Ralph is a physicist and works in the field of intellectual property since 2001. In 2014, he founded the law firm Qip Patentanwälte together with colleagues.

Ralph studied physics at the Universities of Saarbrücken and Konstanz (Germany), graduating (Dipl.-Phys.) in 1997. Between 1993 and 1994 he studied at the Université Joseph Fourrier in Grenoble (France) on a scholarship from the German academic exchange service (DAAD). In 2000 he obtained his PhD in the field of novel silicon solar cells under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. E. Bucher at the University of Konstanz. During his doctorate, Ralph spent five months at the University of New South Wales in Sydney (Australia), performing 3-dimensional computer simulations of novel silicon solar cells at the chair of Prof. Dr. Green.

Ralph has been working in the field of intellectual property since 2001. He passed the German patent bar examination in 2004 and qualified as a European patent attorney in 2005. He also practices as a European trademark and design attorney at the European Community Trademark Office (OHIM). Between 2006 and 2014, he worked at Maiwald Patentanwalts GmbH, where he was one of the managing partners from 2008 to 2014.

His main technical fields of expertise include physics, particularly mechanics, semiconductor physics and optics with special emphasis on alternative energies, vehicle manufacturing, semiconductor technology, lasers and optical data transmission.

Ralph’s areas of legal expertise include patent prosecution, oppositions, nullity and infringement cases and provision of freedom-to-operate, infringement and validity opinions in the field of physics/mechanics.

A particular concern of his is living an ecologically responsible life, both privately and professionally.

Ralph speaks German, English and French.

Privately, Ralph loves to spend time with his family, particularly with his daughter. Furthermore, he likes doing various sports on and in water, liquid or frozen as well as listening and playing classical music.