Dr. Rainer Plaggenborg

Expertise

Rainer is a partner in the Life Sciences practice group. With more than 15 years of specialization in biopharmaceutical patents, he brings extensive experience in the prosecution, defense and revocation of patents.

His clients include global corporations, university institutions, and mid-sized companies from the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Rainer works closely with in-house IP teams and scientists to develop customized solutions for individual needs. Clients value his pragmatic advice and ability to communicate complex technical and legal issues effectively.

Rainer volunteers as a mentor and consultant for start-up initiatives (e.g. Science4Life) and educational platforms for entrepreneurship (StartUp Teens).

Court and patent litigation (selection):

• PD-1 cancer therapy (Nivolumab / Opdivo®): Opposition proceedings, infringement proceedings, patent vindication proceedings
• Opposition proceedings pertaining to vaccines for piglets (Mhyosphere® PCV ID, Ingelvac CircoFLEX®, Porcilis® PCV) and the pneumococcal vaccine Prevenar 13®
• Opposition proceedings regarding the thyroid replacement hormone Levothyroxine (L-Thyrox® and Euthyrox®)
• Opposition proceedings relating to combination therapies or treatment regimens involving the active substances Talimogen laherparepvec (Imlygic®) or Infliximab (Remicade®)
• Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol™): Infringement proceedings, nullity proceedings (Federal Court of Justice X ZR 31/13)
• Endotoxin detection EndoLISA®: Infringement proceedings, opposition proceedings
• Cistus incanus extract (Cystus 052®): Infringement proceedings, opposition proceedings

Vita

• Studied biology at the University of Münster, Diploma in Biology, 2000
• Doctorate in the field of molecular microbiology, 2004
• Admitted as European Patent Attorney, 2010
• Admitted as European Trademark and Design Attorney, 2010
• Admission as a German patent attorney, 2014
• Admission as representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC), 2023
• Partner at Grünecker, since 2023