robotics and motion control. Core competence across both partners.
Physics & Sensor Systems
Optics, measurement technology, sensor systems, imaging, spectroscopy and physical measurement principles. Depth in both fundamental and applied physics.
Mobility & Aerospace
Vehicle systems, powertrain, chassis, ADAS, aerospace structures and propulsion. Extensive experience with tier-1 and OEM patent portfolios.
Plastics & Composites
Plastics processing, extrusion and compounding technology, fibre-reinforced composites (CFRP) and lightweight design. Strong portfolio depth in both industrial and aerospace applications.
Optics & Photonics
Optical systems, imaging, holography, LiDAR and navigation technology. Experience with both precision instrumentation and applied photonics in aerospace and automotive contexts.
CII & AI
Computer-implemented inventions, AI/ML systems, algorithm-based claims and software patents. Structured for EPO’s technical character requirement — not generic software language.
Specific areas. Full depth. Not sure if your topic fits?
Ask us →Practical Information
Working With Us
Instructions & Communication
All instructions received in English. We confirm receipt, flag deadlines proactively and keep you informed without requiring follow-up. No German required on your side at any stage.
Billing & Transparency
Time-based billing with detailed records. Estimates provided on request before significant work. No surprise invoices. Official fee schedules apply for statutory fees.
Response Times
Substantive responses to instructions within agreed timelines. Urgent matters handled same-day where feasible. Direct partner contact — no routing through assistants for substantive questions.
Conflict Check
Conflict checks completed before accepting new matters. We represent both proprietors and opponents — but never on the same case. Confidentiality maintained across all mandates.
Your Instructions, Your Style
We adapt to how you work — not the other way around.
Some firms and IP departments send precise instructions and expect clean execution: no unsolicited commentary, no unnecessary questions, no friction. We follow your instructions as given, meet your deadlines, and report back. That is the complete service.
Others want more: a second opinion on claim strategy, a view on how the examining division is likely to respond, concrete proposals for amendments or argumentation. We provide that — clearly flagged as our input, never imposed.
We also integrate into your existing workflows — whether that means a specific instruction format, a preferred reporting structure, or defined escalation paths. Tell us how you prefer to work. We will match it from day one.
We work with foreign patent firms and corporate IP departments. New client enquiries are welcome.
Get in touch →Your Market
We Work With Firms From
Our international client base spans the major patent-filing markets. Below is a brief overview of what working with us typically looks like for firms from each region.
The Partners
Who Handles Your Cases
Get in Touch
Contact ELR
For incoming patent work in Germany and Europe, speak directly with a small, senior team that responds quickly, thinks technically, and handles each matter with partner-level attention.
Direct Contact
Phone
Office
Address
Wilhelm-Wagenfeld-Straße 24, 80807 München, Germany
Office Hours
Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 18:00 CET
Urgent matters: direct partner line
ELR · EP & DE Patent Prosecution