"Bringing the Tech Innovation of Silicon Valley to Germany"
Fresh Take:
Ten years ago, Morrison Foerster, a US law firm, set up shop in the heart of Berlin with just 24 lawyers. Fast forward to today, their Potsdamer Platz office is bustling with 114 employees, including 51 lawyers and 16 partners. This transactional law firm, as German Managing Partner Dirk Besse puts it, finds its sweet spot in Germany.
Why Germany? Morrison Foerster positions itself as a 'bridge builder', connecting Silicon Valley with the traditional German economy. One ongoing project involves advising electric car manufacturer Rivian on its joint venture with Volkswagen, a deal that not only showcases the relevance of Silicon Valley's software for the German economy but also heralds a new dawn of innovation.
The team prides itself on delivering top-notch service, aiming to attract the best minds in the industry. Their size may be modest compared to their global network, but it's personal, with the power to secure mandates in regions like California.
Japan, another significant territory, has been on Morrison Foerster's radar for decades. Their 40-year-old connection with Japanese IT giant Fujitsu has led to a long-standing relationship with top players in the Japanese electrical and software industry. A notable example of this collaboration was the 2022 takeover of Lübeck-based 3D printer manufacturer SLM Solutions by Nikon.
In addition to transactional work, Morrison Foerster boasts a robust global litigation practice. According to Besse, these two areas go hand in hand, particularly during challenging M&A phases and critical compliance issues. They helped the Mercedes-Benz supervisory board navigate the diesel scandal, providing valuable compliance advice.
As a global player, Morrison Foerster is well-versed in intellectual property and patent enforcement. This expertise could prove beneficial in Germany if opportunities arise. The firm is on a 'record course', with a recent turnover of 1.34 billion dollars and over 1,000 lawyers worldwide.
Dirk Besse anticipates a substantial increase in M&A business in 2025, driven by companies seizing opportunities and navigating customs barriers. However, he does not expect a wave of this activity. Some companies might scale back their presence in the USA, but global trade, for the most part, remains a steadily increasing trend.
In a shift towards increased investment controls, Morrison Foerster has designated four lawyers to handle sanctions and investment control matters. Global head of the National Security practice, John Smith, moved to Berlin, seeing Europe as a dynamic market for transactions. The teams work together globally to navigate complex cross-border transactions in various competition authorities.
Despite the economic uncertainties of the current year, Dirk Besse remains optimistic about Germany's future. He cautions against an exodus of innovative companies, stressing the need to foster an ecosystem that supports growth. He argues that Germany and Europe risk missing out on vital opportunities if they fail to provide a conducive environment for startups and tech companies.
In conclusion, Morrison Foerster is a dynamic law firm with a strategic focus on transactional work, compliance, and intellectual property. They strive to drive innovation and connect Silicon Valley with the traditional German economy, while maintaining strong ties with Japan and Europe. Despite challenges, Germany continues to be an attractive location in the long run.
The strategic positioning of Morrison Foerster, as a 'bridge builder', connects the technology-driven Silicon Valley with the traditional German economy, focusing on business transactions in areas like finance and technology. The firm's robust global litigation practice and intellectual property expertise, such as patent enforcement, could bring significant benefits to Germany's technological landscape.
In the future, anticipating an increase in M&A business, Morrison Foerster has designated lawyers to handle sanctions and investment control matters, demonstrating their readiness to navigate complex cross-border transactions and comply with global market dynamics, particularly in Europe. This proactive approach to technology, business, and finance demonstrates the firm's commitment to maintaining a strong presence in Germany.
