Stefan Kohler Dr. iur. et dipl. sc. nat. ETH Attorney at Law Partner Languages: German, English Contact: +41 58 211 34 19, skohler@vischer.com General Stefan Kohler has extensive experience in IP/technology law and regulated markets such as healthcare, pharma, medtech, biotech, cosmetics and foodstuffs. He regularly represents Swiss and foreign companies before Swiss courts and administrative authorities. He first studied science at the ETH in Zurich which enables him to accurately legally classify technical-scientific facts. Stefan is an associate judge at the Swiss Federal Patent Court, lecturer at the University of St. Gallen and teaches aspiring patent attorneys at the Swiss Institute for Intellectual Property in the field of licensing agreements, R&D agreements and technology transfer. In his field of expertise Stefan is the author of a wide range of publications. Education - Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Natural Sciences (dipl. sc. nat. ETH, 1994) - University of St Gallen, Legal studies (lic. iur., 1997) - University of St Gallen/ETH Zurich (Dr. iur., 2004) 1/8
Teams Life Sciences, Pharma, Biotech, Intellectual Property, China Desk, Data & Privacy, Health Care, Startup Desk Practice Areas Arbitration, Biotechnology Law, China Desk, Data Protection, Health Law, Intellectual Property, Life Sciences, Litigation, Patent Law, Pharma, Technology Law References Best Lawyers Switzerland 2014-2018 Recommended for Biotechnology Law, Intellectual Property Law. Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2018) - "Life Sciences" "Stefan Kohler at VISCHER is a key player in the market who sources describe as 'an excellent patent litigator', adding that he is also 'very strong at handling regulatory matters'." Legal 500 (EMEA 2018) - "Healthcare and life sciences" - Tier 1 "Vischer provides transactional, financing, capital markets, product launch and regulatory advice to health and life sciences industry clients and further represents them in contentious matters. The practice assisted JSR Corporation with its acquisition of Selexis and advised Axovant Sciences on its debt financing agreement with Hercules Capital. Stefan Kohler jointly heads the practice with Matthias Staehelin; Christian Wyss is another name to note." Chambers Europe (2018) - "Life Sciences" "Stefan Kohler is 'very open and approachable,' according to one source, who also notes that he is a 'good adviser.' He successfully represented Novo Nordisk Pharma in an appeal regarding pricing orders and has further experience relating to negotiations and the implementation of new regulations, as well as compliance and liability risk issues." Chambers Europe (2018) - "Intellectual Property" " Stefan Kohler advises clients from the pharmaceutical, retail, technology and automotive sectors on matters such as trade mark enforcement and cancellation procedures. He has further experience in patent applications, as well as advising on the new 'Swissness' legislation and R&D and licence agreements." Legal 500 (EMEA 2017) - "Healthcare and Life Sciences" - 1st tier "For some, Vischer is considered the best in Switzerland for life sciences regulatory matters, including market authorisation, drug reimbursement pricing, and compliance reviews. The very skilled and knowledgeable Stefan Kohler is recommended for regulatory and patent matters, and Matthias Staehelin stands out for his corporate and commercial work for biotech companies. Clients include AC Immune, Astra Zeneca, Biogen, CRISPR Therapeutics, Kuros Biosciences and Med Cell Europe." Legal 500 (EMEA 2017) - "Public Law" - 1st tier "According to clients, Vischer stands out for its excellency in public law. It successfully defended Swiss International Air Lines in administrative and subsequent appeal proceedings regarding its licence for flights between Geneva and Lugano, and has been acting for several hospitals in proceedings concerning tariffs chargeable to health insurance companies. Other clients include Axpo, Repower and Swisslos. The outstanding Stefan Rechsteiner, Stefan Kohler, Andreas Albrecht and counsel Michael Waldner are 2/8
recommended." Legal 500 (EMEA 2017) - "German-Speaking Switzerland: Leading Firms" "Vischer excels in public law, where the outstanding Stefan Rechsteiner attracts praise, and in the regulated life sciences industry, where Stefan Kohler is recommended for regulatory and patent matters and Matthias Staehelin focuses on M&A transactions. Rolf Auf der Maur is a key figure on the media and telecoms side." Chambers Europe (2017) - "Life Sciences" - Band 1 "Clients underline that they 'feel well looked after' by Stefan Kohler. He is a leading figure in the life sciences regulatory field, advising clients from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and cosmetics industries on licensing matters. Kohler is also highly sought after by clients for patent litigation and other civil proceedings. He advised Philip Morris on the regulatory aspects of a risk-reduced tobacco product." Chambers Europe (2017) - "Intellectual Property" "Stefan Kohler litigates and advises on patents, technology transfer and licensing and R&D co-operations. He is most active in the life sciences, food, engineering, aerospace and automotive sectors. He acted for Swiss International Airlines on its defence against allegations of patent infringement. Clients appreciate that he is 'very conscientious and meticulous.'" Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2016) - "Life Sciences" "Stefan Kohler from Vischer is a 'frontrunner' in the market, singled out for his ability to 'make complex matters seem simple'." Chambers Europe (2016) - "Intellectual Property" "Sources applaud Stefan Kohler's 'capacity in the life sciences and pharmaceutical field,' drawing particular recognition for his activity in patent matters." Chambers Europe (2016) - "Life Sciences" - Band 1 "Market commentators identify co-head of department Stefan Kohler as a leading expert in the regulatory field. Clients state that 'he understands and he tries to really capture your problem.'" Legal 500 (EMEA 2016) - "Healthcare and Life Sciences" - 1st tier "Vischer has an excellent regulatory practice, including compliance and administrative procedures, remarkable IP capabilities and a niche in acting for emerging biotech companies, where it advised GlycoVaxyn and Redvax on their sales to GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, respectively. Other clients include AstraZeneca, Novartis, Mattern Pharmaceuticals and IVF Zentren Prof. Zech. Stefan Kohler has very broad knowledge, including regulatory and IP matters, and is recommended along with Matthias Staehelin and newly promoted partner Christian Wyss." Legal 500 (EMEA 2016) - "Intellectual Property" "Vischer s Stefan Kohler is recommended for pharmaceuticals patent and trade mark matters, and Rolf Auf der Maur is recommended for copyrights and trade mark matters, most notably in the media sector. Clients include Netflix, 3 Plus and AstraZeneca." Legal 500 (EMEA 2016) - "Public Law" - 1st tier "Vischer has been representing Swiss International Air Lines in an administrative dispute regarding a licence for flights between Geneva and Lugano, which was appealed by competitor Darwin Airlines. The firm also successfully represented the utility company EKZ in a dispute with competitor AET regarding the right to supply electricity to the construction site of the Alp Transit Gotthard tunnel. Other clients include Swisslos and the University Hospital of Zurich. Very knowledgeable practice head Stefan Rechsteiner is recommended along with Andreas Albrecht and Stefan Kohler." iam - 1000 - World's Leading Patent Professionals 2015 "Across town at Vischer, Stefan Kohler leverages his scientific background to forge crucial pharmaceutical agreements. His 'specific biotech know-how' is 3/8
singled out for special mention." Chambers Europe (2015) - "Life Sciences" - 1st tier "Department co-head Stefan Kohler is singled out for his 'excellent industry knowledge' as well as his strong regulatory and corporate expertise. Sources enthuse: 'He is very commercial and very focused on getting the deal done; he is always at the front of the transaction.'" Chambers Europe (2015) - "Intellectual Property" "Practice head Stefan Kohler is recommended for his excellent knowledge of the life sciences sector and his patent experience. Sources comment: 'He has excellent industry knowledge and is very well connected.'" Legal 500 (EMEA 2015) - "Intellectual property" "Vischer s Stefan Kohler is recommended for pharmaceuticals patent and trade mark matters, and Rolf Auf der Maur is an expert in media sector copyrights and trade marks. Clients include Mattern Pharmaceutical, V-Zug, 3 Plus and Swisscom." Legal 500 (EMEA 2015) - "Healthcare and life sciences" - 1st tier "The very hardworking team at Vischer provides commercial solutions to legal problems. It successfully represented IVF Zentren Prof. Zech before the Cantonal Administrative Court of St Gallen, which overturned a health department ban on cryopreservation of oocytes to preserve female fertility. It also assisted AstraZeneca with the acquisition of Spirogen. Matthias Staehelin leads the practice alongside Stefan Kohler, who has broad knowledge and a friendly negotiation style." Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2015) - "Patents" "Vischer is represented by 'top lawyer' Stefan Kohler. He focuses on the legal issues concerning the development and marketing of innovative technologies. He also lectures aspiring patent attorneys and authors a range of publications in the area." Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2015) - "Life Sciences" "At Vischer, Stefan Kohler is 'one of the foremost' lawyers in the Swiss market and regularly advises companies in relation to life sciences regulatory matters as well as legal issues arising out of the development and marketing of innovative technologies." iam World's Leading Patent Practitioners 2014 "Stefan Kohler of Vischer is acclaimed for 'his extensive biotech know-how'." Chambers Europe (2014) - "Intellectual Property" "Stefan Kohler focuses on legal matters surrounding the development and marketing of innovative technologies, and is highlighted by market sources for his life sciences know-how. 'He's a good strategic thinker,' praise interviewees, who also say they appreciate Kohler's commercial awareness." Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2014) - "Patents" "Vischer's Stefan Kohler is the 'first port of call' for companies concerned with the development and marketing of innovative technologies. He has experience in patent litigation and licensing." Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2014) - "Life Sciences" "Stefan Kohler at Vischer has extensive experience in patent, licensing and regulatory matters and is able to combine 'useful scientific knowledge with important legal concepts' which allows him to provide 'first class advice' to clients." Legal 500 (EMEA 2014) - "Intellectual property" "Stefan Kohler leads Vischer s team, which is known for its copyright expertise, particularly relating to new media and entertainment. It also handles IT and trade mark matters. Rolf Auf der Maur is recommended for his expertise in copyright law relating to new technology." Best Lawyers Switzerland 2013 Recommended for Biotechnology and Intellectual Property Chambers Europe (2013) - "Intellectual Property" 4/8
"Stefan Kohler focuses on life sciences, and frequently handles patent licensing and contentious matters. He recently assisted M&P Pharma with granting a patent licence to a Toronto-listed company, and is valued for his strong technical background." Legal 500 (EMEA 2013) - "Intellectual Property" "Vischer s recent contentious engagements include representing a client in two arbitration cases relating to drug development and patent licensing agreements. Non-contentious work includes advising a European airline on trade mark strategy. Stefan Kohler is recommended for technology and life sciences matters." Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2013) - "Life Sciences" "Stefan Kohler is head of both the IP and life sciences teams in Vischer AG. He has a back-ground in science which gives him an "almost unparalleled" insight into the scientific or media aspects of an issue. He is also "brilliant" at litigation and providing strategic advice." Who's Who Legal (Switzerland 2013) - "Patents" "Vischer AG is represented by the "exceptionally bright" Stefan Kohler, who heads the firm's IP team. He uses his scientific background to assist business in developing new technologies, particularly within the life science sector." Legal 500 (EMEA 2017) - "Intellectual Property" "Vischer s team has been representing Westwind in a patent dispute regarding heat exchange technology and assisted Netflix with copyright matters. The very skilled and knowledgeable Stefan Kohler is an expert for patent and trade mark matters, while Rolf Auf der Maur is recommended for copyright work." Deals US / Swiss health solution provider group acquires Swiss pharmacy A US / Swiss health solution provider group based in Geneva and Pennsilvania acquired a Swiss pharmacy from its founder. VISCHER acted as transaction counsel to the buyer. The VISCHER team was led by Felix W. Egli and further included partners Dr. Stefan Kohler (Regulatory), Christoph Niederer (Tax), Marc Prinz (Employment) and associates Thomas Krizaj (Corporate), Peter Kühn (Corporate), Jonas D. Gassmann (Regulatory), Martin Dubach (Tax), Gian Geel (Employment) and Anela Lucic (Employment). Newly launched Vicarius Pharma secures CHF21 million financing Vicarius Pharma AG, a newly-launched company providing U.S.-based biopharmaceutical companies a novel approach to commercializing their first asset in European markets, has secured a CHF21 million (USD 21.8 million) investment through a Series A preferred stock financing from private investors. Vicarius acts as the innovator s go-to-market organization for Europe, building a customer-facing organization and commercializing the asset in the innovator s name, while absorbing all launch costs. VISCHER acted as transaction counsel to Vicarius Pharma AG. The team includes Felix W. Egli (Partner, Corporate), team leader, and Stefan Kohler (Partner, Regulatory Life Science), Roland Müller (Partner, Notary), Christoph Niederer (Partner, Tax), Thomas Krizaj (Managing Associate, Corporate), Peter Kühn (Corporate) and Seraina Tsering (Banking & Finance). Financing Round of ADC Therapeutics with USD 80 m VISCHER assists AstraZeneca as investor in a USD 80 m financing round of ADC Therapeutics Sàrl, Epalinges, an oncology drug development company that specializes in the development of proprietary Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) targeting major solid and hematological cancers. ADC Therapeutics intends to use this financing to progress ADC Therapeutics product portfolio, including ADCT-301 for lymphoma and leukemia now in Phase I and a collaboration to develop up to two ADCs for commercialisation with 5/8
MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of AstraZeneca. Covington & Burling LLP and VISCHER AG advise AstraZeneca in this financing. The team at VISCHER includes Christian Wyss, Stefan Kohler and Stefan Grieder. Oerlikon's sale of Advanced Technologies Segment successfully closed On February 3, 2015, Oerlikon announced that it has successfully closed the sale of its Advanced Technologies Segment to the Swiss-based company, Evatec AG. VISCHER acted as Oerlikon's Lead and Swiss Counsel. The VISCHER Team, led by partner Felix W. Egli, included Thomas Krizaj (M&A), Manuel Ulrich (M&A), Sebastian Huber (M&A), Klaus Neff (Merger Control), Stefan Kohler (IP) and Christoph Niederer (Tax). Oerlikon sells its Segment Advanced Technologies to Evatec On December 23, 2014 Oerlikon announces that it has signed an agreement to sell its Advanced Technologies Segment to Swiss-based Evatec AG. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2015. VISCHER acts as Oerlikon's Lead and Swiss Counsel. The VISCHER Team, led by partner Felix W. Egli, includes Thomas Krizaj (M&A), Manuel Ulrich (M&A), Sebastian Huber (M&A), Klaus Neff (Merger Control), Stefan Kohler (IP) and Christoph Niederer (Tax). AstraZeneca (through MedImmune) acquires Spirogen for up to USD 440 millions On October 15, 2013 AstraZeneca announced that MedImmune, its global biologics research and development arm, acquired Spirogen, a privately-held biotech company focused on anti-body-drug conjugate technology for use in oncology. VISCHER advised AstraZeneca on Swiss law aspects of the transaction, working alongside AstraZeneca's in-house legal team. MedImmune acquired 100 percent of Spirogen's shares for an initial consideration of USD 200 million and deferred consideration of up to USD 240 million based on reaching predeter-mined development milestones. The VISCHER team was led by partner Dr. Stefan Kohler and included associates Janusz Marty, Dr. Peter Kühn and Nicolas Facincani. Practice - Lecturer at the University of St Gallen (since 2007) - Research Assistant (biosciences/biotechnology) - Teacher for natural sciences - Legal Research Assistant at the University of St. Gallen - Clerkship and Associate with international corporate law firms in Zurich - Legal Counsel with a US-based (New Jersey) multinational pharmaceutical company - Consultant on the Swiss Federal legislation on biotechnology Memberships in Associations - Zurich Bar Association - Swiss Bar Association - International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) - Licensing Executive Society Switzerland (LES-CH) (Managing Committee, since April 2011) - INGRES - Institute for industrial property - SWISS PLG - Swiss Pharma Licensing Group - Member of the Forum for Genetic Research of the Swiss Academy of Sciences - International Bar Association 6/8
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About VISCHER We effectively support our clients in a solution oriented manner in legal, tax and regulatory matters. Our lawyers, tax experts and notaries are organized in the specialist practice teams listed below, each led by an experienced partner. This enables us to individually tailor our services to meet the requirements of the individual project in the most effective manner. Our offices are located in Zurich and Basel, the two largest business centers of Switzerland. Independence is a key factor for the optimal protection of client interests. We therefore put great value on a very high conflict of interest standard that is no longer obvious in the international legal industry. In order to also remain independent in transborder transactions, we have built up our own global network of foreign law firms enabling us to select our foreign attorneys based exclusively on the requirements of the individual mandates and without having to take into consideration the instructions of a law firm group or a network organization. - Antitrust and Competition - Aviation - Banking and Finance - China Desk - Civil Law Notaries - Compliance Support - Corporate and Commercial - Data & Privacy - Employment Law - Energy - Health Care - Immigration - Information and Communication Technology - Intellectual Property - Life Sciences, Pharma, Biotech - Listed Companies - Litigation, Arbitration - Media and Entertainment - Mergers & Acquisitions - Pension Funds - Private Clients - Private Equity, Venture Capital, Corporate Finance - Public Sector and Regulatory - Real Estate - Restructuring and Insolvency - Sports Law - Startup Desk - Tax - White Collar Crime Zürich VISCHER AG Schützengasse 1 8021 Zürich Switzerland Tel +41 58 211 34 00 Basel VISCHER AG Aeschenvorstadt 4 4010 Basel Switzerland Tel +41 58 211 33 00 8/8