Our Team - Legal precision meets technical expertise
The team at KASTEL Patentanwälte combines long-standing experience in intellectual property law with in-depth knowledge across the natural and engineering sciences.
Our patent attorneys represent clients worldwide with commitment, intercultural competence, and strategic foresight.
We speak your language – whether in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering – and translate complex technical matters into precise legal arguments.
Stefan Kastel (Partner)
- German and European Patent Attorney.
- European Design and Trademark Attorney.
- Graduate in Physics (Technical University of Munich).
- Experience in intellectual property since 1993.
- Member of the EQE Examination Board until the end of 2023.
Stefan Kastel advises companies and inventors on all aspects of industrial property protection. With over thirty years of experience, he manages national and international IP portfolios, particularly in the European and Asian markets.
Areas of expertise: Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Technology, Aerospace, Construction & Building Technology.
Languages: German, English.
Bernhard Surrer (Partner)
- German and European Patent Attorney.
- European Design and Trademark Attorney.
- Graduate in Physics (Technical University of Munich).
- Experience in intellectual property since 2012.
Bernhard Surrer advises companies and inventors on all matters relating to intellectual property law, particularly in an English-speaking context.
Areas of expertise: Machine Learning, Software Patents, Aerospace, Electro Chemistry.
Languages: German, English.
Volker Willems (Associate)
- German and European Patent Attorney.
- European Design and Trademark Attorney.
- Graduate in Geophysics (LMU Munich).
- Experience in IP since 1994 in law firms and industry, including 11 years as Head of IP Operations at the Central Research Department of an international technology group.
Volker Willems advises companies and inventors on on all matters relating to intellectual property law.
Areas of expertise: Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering.
Languages: German, English.
Dr. Philipp Wopperer (Associate)
- Patent Attorney & European Patent Attorney.
- European Design and Trade Mark Attorney.
- Graduate in Physics (FAU Erlangen/Nuremberg).
- German-French joint PhD (cotutelle de thèse) in cluster and molecular physics, many-body and quantum theory (FAU Erlangen/Nuremberg; Université de Toulouse).
- Experience in IP since 2018.
Dr. Philipp Wopperer advises companies and inventors on all matters relating to industrial property rights, particularly in the field of computer-implemented inventions.
Areas of expertise: Physics, Electronics, Information Technology, Autonomous Driving.
Languages: German, English, French.
Nico Joebges (Patent engineer & Trainee)
- Master of Science (MSc) in Mechanical Manufacture (Wrexham University, UK).
- State-Certified Technician in Mechatronics (Technikerschule München).
- Apprenticeship as a cutting machine operator.
- Practical experience as an Assembly Mechanic.
Specialised fields: Mechanical Engineering, Composite Materials.
Languages: German, English.
Peter Maier (Patent engineer & Trainee)
- MBA in International Leadership and Management (PSBT Kempten University of Applied Sciences).
- > 30 years’ practical experience in management roles within the SME sector, including
- Head of Design and Development with responsibility for intellectual property.
- Innovation management within the SME sector.
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Dipl.Ing.(FH) from Ulm University of Applied Sciences.
- Welding Engineer.
- Skilled metalworker.
Areas of expertise and experience: Mechanical Engineering – Automotive Engineering – Automation Technology – Welding Technology, Digitalisation, Production Processes and Process Control.
Languages: German, English.