Steffen graduated in Civil Engineering at Dresden University of Technology, obtained a postgraduate degree (ICID) in Structural Steel Design from Imperial College London, and completed a Ph.D. in Computational Mechanics, at Dresden University of Technology.
Work experience
Before joining Jacobacci & Partners in 2001, Steffen worked as a Research Fellow with focus on nonlinear analysis of structures in steel and composite materials, and gained industry experience both in Germany and Italy in the design and analysis of steel bridges and integrated material handling and storage systems.
As a patent attorney Steffen has been representing and advising clients ranging from research institutions and deeply specialized local companies to multi-national corporations.
Technical focus
Steffen has an extensive practice in drafting and prosecuting European and Italian patent applications relating to engineering subject-matter and a solid experience in handling oppositions and appeal proceedings before the European Patent Office, including multiparty proceedings and hearings, both in English and German language. He has also been involved in patent litigation in Italy, Germany and France.
Although based in Milan, Steffen is frequently in Munich and in The Hague for hearings and meetings with clients.
Areas of expertise
Steffen handles mainly engineering matter and has particular experience in the fields of household appliances, medical devices, automotive brake systems, railway equipment, sports equipment, textile machines, domestic and industrial electrical equipment, valve systems for pressure piping, heating and ventilation equipment, construction materials, packaging and material handling systems and high pressure gas cylinders.
Since 2006, Steffen lectures at a course on Intellectual Property at the Polytechnic of Milan.