Nanno is Partner at Keil & Schaafhausen Patentanwälte PartGmbB in Frankfurt, Germany. He is a German and European Patent Attorney, UPC representative and European Trademark and Design Attorney.
He thrives on actively engaging in his clients' strategic decisions and providing business-oriented advice. As Nanno explains,
“I very much enjoy situations where strategy and creativity of the attorney really make a difference. This holds particularly true for adverse proceedings such as infringement litigation and oppositions, as well as in the long-term relationship between a patent attorney and his client.”
Nanno's main area of focus is patents -- with an emphasis on prosecution, infringement and validity litigation in mechanical engineering and manufacturing, but Nanno also has particular expertise in managing and enforcing his clients' worldwide trade mark portfolios.
Education & training
- 2006: Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- 1994: Admission as German patent attorney and European patent attorney
- 1990-1993: Training in IP
- 1990: Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.)
- 1983–1990: University of Minnesota, U.S.A.,
- Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, Germany and Ecole Centrale de Lyon, France
Professional background
- 2016-2021: President of the German Chamber of Patent Attorneys (Patentanwaltskammer)
- Since 1994: Partner at Keil & Schaafhausen
Adding value to clients
Nanno emphasises the importance of giving reliable, competent and creative advice, even in complicated matters.
“Many issues are straightforward but sometimes the easiest way is not in the best interests of the client. A change in perspective and unorthodox approaches can provide astonishing results.”
For this conviction, he shares an example from proceedings at the German Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof), where the presiding judge opened the hearing with the surprising statement that the (favourable) decision of the Federal Patent Court was flawed.
By adopting a different approach, Nanno was able to convince the Court that the attacked patent nevertheless was invalid, so that the first instance decision was maintained but based on different reasons.
“This highlights the importance of flexibility and creativity in adverse proceedings or negotiations. It's about remaining open-minded, never committing too early to a single perspective and being attuned to the subtle insights that often arise from the subconscious.”
Best practice to share with FICPI members
A best practice that Nanno shares with fellow members of the FICPI global community focuses on use of AI and a tailored approach.
“At our firm, we continuously devise automated processes individually adapted to the specific needs of our clients. This facilitates the handling at our side but also ensures tailor-made solutions for each client.
I firmly believe that focussing on the service aspect of our business combined with strong personal relationships is the perfect blend of legal tech and the added value only a human can provide."
Nanno also emphasises the importance of speed and personal service:
“We make it a priority to respond directly to all enquiries. Even if a question is complicated, one should immediately return to the client or colleague confirming that the issue is getting attention and will be attended to immediately."
“In today's fast-paced world, it is no longer acceptable to just sit back and wait for the due dates to approach. Clients request - and deserve - prompt attention to their concerns.”
The future for independent IP attorneys
Whilst open to embracing the benefits of AI, Nanno sees personal relationships and professional service as continuing to be very important in the IP world.
“The introduction of AI will change the way we handle communications with the patent offices and clients, when drafting and providing legal advice. But especially in these times, it is still the personal relationship, and the trust built on personal competence and integrity that makes the difference."
“Personal professional attention will always be necessary to make sure that the best advice is given to the client. That is the core of our business and thus the most relevant aspect of our professional activity.”
Value of FICPI membership
Nanno joined FICPI in 1994 and is the alternate delegate for Germany as well as a member of FICPI’s Statutes Committee.
He finds the regular exchange of information, and opportunities to form friendships around the world particularly valuable.
“FICPI is a wonderful forum to interact and exchange and thus to build friendships across borders.”
Final word – outside of work
Nanno enjoys a varied life outside work, from road biking to reading and concerts, as well as meeting up friends.
“The greatest thing on earth are values and people that you can rely on. Interaction and exchange are very important to build confidence.”
