‘Stefan Kohler is highly knowledgeable, very dedicated, great communicator, clear, great advice.’

Stefan Kohler is a highly regarded practitioner who assists with licensing agreements, marketing regulations and other regulatory issues.

"His knowledge is very important to us, he knows the company in detail, is very skilled and has a great team."

"Stefan Kohler’s double major in natural sciences and law make him a very valuable patent litigator."

Stefan Kohler is widely commended for his remarkable experience advising on IP matters affecting major clients in life sciences sector.  

Stefan Kohler is a highly regarded practitioner, assisting with licensing agreements, marketing regulations and other regulatory issues. "He provided very concise, well-elaborated, easy-to-understand legal advice on several legal questions under Swiss law," says one client.

Stefan Kohler is recognised for his work on counterfeiting disputes and patent litigation. He additionally handles trade mark infringement cases.

"Stefan Kohler provided outstanding legal advice to our clients."

Key practice areas for VISCHER are capital markets, M&A, healthcare, TMT and transport as well as public law, competition and litigation. Among the names to note are Klaus Neff, Stefan Kohler, Rolf Auf Der Maur, Benedict Christ, David Rosenthal and Stefan Rechsteiner as well as Christian Oetiker, Michael Waldner, and Christian Wyss.

The well-established life sciences practice at VISCHER is sought after by a range of players in the industry, including pharmaceutical companies, start-ups and investors. Covering the healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotech and cosmetics sectors, the team handles contentious and non-contentious regulatory and patent matters as well as financing rounds and M&A transactions. Stefan Kohler enjoys a strong reputation among his peers and has experience in IP and technology law. He jointly leads the practice with Basel-based Matthias Staehelin, who is well versed in capital markets, venture capital and agreements in the relevant field. Christian Wyss, also in the Basel office, is noted for his knowledge in R&D, technology transfers and license agreements.

Stefan Kohler is a highly regarded practitioner, assisting with distribution agreements, marketing regulations and other regulatory issues. One client remarks: "He has an ability to be very practical in his work," in addition to being "very nice to work with."

Stefan Kohler is recognised for his work on counterfeiting disputes and patent litigation. One client praises him for being "very experienced, committed and responsive."

Recommended for Patents

Recommended for Life Sciences - Transactional

"Stefan Kohler is a standout lawyer distinguished for his expertise in IP law. He brings significant value to clients due to his insights into the biotech, healthcare and pharma markets." 

"Stefan Kohler possesses strong experience in IP and technology law, and is active in a plethora of industries including biotech, cosmetics and healthcare."

"Stefan Kohler is a regulatory specialist who assists domestic and international clients in navigating healthcare and life sciences regulations." He is listed as Global Elite Thought Leader.

VISCHER wurde in den Branchen Chemie, Medizinaltechnik und Pharma als eine der fünf am häufigsten empfohlenen Kanzleien ausgezeichnet.

"VISCHER is highly regarded for its healthcare, TMT and transport practices as well as its expertise in capital markets, M&A, public law, competition and litigation matters. Key at the firm include Stefan Kohler, Rolf Auf der Maur, Benedict Christ, Stefan Rechsteiner and Christian Oetiker. Michael Waldner, Klaus Neff and Christian Wyss are other names to note."

"VISCHER's IP practice handles patent litigation and protection strategies, copyright licensing and agreements for online models and video on demand (VOD) platforms, and trade mark portfolio management. Highlights included team head Stefan Kohler co-ordinating the European market launch of Migros Delica's new coffee capsules compatible with Nespresso machines, and Rolf Auf der Maur successfully defending Swisscom in the first-ever national ISP blocking case. Christian Wyss focuses on due diligence and M&A-related cases."

"VISCHER has a strong track record in transactions in the life sciences space, in which it acts for companies, entrepreneurs and investors alike. It is also well versed in advising clients on compliance matters, administrative procedures and other regulatory matters. Stefan Kohler has longstanding experience in the sector and further advises on IP and technology law. He jointly leads the practice alongside Matthias Staehelin in Basel, who is a key contact for M&A, IPOs and financings in this space. Christian Wyss, also in Basel, has considerable knowledge in setting up contracts and assisting start-ups."

Stefan Kohler advises on licensing agreements for drug development and commercialisation, with further activity in product launches. He also offers experience in pricing and reimbursement matters.

Stefan Kohler is particularly active for life sciences clients, advising on exclusive rights and licensing agreements. He also acts on the IP aspects of transactions, with further strength in counterfeiting matters.

"Stefan Kohler of Vischer is a well-known name in the Swiss market who possesses a strong reputation for his deep knowledge of IP regulation and contractual matters."

"VISCHER has core strength in the healthcare, TMT and transport sectors and notable public law expertise, while also fielding strong capital markets, M&A, competition and litigation departments. Key partners include Stefan Kohler, Rolf Auf der Maur, Stefan Rechsteiner, Benedict Christ and Christian Oetiker. Michael Waldner and Christian Wyss are other names to note."

"The intellectual property department at VISCHER covers protective, strategic, transactional and contentious matters in relation to patents, copyright, designs and trade marks. Christian Wyss assisted Balderton Capital with the IP due diligence in preparation for its investment into Sophia Genetics' $30m financing round, while team lead Stefan Kohler advises Philipp Morris on the agreements required for the technological development of reduced-risk tobacco products. Rolf Der Maur, who combines intellectual property law with IT expertise, is another name to note."

"VISCHER is renowned for its expertise in corporate, commercial, transactional, regulatory and patent-related healthcare and biotech matters. Matthias Staehelin assisted Medartis with its initial public offering on the SIX Swiss Exchange, while Stefan Kohler acted for Novo Nordisk Pharma in its appeal against a pricing decision made by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health concerning the client's type-two diabetes product. Christian Wyss advised Lundbeck on its €905m acquisition of Prexton Therapeutics."

"Stefan Kohler has a strong track record in regulatory matters and is recognised for his expertise in pricing-related issues and market access questions. He assisted Philip Morris International with the regulatory and liability aspects of the launch of its new product IQOS. A source describes him as "confident and solution-oriented" and lauds his capabilities in the pharmaceutical industry."

"Stefan Kohler is described as "very solution-oriented and a calming influence" by clients, who report that it is "very easy to find an answer with him." He assists clients with patent litigation matters as wel as IP development agreements and licences."

"Stefan Kohler at VISCHER is a key player in the market who sources describe as 'an excellent patent litigator', adding that he is also 'very strong at handling regulatory matters'."

"Vischer provides transactional, financing, capital markets, product launch and regulatory advice to health and life sciences industry clients and further represents them in contentious matters. The practice assisted JSR Corporation with its acquisition of Selexis and advised Axovant Sciences on its debt financing agreement with Hercules Capital. Stefan Kohler jointly heads the practice with Matthias Staehelin; Christian Wyss is another name to note."

"Stefan Kohler is 'very open and approachable,' according to one source, who also notes that he is a 'good adviser.' He successfully represented Novo Nordisk Pharma in an appeal regarding pricing orders and has further experience relating to negotiations and the implementation of new regulations, as well as compliance and liability risk issues."

" Stefan Kohler advises clients from the pharmaceutical, retail, technology and automotive sectors on matters such as trade mark enforcement and cancellation procedures. He has further experience in patent applications, as well as advising on the new 'Swissness' legislation and R&D and licence agreements."

"Vischer’s team has been representing Westwind in a patent dispute regarding heat exchange technology and assisted Netflix with copyright matters. The ‘very skilled and knowledgeable’ Stefan Kohler is an expert for patent and trade mark matters, while Rolf Auf der Maur is recommended for copyright work."

"Stefan Kohler from Vischer is a 'frontrunner' in the market, singled out for his ability to 'make complex matters seem simple'."

"Market commentators identify co-head of department Stefan Kohler as a leading expert in the regulatory field. Clients state that 'he understands and he tries to really capture your problem.'"

"Sources applaud Stefan Kohler's 'capacity in the life sciences and pharmaceutical field,' drawing particular recognition for his activity in patent matters." 

"Vischer has been representing Swiss International Air Lines in an administrative dispute regarding a licence for flights between Geneva and Lugano, which was appealed by competitor Darwin Airlines. The firm also successfully represented the utility company EKZ in a dispute with competitor AET regarding the right to supply electricity to the construction site of the Alp Transit Gotthard tunnel. Other clients include Swisslos and the University Hospital of Zurich. ‘Very knowledgeable’ practice head Stefan Rechsteiner is recommended along with Andreas Albrecht and Stefan Kohler."

"Vischer’s Stefan Kohler is recommended for pharmaceuticals patent and trade mark matters, and Rolf Auf der Maur is recommended for copyrights and trade mark matters, most notably in the media sector. Clients include Netflix, 3 Plus and AstraZeneca."

"Vischer has an ‘excellent’ regulatory practice, including compliance and administrative procedures, remarkable IP capabilities and a niche in acting for emerging biotech companies, where it advised GlycoVaxyn and Redvax on their sales to GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, respectively. Other clients include AstraZeneca, Novartis, Mattern Pharmaceuticals and IVF Zentren Prof. Zech. Stefan Kohler has ‘very broad knowledge’, including regulatory and IP matters, and is recommended along with Matthias Staehelin and newly promoted partner Christian Wyss."

"Across town at Vischer, Stefan Kohler leverages his scientific background to forge crucial pharmaceutical agreements. His 'specific biotech know-how' is singled out for special mention."

"Department co-head Stefan Kohler is singled out for his 'excellent industry knowledge' as well as his strong regulatory and corporate expertise. Sources enthuse: 'He is very commercial and very focused on getting the deal done; he is always at the front of the transaction.'"

"Practice head Stefan Kohler is recommended for his excellent knowledge of the life sciences sector and his patent experience. Sources comment: 'He has excellent industry knowledge and is very well connected.'"

"Vischer’s Stefan Kohler is recommended for pharmaceuticals patent and trade mark matters, and Rolf Auf der Maur is an expert in media sector copyrights and trade marks. Clients include Mattern Pharmaceutical, V-Zug, 3 Plus and Swisscom."

"The ‘very hardworking team’ at Vischer provides ‘commercial solutions to legal problems’. It successfully represented IVF Zentren Prof. Zech before the Cantonal Administrative Court of St Gallen, which overturned a health department ban on cryopreservation of oocytes to preserve female fertility. It also assisted AstraZeneca with the acquisition of Spirogen. Matthias Staehelin leads the practice alongside Stefan Kohler, who has ‘broad knowledge’ and ‘a friendly negotiation style’."

"Vischer is represented by 'top lawyer' Stefan Kohler. He focuses on the legal issues concerning the development and marketing of innovative technologies. He also lectures aspiring patent attorneys and authors a range of publications in the area."

"At Vischer, Stefan Kohler is 'one of the foremost' lawyers in the Swiss market and regularly advises companies in relation to life sciences regulatory matters as well as legal issues arising out of the development and marketing of innovative technologies."

Recommended for Biotechnology Law, Intellectual Property Law.

"Stefan Kohler of Vischer is acclaimed for 'his extensive biotech know-how'."

"Stefan Kohler focuses on legal matters surrounding the development and marketing of innovative technologies, and is highlighted by market sources for his life sciences know-how. 'He's a good strategic thinker,' praise interviewees, who also say they appreciate Kohler's commercial awareness."

"Vischer's Stefan Kohler is the 'first port of call' for companies concerned with the development and marketing of innovative technologies. He has experience in patent litigation and licensing."

"Stefan Kohler at Vischer has extensive experience in patent, licensing and regulatory matters and is able to combine 'useful scientific knowledge with important legal concepts' which allows him to provide 'first class advice' to clients."

"Stefan Kohler leads Vischer’s team, which is known for its copyright expertise, particularly relating to new media and entertainment. It also handles IT and trade mark matters. Rolf Auf der Maur is recommended for his expertise in copyright law relating to new technology."