Munich Court Stops SAP Signavio on Celonis Patent Dispute
Munich court enjoins SAP's Signavio over Celonis' patent on net lead time calculation.
Why it matters: Patent enforcement in legal tech affects how software vendors and corporate counsel manage IP risks and competition. The ruling targets a key function without halting Signavio entirely.
- Munich Regional Court ruled on Oct 14, 2026, SAP infringed Celonis’ EP 3 139 274 B1 patent.
- The injunction stops SAP from using the disputed net lead time calculation function in Germany.
- SAP appealed and filed a nullity action at the Federal Patent Court (case 6 Ni 17/26).
- Celonis posted an €890,000 security to enforce the injunction before appeal resolution.
On October 14, 2026, the Munich Regional Court found that SAP's Signavio Process Intelligence infringed Celonis' European Patent EP 3 139 274 B1. This patent covers a method to determine net lead times between process stages, excluding non-business hours like nights and weekends. The court issued an injunction barring SAP from offering or using this specific technology in Germany and ordered SAP to disclose usage data since April 22, 2020, along with damages to Celonis. Handelsblatt.
SAP emphasized that only one function of Signavio Process Intelligence is affected, and the product remains available, with no impact on S/4HANA Cloud migrations. A SAP spokesperson said the company is working to prevent customer disruption. Meanwhile, Celonis stressed its commitment to protecting intellectual property and advocating for fair competition.Juve Patent
SAP has appealed and pursued a nullity action at the Federal Patent Court (case 6 Ni 17/26), challenging the patent's validity. Nonetheless, Celonis posted an €890,000 security deposit to enforce the injunction during the appeal process. The patent, if upheld, remains in force until 2036.Dr. Web, Perspire IP.
This dispute highlights ongoing friction between SAP and Celonis, which also includes an antitrust lawsuit filed by Celonis in the US in 2025. The ruling marks a critical development in the enforcement of intellectual property rights within the legal tech process mining market.
By the numbers:
- €890,000 — Security deposit Celonis posted to enforce injunction in Germany
- April 22, 2020 — Date SAP must report usage data of infringing technology
- 2036 — Patent EP 3 139 274 B1 expiration year if upheld
Yes, but: SAP's appeal and nullity action could overturn the injunction, potentially restoring full Signavio functionality.
What's next: Pending outcomes of SAP's appeal and Federal Patent Court nullity case will determine the injunction’s lasting impact.