Thomas Kitzhofer

Curriculum Vitae

Studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Munich, with a special focus on ­construction technology. Development engineer of production lines for American and German car manufacturers at KUKA Welding Equipment and Robotics, Augsburg.

Trained as a patent attorney and passed the German patent bar exam in 1994.  European Patent and Trademark Attorney.

Visiting lecturer for the Executive MBA Study Program in Innovation and Business Creation at Munich University Business Development Centre. Member of GRUR (German Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property) and VPP (Association of Intellectual Property Experts).

Joined Prinz & Partner in 1995.

Professional Activity

Preparation of patent and utility model applications in the areas of mechanical and materials ­engineering.

Examination, opposition and appeal proceedings before the German Patent and Trade­mark Office, the German Federal Patent Court and the European Patent Office. Supervision of patent grant proceedings abroad.

Advising on employed inventor´s law, patent licensing, invalidity and infringement proceedings. Freedom to operate searches and opinions.

Languages: German, English.

Individual Specialization

Bilateral proceedings, advising on patent strategies, IP training in corporations.

Recommended in

Chambers Global/ Chambers Europe - 2024: Patent Prosecution: Lawyers - Band 3

Juve Patent - 2022: "been happy with him for years" (client)

Chambers Global / Chambers Europe - 2022: "Thomas Kitzhofer is 'always responsive, answers our questions very quickly and gives very good advice', attests a client. He assists clients with the filing of their patents in Germany and internationally, also representing them in opposition proceedings."

Juve Handbuch - 2021/2022: "fachlich top"

Chambers Global / Chambers Europe - 2021: One client says: "He has a fast perception, communicates on your level and tries to find a solution for everybody."

Chambers Global / Chambers Europe - 2020: "He was utterly prepared and thought outside the box", reports one interviewee.

Juve Handbuch - 2019/2020: Oft empfohlen: "sehr erfahren in Verletzungsklagen"

Juve Handbuch - 2018/2019: "Oft empfohlen: Thomas Kitzhofer"

Chambers Global / Chambers Europe - 2018: "Thomas Kitzhofer is described by sources as a 'very strong negotiator'."

Chambers Global / Chambers Europe - 2017: "Thomas Kitzhofer focuses on patents in the mechanical engineering field, mainly advising on patent and utility model applications. He also handles examination, opposition and appeal proceedings. One source praises his technical knowledge: 'As an engineer I appreciate his good technical understanding. He explains things very well and in terms of language we are on the same wavelength.'"

Juve German Commercial Law Firms - 2017: "Frequently recommended: Thomas Kitzhofer ('very thorough and preeminent technical expertise, competitor')."

Chambers Global / Chambers Europe - 2016: "Thomas Kitzhofer is reputed in patent prosecution, particularly in mechanical and material engineering."

The Legal 500 Germany - 2016: "Thomas Kitzhofer is a 'business minded strategist'."

Chambers Global / Chambers Europe - 2015: "Interviewees praise Thomas Kitzhofer for his quick responses and strategic advice, as well as his focus on client service. He is acknowledged for his particular strength in the automotives industry."

The Legal 500 Germany - 2015: "Thomas Kitzhofer combines 'technical experience and a thorough way of working'."

The Legal 500 Germany - 2014: "Thomas Kitzhofer is 'very pleasant to work with'."