Tostmann, Holger

With over 25 years of experience in European and US- patent prosecution, as well as extensive practice in opposition and appeal proceedings, where he has achieved well above-average success rates, Holger focuses on patents in the fields of pharma, polymers, materials science and batteries. He provides strategic advice on patent portfolio management, aligning deep technical expertise with legal experience to support clients’ commercial objectives.

Holger has been active in the field of intellectual property since 2001. Holding a Ph.D. in chemistry, he has been admitted as a German and European Patent Attorney in 2004 and 2005, respectively. He spent a significant part of his scientific career in the United States and has particular expertise in U.S.-related patent proceedings.

His practice focuses on the enforcement and defense of granted patents in opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office (EPO), including proceedings before the Boards of Appeal. He also regularly prepares strategic IP opinions, including validity and freedom to operate opinions, infringement and legal opinions, as well as IP due diligence, including matters involving cross-border aspects.

Holger advises clients on all aspects of the "day-to-day" prosecution and maintenance of intellectual property rights (patents, utility models, designs), both at the national level before the German Patent and Trademark Office and in international proceedings before the EPO and the WIPO. In addition, he has extensive experience in proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and in U.S.-related IP matters more generally.

His technical expertise, built on a long research career, covers a broad range of chemistry-related fields, including physical, technical, and polymer chemistry, new materials, polymers, soft condensed matter, biophysical chemistry and pharmaceuticals (small molecules).

Prior to joining CASALONGA’s Munich office in 2026, Holger began his career at a renowned German patent and law firm, then worked as a Patent Attorney with an internationally active general practice U.S. law firm, and from 2008 to 2025, served as a partner at a leading German IP boutique.