Prof. Dr. Maximilian Kinkeldey, LL.M. (NYU)

Admitted to the Bar

max.kinkeldey@grunecker.de     S/MIME

+49 (0) 89 21 23 50

Office: Munich

Languages: German, English, French

Expertise

Maximilian Kinkeldey has been an internationally recognized expert in intellectual property law for over two decades in the areas of trademark, design, copyright, and competition law. His profound knowledge and extensive experience have earned him recognition as a highly esteemed advisor on the international stage.

His clients span major international corporations in the technology sector, renowned fashion manufacturers, leading players in the food industry—especially confectionery manufacturers—SMEs, prominent financial market service providers, emerging startups, and traditional family businesses. This breadth of clientele not only underscores Maximilian’s extensive expertise but also highlights his exceptional ability to understand the unique requirements of diverse industries.

He is characterised not only by his comprehensive expertise but also by his outstanding ability to resolve conflicts and conduct negotiations effectively. Maximilian has successfully mediated between parties and found sustainable solutions in numerous cases. His unwavering commitment to his client’s interests and his diplomatic skills make him a dependable partner in all legal matters.

Maximilian has been a member of INTA (International Trademark Association) since 1997 and has been active in numerous committees over the years, e.g., as the Chairperson of the Programming Committee and the Law Firm Committee. From 2011 to 2013, he was a member of the INTA Board of Directors and most recently served—until the end of 2023—on the BfaBS (Brands for a Better Society) Committee as the Subcommittee Chairperson.

In addition, he is an honorary professor of intellectual property law at the University of Applied Management in Ismaning.

Maximilian is a father to three daughters and one son. In his spare time, he enjoys birdwatching and skiing.

Areas

  • Trademark Law
  • Designs
  • Copyright
  • Competition Law
  • Trademark Infringement & Product Counterfeiting

Key points

  • Technology company
  • Fashion companies
  • Food companies, especially confectionery manufacturers
  • SMEs
  • Leading financial market service providers
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Medical products
  • Media and new media

Vita

  • Study of law at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University; second state examination, 1992
  • Admitted to the Bar, 1995
  • Attorney-at-Law at a law firm specialising in criminal law in Munich, 1995
  • LL.M. at New York University (NYU) in the field of intellectual property (program: trade regulation), 1996
  • Dr. iur. at the University of Regensburg, 1997
  • Grünecker Patent- und Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB, since 1997
  • Partner at Grünecker, since 2001

Publications

“The possibilities for trade mark protection in Europe, in particular the connection between the system of international registrations and the Community trade mark”
Der Syndikus, 2005

“Trademark Parody Reloaded”
Festschrift for Paul Ströbele, 2019

Awards & Rankings

Gold – Individuals”Maximilian is a true ‘rock star’ in the world of intellectual property. He has a great combination of practicality, business acumen, cost efficiency and unrivalled expertise.”, World Trademark Review (WTR), 2023

Leading Attorney-at-law in his field, Handelsblatt and Best Lawyers, edition 2024

Star of trademark law, IP Stars (Managing IP), 2023

“Maximilian Kinkeldey has expertise along the entire value chain of trade mark law and is often mandated by high-calibre companies to advise and represent them in disputes (…)”, Legal500, 2023

“Maximilian Kinkeldey provides clear and concise advice and offers creative solutions. He is prudent, responsive and practical. Max is very business orientated and doesn’t just point out risks.””Maximilian is my favourite lawyer, not only in Germany but in Europe in general. He is practical, sensible and a pleasure to work with.”, Chambers 2023

“rhetorically excellent, also in English, one of the best IP lawyers”, “very responsive”, “very goal-oriented, pragmatic, cooperative and creative”, competitor”, mentioned by leading names, JUVE, 2023

Trade mark lawyer of the year, Who’s Who Legal, 2022

Leading attorney in his field, Handelsblatt and Best Lawyers, 2025 edition