Dr. Dirk Schulz

Dr. Dirk Schulz is a widely recognized and frequently recommended expert in handling intricate and complex patent cases. In addition to his expertise in patent application prosecution, he specializes in patent infringement proceedings. His work also encompasses providing expert opinions, including those related to due diligence and FTO (Freedom to Operate) assessments, as well as drafting and negotiating license agreements.

His technical focus lies in the areas of computer-implemented inventions (software), telecommunications, medical technology, mechanical engineering, measurement and control technology, as well as optics and lasers. Dr. Schulz also manages his clients' trademark and design portfolios.

Dr. Dirk Schulz pursued his education in physics at Freiburg and Göttingen, culminating in the completion of his diploma thesis at the Max Planck Institute for Fluid Dynamics in Göttingen in 1991. During his doctoral studies, he conducted research at the Universities of Freiburg and Würzburg, ultimately earning his Ph.D. in 1996.

His career in intellectual property law commenced in 1996 at a Munich-based patent and law firm. Dr. Schulz has been a licensed German patent attorney and an authorized representative before the European Union Intellectual Property Office since 1999. He gained admission as a representative before the European Patent Office in 2000. Between 1999 and 2007, Dr. Schulz served as a partner in a patent law firm located in Essen. He is one of the founding partners of the law firm Michalski Hüttermann & Partner.

Starting from the winter semester of 2018/2019, Dr. Dirk Schulz has been a lecturer at Bochum University of Applied Sciences, teaching in the field of "Intellectual Property."

Dr. Schulz is proficient in German, English, French, and has some knowledge of Italian and Dutch.

He has received recognition and accolades in various legal publications:

IAM1000

• "pragmatic and efficient"
• "supports law firms above all technically in infringement actions"
• "leads his team effectively, is dynamic in his argumentation and quickly familiarises himself with all technical aspects not only of the respective patent, but also of the relevant prior art"

Best Lawyers

Handelsblat

Financial Times

JUVE Patent

• "Leading name among German patent attorneys with a recommended technical focus on telecommunications/software"
• "In infringement and nullity actions, the software and electronics team is particularly recognised."

WirtschaftsWoche

The Legal 500

• "Michalski - Hüttermann & Partner Patentanwälte has a technically broad-based team that is continuously growing... 
• The lighthouse mandates of the law firm specialising in intellectual property mainly come from the fields of mechanical engineering and electronics; however, the firm also frequently advises on mandates relating to mobile communications."