Today, at the beginning of the 21st century we as a modern patent law firm can look back on a history which started in the 19th century. In the year 1895 the "Civilingenieur" Robert Brede founded the "Patentbureau Brede & Cie.". He was one step ahead of his time as the profession of a patent attorney was created by law not until five years after the founding of his "Patentbureau". We are therefore the oldest patent law firm in Cologne.

In the year 1909 the family of Alfred Maxton sen. joined the firm. Even today, we have the pleasure of advising clients from the time our law firm was founded on all legal and technical areas, which we see as an award for our continuous performance. As time went on, the "Compagnie" of 1895 became the team of today with its current partners.

Mr. Alfred Maxton jr. joined the partnership in 1971. Some years later, Mr. Jürgen Langmaack, at that time working for a reputable German engine construction and plant engineering group, could be won for the firm. It was their collaboration of many years which laid the foundation for the firm as it is at present. In 1999, Mr. Jochen Maxton and Dr. Christoph Geskes joined as partners. Mr. Björn Schulz became a member of the partnership in 2002. Prior to that he set up and headed the "Intellectual Property" department of a major British group.

Our offices are located in a building which used to be a post office more than 80 years ago. Our firm evolved from the first patent law firm in Cologne into a young partnership, which looks back on many years of experience, advises on all areas of intellectual property rights and views its successful past as a commitment for the future.