Ms Sommer-Zhang is an electrical engineer with particular experience in the fields of software, artificial intelligence and blockchain. She previously worked for patent attorney firms Farago and Jostarndt in Aachen, passing her European patent attorney examination last year.

As part of her education and training in electrical engineering and information technology, the 31-year-old worked for clients such as OLEDWorks. She also gained experience of AI patents with the technology company Komet, and 3D metal printing manufacturer Aixway.

“Ms Sommer-Zhang has exceptional technical expertise in key future technologies. These fields of technology are already of fundamental importance for many clients and will become even more important in patent law and many other areas of law,” remarked Dr Anton Horn.

With the addition of Sommer-Zhang, the number of lawyers working in patent law at Heuking increases to six. Since the beginning of January, a patent paralegal has also been added to Horn’s team. The patent area is also expected to grow further in the future.

This move is part of the firm’s new strategy of beefing up its expertise in AI and associated activities. The firm already has numerous Mittelstand clients that work with AI. However, protection of AI developments is a new challenge for it.

Heuking hiring an AI expert is designed to help the firm attract more clients, and strengthen its knowledge of topical issues, such as the patentability of software. Heuking is the latest law firm to pursue a mixed set-up, following the example of other firms such as Hogan Lovells.