Alex is Partner at WINTER BRANDL – Partnerschaft mbB in Munich, Germany. He has extensive experience in national and international intellectual property law, including the drafting, prosecution, and enforcement of technical and non-technical property rights.
His expertise also covers opposition, appeal and nullity proceedings, as well as infringement and freedom-to-operate opinions, and licensing agreements.
Alex has a clear view on what he finds most satisfying about being an IP attorney: developing and implementing a clear IP strategy that creates measurable value for clients.
“If the client is happy, I am happy. It is as simple as that.”
Alex values clarity, accountability and direction.
“I believe in setting high standards and taking responsibility for achieving them. Strong results come from disciplined thinking and a team that is fully committed.”
As a European Patent Attorney and representative before the Unified Patent Court (UPC), Alex combines technical insight with commercially focused legal strategy to help clients protect and maximise the value of their innovations.
Adding value to clients
Winter, Brandl – Partnerschaft mbB adds value to clients through IP advice grounded on commercial understanding as well as deep knowledge of IP law and industry specialisms.
“Our clients can expect well-founded decisions and a consistent focus on their long-term interests. We approach every situation strategically and tailor solutions tailored to each client’s commercial objectives.”
Clarissa Regler, Head of the IP team for Chemistry & Biotechnology, works closely with Alex. She describes him as:
“a very client-focused patent attorney, very effective as a partner in the firm, extremely intelligent, and someone who expects his team to give their very best.”
Best practices to share with FICPI members
One of the largest IP firms in Germany, WINTER BRANDL – Partnerschaft mbB numbers more than 100 employees across its offices in Munich and Freising.
Training and long-term professional development are central to the firm’s culture. Junior colleagues are involved in client work and strategic discussions from an early stage, helping them develop technical expertise, commercial awareness and confidence in a professional setting.
“We involve younger colleagues from the outset. Combined with strong teamwork and mentoring, builds quality and long-term strength within the firm.”
The firm also encourages continuous professional development through international exposure, specialist training and close collaboration across technical disciplines.
The importance of technology
“New AI-infused inventions are one of our specialities.”
The firm offers expertise in industrial property law across patents, designs and trade marks, in Germany as well as across Europe and more widely internationally, with particular focus on Asia, Japan and China.
AI is becoming increasingly intertwined with inventions across the firm’s specialist fields including electrical engineering and IT, chemistry, biotechnology, computer science, physics and mechanical engineering.
Many clients seek to minimise costs. The firm invests time in trialling and using AI tools for translations, searches, preparation of applications, and working on office actions tailored to the client’s needs and restrictions. Alex gives Truvento as one example of those valuable tools.
Whilst AI is playing an increasingly important role within the IP profession, Alex believes human expertise remains central.
"AI will remain a supporting tool. Strategic thinking, experience and judgement will continue to define the profession."
A recent interesting case
Alex recalls a recent case in the electro-mechanical area, namely consumer electronics.
“We prepared a promising Opposition and shared this with the Patentee. Based on this, we were able to secure a free licence for our client.
“The Patentee already had considerable previous experience with our firm and respected our technical and legal expertise. They recognised that the Opposition would likely succeed.
“This prior relationship and well-drafted Opposition helped us to achieve an agreement outside court, avoiding opposition proceedings and lengthy nullity actions and dangerous infringement proceedings which would have been costly for both parties.”
The strategy followed proved to be beneficial for our client and allowed us to reach an agreement outside of court.
Value of FICPI membership
Alex joined FICPI in 2005 and has been active ever since. He is a FICPI Member of Honour, a member of FICPI’s Admissions Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and Study & Work Group on International Patents (known as CET 3). He is also the Patent Stream Leader for FICPI’s 23rd Open Forum in Budapest, being held in September 2026. Prior to that he was Communications Commission President.
The value of personal, trusted contacts within the FICPI membership across the world is one of the greatest strengths of the FICPI federation.
“I particularly appreciate the open exchange at FICPI World Congresses and Open Fora. Having the opportunity to engage in direct, personal discussions with colleagues from different jurisdictions is both insightful and highly constructive.
“The qualifications and experience required to join FICPI are stringent. With members across 80 countries and regions, there are always resourceful colleagues available for fast and valuable support across the world.”
Final word – outside of work
Outside of work, Alex enjoys high octane pursuits including skiing, Ironman competitions and triathlons, demanding discipline, dedication and resilience. He also enjoys specialist events, such as the Europe Triathlon Aquabike Championships.
FICPI friends will know of his love of all water sports and, in particular, sailing. Such sports come with risks too: unfortunately Alex was unable to join us in Naples for the 2025 World Congress after being slashed by a stingray resulting in an infection and torn tendon. Thankfully, he made a speedy recovery and was soon back to enjoying the ocean.
Education & training
- 2014: Master’s course in “European IP Law” at Fernuniversität Hagen, leading to a Master of Laws (LL.M.) qualification.
- 2001: Doctoral thesis on integrating customers in product development processes at the Technical University of Clausthal.
- 1997: Studies in General Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Munich and the École Centrale de Lyon (France), with a focus on construction, fluid and process engineering.
Professional background
- 2012 to date: Patent Attorney & Partner at WINTER BRANDL
- 2010-2012: Patent Attorney & Founding Partner at WEIGEL SACHSEDER WYRWOLL in Munich
- 2001-2010: Patent Attorney with GRUNECKER in Munich
- 1997-2001: Development engineer in the automotive industry
