“Marc is one of the rare practitioners in Germany who brings true depth of experience in both patent litigation and soft IP disputes, with deep experience leading high-stakes matters for life sciences and technology clients,” said Pete Chassman, firmwide chair of Reed Smith’s Intellectual Property Group. “His addition elevates and deepens our IP capabilities in Europe, including patent litigation capability in Germany and before the Unified Patent Court, more broadly. We expect significant synergies with the firm’s existing capabilities and clients round the world.”

Holtorf advises and represents pharmaceutical, medical device, and other high-tech clients on contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters, including patent, trademark, and unfair competition disputes, as well as licensing projects. In addition, he supports life sciences clients in landmark regulatory projects and disputes. He has served as lead counsel in more than 1,000 intellectual property proceedings, with a particular focus on preliminary injunctions. His practice is highly international, with significant cross-border experience spanning Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia.

“Clients are facing more coordinated and higher-stakes IP and life sciences disputes across Europe, particularly in sectors driven by science and technology,” said Andreas Splittgerber, Munich office co-managing partner. “Marc’s arrival strengthens our ability to support those clients locally in Germany while connecting them to Reed Smith’s broader European and global platform.”

He joins Reed Smith following a distinguished career that includes leadership roles at leading international firms. Most recently, he led the life sciences practice in Germany at Pinsent Masons and served as deputy head of the firm’s German business. Prior to that, he spent many years at Clifford Chance, where he was head of the firm’s intellectual property practice in Munich. He is admitted to practise before the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and is a recognised thought leader on UPC-related developments.

“I’m joining Reed Smith at a pivotal moment for intellectual property in Europe, as the Unified Patent Court reshapes the litigation landscape and clients face increasingly coordinated, cross-border disputes,” said Holtorf. “Reed Smith offers a strong platform to build in Germany and to connect across key markets around the world. I look forward to expanding the firm’s IP and life sciences offering to meet growing client demand.”

Holtorf studied law at the University of Konstanz and the University of Freiburg. Throughout his career he spent significant time in the US, Switzerland and China. He has been admitted to practise in Germany since 1997 and before the UPC since 2025.