Welcome to the latest instalment of Managing IP’s ‘Five minutes with’ series, where we learn more about IP practitioners on a personal as well as a professional level. This time we have Stefan Müller, partner at 2SPL Patent Attorneys in Germany.
Someone asks you at a party what you do for a living. What do you say?
I help inventors and companies protect their ideas. As a patent attorney, I work at the intersection of technology, law, and strategy – turning innovation into enforceable rights. In addition to these core responsibilities, there's always extra work that comes with being a partner in a patent law firm.
Talk us through a typical working day.
My days are a mix of technical deep-dives and legal reasoning. I start by reviewing invention disclosures, patent applications or office actions, followed by discussions with inventors or clients. I also supervise our team and mentor junior attorneys - something I find particularly rewarding.
Another important aspect of my role is client development, whether that means guiding startups through their first filings or discussing strategic intellectual property solutions with prospective clients.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m preparing the grounds of appeal for the German Federal Patent Court in a significant opposition case, aiming to have a competitor’s patent revoked.
Does one big piece of work usually take priority or are you juggling multiple things?
I’m definitely juggling. While larger cases – like oppositions or litigation support – require deep focus, the day-to-day involves many moving parts: new filings, strategic advice, internal mentoring, and relationship management. The real challenge lies in maintaining both quality and responsiveness on all fronts.
What is the most exciting aspect of your role and what is the most stressful?
What excites me most is working with cutting-edge technology—often before it reaches the market. The most stressful? Definitely the time pressure: deadlines are tight, and precision is absolutely essential.
Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer/practitioner.
Curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. You need to understand both your client’s technology and their business goals.
What is the most common misconception about IP?
That a patent is just a legal formality or ‘nice to have’. In fact, for tech companies, a strong IP portfolio can be a key driver for investment, partnerships, or market access. It's very much a business tool.
What or who inspires you?
I’m inspired by entrepreneurs who turn ideas into real-world impact, especially those who combine deep tech with a social or environmental mission.
If you weren’t in IP, what would you be doing?
I might be building something – perhaps as an engineer or product developer. I’ve always loved solving technical puzzles and working on practical innovations.
Any advice you would give your younger self?
Stay curious.
What is your motto in life?
I’m not really into mottos. Life changes constantly, and I haven’t found a single phrase that fits every situation. Flexibility and reflection seem more valuable to me than fixed slogans.
