What sets us apart
Matthias Koch
As an attorney-at-law and partner at Freshfields (until May 2025), I have specialized for more than 25 years in advising companies on all aspects of intellectual property and have developed innovative solutions for complex issues for international clients. Through my many years of work in the field of intellectual property, I bring comprehensive expertise and strategic understanding of the complex challenges of modern IP law.
Areas of expertise
Strategic advisory – Development of tailored IP strategies that are optimally aligned with my clients’ business objectives.
Representation in disputes – Comprehensive litigation representation in IP disputes with the aim of effectively enforcing and defending my clients’ rights. Extensive experience in out-of-court negotiations and a high success rate in reaching settlements.
Corporate transactions – Legal support for M&A transactions, joint ventures, and other corporate projects with an IP focus, including IP aspects of tax structures (e.g. intra-group licensing structures).
Innovation and digitalization
As a pioneer of digitalization in legal advisory services, I have played a key role over many years in initiatives for digital transformation and was co-head of the “Freshfields Digital” initiative. This project served as a know-how platform for a team of legal experts that developed innovative solutions for all legal aspects of the digitalization of industries.
This experience now flows directly into my advisory practice: the use of artificial intelligence resources has become an integral part of my way of working and enables me to develop even more precise and efficient solutions for my clients.
Client feedback
My work is highly regarded by clients and industry experts alike. The following assessments can be found in leading legal directories:
“Clients say Matthias Koch is very good on cross-border dispute, adding: he has impressed me with his knowledge and ability to think creatively.”
“He has shown outstanding legal expertise and excellent tactical skill, both in advisory work and in litigation.”
“He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, is extremely charismatic and pays close attention to detail. He is passionate about achieving the right result.”
German clients emphasize: “excellent technical expertise,” “skilled negotiator,” “impresses with absolute professional competence.”
My approach
I am known for my open and direct realism in advising clients. My many years of experience have given me a strong sense for the prospects of success of a project.
I combine sound legal expertise with a deep understanding of technological developments and their impact on intellectual property law. This combination enables me to consistently find optimal solutions for my clients, even in a rapidly changing legal environment.
Dr. Iris Koch
As an experienced commercial mediator and attorney-at-law, I bring 15 years of in-depth expertise in professional out-of-court conflict resolution. In my long-standing practice, I have handled both two-party mediations and complex multi-party proceedings in a wide variety of contexts. My work as a mediator has given me a deep understanding of conflict dynamics. I quickly identify the core issues of a conflict and can open up new paths even in deadlocked situations.
Areas of expertise
Two-party mediation – Efficient facilitation of conflicts between two business partners, for example in contractual disputes or shareholder conflicts. Through structured dialogue and proven mediation techniques, I work with the parties involved to find sustainable solutions.
Multi-party mediation – Conflict constellations involving multiple parties are highly complex. My many years of experience enable me to navigate even challenging group dynamics and involve all parties in a way that makes a solution possible.
International expertise – Cross-border mediation –
Through my one-year stay in Japan, very good English and Japanese language skills, and my academic work on alternative dispute resolution in Japan (doctoral thesis on ADR in Japan), I bring the qualifications required for international commercial mediations. I understand cultural nuances and can mediate effectively in cross-border business conflicts.
My approach
I see mediation as a particularly contemporary tool for dispute resolution, which is becoming increasingly established in commercial conflicts. I am passionate about working as a mediator because it embodies a modern, holistic approach to conflict resolution. Its interest- and solution-oriented path helps combine efficiency and makes it possible for former conflict parties to become business partners again.
Who we are
Matthias Koch
Attorney-at-law • Intellectual Property (IP)
Cologne, Germany
Professional background
Founder • Own law firm for intellectual property
Specialization in individual advisory services and litigation representation in all matters of intellectual property.
Partner and Head of the IP Practice • Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Head of the global IP/IT practice.
Responsible for advising leading technology and consumer goods companies.
- Litigation in intellectual property law
- Advisory services and legal support for digitalization projects
- Know-how platform and team coordination within the “Freshfields Digitization Initiative”
- Cooperation in international transactions, disputes, and strategic IP matters
- Recruitment and development of junior legal talent
Areas of practice
- Intellectual property: Advisory services and representation in all matters of intellectual property
- Digital economy and innovation: Legal support for the digitalization of business models and processes
- Litigation: Representation in complex commercial disputes with a focus on IP/IT
- Strategic expertise: Experience in the international expansion and management of large advisory teams
Industry experience
- Technology companies
- Consumer goods industry
- Software and IT services
Languages
- German
- English
Personal
- Enthusiastic family man
- Committed to social causes
- Endurance athlete
Dr. Iris Koch
Attorney-at-law
Cologne, Germany
Professional experience
Attorney-at-law at a leading international law firm
In-house counsel and executive assistant at an investment management company in Düsseldorf
Systemic HR and business coach (since 2012)
Commercial mediator (since 2014)
Education, training, and international experience
- Studies in law and legal clerkship in Bonn and Cologne
- One-year stay in Japan
- Studies in Japanese law (FernUniversität Hagen)
- Doctorate: Out-of-court dispute resolution in Japan with a special focus on arbitration
- One-year stay in the United Kingdom
- Training as a systemic HR and business coach at Coaching Akademie Berlin (ECA-certified)
- Mediator training (Konstanz School of Mediation)
- Advanced training as a family mediator (Konstanz School of Mediation)
- Training as a commercial mediator at IMPS Institute Augsburg (certified by BMWA)
Languages
- English
- Japanese
Personal
- Married and mother of three sons
- Passionate mountain biker
How we work
Confidentiality / references
Discretion is not a skill, but a matter of course – and our statutory obligation as attorneys and mediators. We therefore do not speak to anyone about your mandate, not even in anonymized form – unless you expressly request it. Accordingly, we do not publicly advertise our clients. We are convinced that we can demonstrate our expertise to you in a personal conversation.
Social commitment
Social commitment is an integral part of our self-image as entrepreneurs. In joint projects with church and public institutions, we have provided free legal advice, mediated conflicts, and supported refugee assistance.
We will consistently continue our social commitment within the framework of HochGrat and allocate a clearly defined portion of our resources to social purposes.