From Partner to Opponent
What once began as a partnership has long since become one of Germany's fiercest technology conflicts. Celonis accuses SAP of violating key software patents of its process mining technology – including methods for process analysis, anomaly detection, and calculation of throughput times.
According to WirtschaftsWoche's information, Celonis filed lawsuits in the Eastern District of Texas, at the Unified Patent Court of the EU in Munich, as well as at the Munich Regional Court. The lawsuit in Texas is considered particularly explosive: The court district there is known for its fast and patent holder-friendly rulings.
The protection of our intellectual property is essential," said a Celonis spokesperson. "We will not be intimidated" and will vigorously defend our own technologies.
SAP counters with its own lawsuit
SAP rejects the allegations - and has long since mounted legal defenses itself. Last week, the Walldorf-based company sued Celonis in the US state of Delaware for alleged patent infringements. It concerns four US patents related to systems for event notification and data analysis, among other things.
We vehemently reject the allegations and will protect our innovations," it says from the SAP headquarters. Industry experts interpret the move as a strategic counterattack - apparently with the aim of building pressure for an out-of-court settlement.
The Dispute over Signavio
In the background, a deeper conflict is smoldering. Since SAP acquired the process mining provider Signavio in 2021—once a close Celonis partner—Celonis has accused the DAX company of unfair business practices. Another lawsuit has been ongoing in the USA for months, in which Celonis accuses SAP of distorting competition.
The district court in San Francisco had dismissed most of the allegations in the summer, but Celonis followed up. SAP responded promptly - with the patent lawsuit in Delaware. Now the escalation spiral seems unstoppable.
A good offense is the best defense
Both sides are increasing pressure to strengthen their negotiating positions," analyzes patent law expert Florian Müller from the industry service IP Fray. Celonis is attempting with its countersuits to persuade SAP to give in. "A good offense is the best defense in this case.
If the Texas court maintains its practice, the case could go to trial there faster than the SAP lawsuit in Delaware. This carries high risks for both sides and enormous symbolic significance for the German software industry.
