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A&O Shearman strengthens German patent practice with Dr. Constanze Krenz

A&O Shearman strengthens patent practice with Dr. Constanze Krenz
Published Date
Oct 1, 2026
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Image of Jan Ebersohl
Dr. Jan EbersohlPartner, Munich
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Denise BenzPartner, Munich
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Dr. Stephan NeuhausPartner, Dusseldorf

A&O Shearman is further strengthening its successful patent practice with the addition of renowned patent litigator Dr. Constanze Krenz, who will join the firm's Munich office with effect from November 1, 2026.

She will work closely with the teams led by Dr. Jan Ebersohl, Denise Benz and Dr. Stephan Neuhaus. Prior to joining A&O Shearman, Constanze played a key role in further developing DLA Piper’s German patent practice and acted as Office Managing Partner for their Munich office.

Constanze has extensive experience in handling complex patent disputes. She represents German and international companies in patent infringement and validity proceedings. She provides strategic advice to clients on major patent disputes, including competition law issues relating to standard-essential patents (SEPs). Her clients include companies from the information technology, telecommunications, media, and consumer electronics sectors, as well as technology- and innovation-driven industries such as automotive, aerospace and manufacturing. 

“With Constanze we are gaining an outstanding lawyer with an excellent reputation and extensive experience in complex international patent litigation.”

“Technology, digitalization and innovation are at the heart of many of our clients' strategic development. At the same time, patent disputes continue to increase in both complexity and international reach,” said Dr. Wolf Bussian, managing partner of Germany. “With Constanze we are gaining an outstanding lawyer with an excellent reputation and extensive experience in complex international patent litigation. Her move to our firm underlines our commitment to providing first-class advice on our clients' most business-critical intellectual property disputes and speaks to the opportunities our firm provides for lawyers to operate at the highest level and further expand their practice globally.”

“Constanze is one of the most accomplished patent litigators of her generation.”

Jan Ebersohl, who leads A&O Shearman's German patent practice, added: “Constanze is one of the most accomplished patent litigators of her generation. Her expertise spans patent infringement and validity proceedings, SEP, FRAND and competition law issues, as well as complex proceedings before the Unified Patent Court. Her arrival further strengthens our position as one of Germany's leading patent litigation practices and enhances our capacity to handle cross-border matters.”

“Constanze brings not only outstanding litigation experience, but also a deep understanding of the challenges faced by clients operating on a global scale.”

Laëtitia Bénard, global head of intellectual property litigation, commented: “Patent disputes are increasingly international in nature, requiring seamless collaboration across jurisdictions. Constanze brings not only outstanding litigation experience, but also a deep understanding of the challenges faced by clients operating on a global scale. Her experience before national courts and the Unified Patent Court makes her an ideal addition to our global team as we continue to provide top-tier, seamlessly coordinated patent litigation advice to clients worldwide.”

Constanze Krenz commented: “A&O Shearman combines a market-leading German patent litigation practice with an outstanding global platform. What particularly impressed me was the close collaboration between teams across offices and jurisdictions, as well as the firm's clear strategic focus on complex international patent disputes. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to further grow the practice and support our clients on their most important innovation and technology matters.”

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