We’re a dynamic team of IP experts, automotive engineers, and strategic advisors dedicated to unlocking the full potential of pioneering braking technologies.

With an extensive portfolio boasting over 400 granted and pending patents, our innovations are made accessible to partners through a range of flexible licensing models. At our core, we specialize in developing advanced braking solutions for vehicle technology, including eMobility, Autonomous Driving, ePedal, and Single-Source Chassis Control. Our overarching mission is to furnish vehicle and brake system manufacturers with technical know-how and robust foundations for cost-effective and future-proof innovation.

Backed by a rich research and invention portfolio dating back to 2005, we’re committed to driving progress towards safety and sustainability in the automotive and autonomous transportation industry. In our pursuit of innovation, we continually expand our team and diversify our portfolio with fresh ideas. We actively welcome new inventors with state-of-the-art innovations to join our ranks as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive sector.

Our vision extends far beyond mere innovation and technology.

We envision a future defined by enduring collaboration and partnerships among inventors, suppliers, and manufacturers, pushing the boundaries of innovation beyond conventional limits. Together, we strive to shape a future where creativity, cooperation, and progress converge to drive transformative change in the vehicle industry and beyond.

“Ideas in our hearts. Power in our blood.”  –  Dr. Thomas Leiber, Founder

Our interdisciplinary team combines decades of experience in engineering with specific knowledge of the automotive industry. The majority of patent holders are Heinz and Thomas Leiber. In addition, IPGATE AG’s patent portfolio prides itself on patents by renowned engineers like Dr. Anton van Zanten, the well-known inventor of ESP, Christian Köglsperger and Valentin Unterfauner.

Heinz Leiber is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the automotive industry. As the former Director of Development at Robert Bosch GmbH and later Vice President at Mercedes-Benz AG, he played a pivotal role in the creation and launch of ABS 1.0. Heinz Leiber’s innovative spirit led him to design the E/E Multi-BUS architecture and shape future mobility with his domain architecture concepts. To this day, his name is associated with 589 patent families, with 396 patent families solely related to brakes, each comprising multiple individual patents. His achievements have earned him prestigious awards, including the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon, the Porsche Prize, and the Diesel Medal.

Dr. Anton van Zanten embarked on his journey in automotive safety during his doctoral studies at Cornell University in 1973. Joining Robert Bosch in 1977, he contributed to the pioneering anti-lock braking system (ABS), a precursor to the successful testing of the electronic stability program (ESP) in 1987, which was invented and developed under his leadership. Over his four-decade career, he authored around 180 patents, including key advancements like rollover mitigation (ROM) and trailer sway mitigation (TSM). His remarkable contributions have been honoured with prestigious awards like the Henry Ford II Distinguished Award and the Ferdinand Porsche Prize.

LSP engineers have been pivotal contributors to IPGATE patents.  Former LSP COO Christian Köglsperger and leader pre-development Valentin Unterfauner have significantly contributed to various patents as co-inventors for IPGATE AG’s one-box and two-box brake technology, showcasing their extensive expertise. In addition, former project and business unit leaders Carsten Hecker and Rainer Winzer provided valuable input to IPGATE patents, supporting the development process with their meaningful contributions.

Ralph Marthaler is a seasoned professional whose career spans decades of impactful contributions to the business world. Since 2016, he has served as a pivotal member of the board of directors at IPGATE AG, shaping the company’s trajectory with strategic vision and insights.

With over 35 years of leadership experience, Ralph began his journey as General Manager of his family-owned accounting and IT company. Under his stewardship, the company thrived, adapting to technological advancements while upholding core values. In addition to IPGATE AG, Ralph has served on multiple boards, offering expertise sought after in corporate circles. His educational background includes Marketing Management studies at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute and Accounting and Tax studies at the Commercial School in Zürich.

Dr. Petra Simoncic is an accomplished Intellectual Property professional with extensive experience across various industries.
She manages IPGATE AG’s IP portfolios and supports our partners in finding licensing solutions. Petra’s expertise extends to managing corporate IP activities including invention extraction, patent drafting and filing, prosecution and portfolio maintenance, defining IP strategy, conducting IP due diligence for M&A deals, and offering Freedom to Operate and Business Intelligence and Patent Analytics Services.

She has held key roles, such as Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Executive Officer, where she spearheaded technology development, IP creation, and licensing initiatives. With a strong scientific background, she has led projects in R&D and held IP responsibilities at leading organizations. Petra’s leadership and strategic insights have been instrumental in driving innovation and maximizing the value of IP assets.

Petra holds an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) with Honors from Quantic School of Business and Technology, a Master of Advanced Studies in Intellectual Property Rights from ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Crystallography from the University of Bern, and a Dipl. Natw. ETH in Earth Sciences from ETH Zürich.

Karolina Wieliczko is a seasoned finance expert with a strong focus on accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. Joining IPGATE AG on September 1st, she brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Financial Controller at CasperLabs Holdings AG. There, Karolina was instrumental in managing the group’s financial operations, including the preparation and analysis of financial statements, payroll management, VAT processing, and adherence to regulatory standards such as anti-money laundering (AML). Additionally, she played a key role in overseeing cryptocurrency transactions and collaborated with external auditors to ensure seamless audit compliance.

Karolina is known for her ability to drive operational improvements, having successfully implemented efficient procedures for handling travel expenses and VAT reporting, leading to substantial time and cost savings. Her collaborative approach allows her to work effectively with cross-functional teams to safeguard the organization’s financial health and regulatory compliance.

With prior experience at Acer Europe SA and Smith & Nephew, Karolina’s extensive expertise spans accounts payable & receivable management, financial audits, and process automation. She holds a Master’s degree with Honors in Management from Wroclaw University of Economics and is a certified accountant.

Kirk Kinnell is a professional negotiator who has dedicated his career to serving others and advocating for fairness. His journey began with a passion for helping people, leading him to join the Scottish Police Service. There, he specialised in Armed Response policing and later excelled in Hostage Negotiation, driven by his commitment to resolving crises peacefully.
Throughout his 30-year tenure in law enforcement, Kirk rose through the ranks, earning multiple promotions and ultimately retiring as the Head of Hostage Negotiation and Armed Policing for Scotland Police. His leadership and expertise were instrumental in handling high-pressure situations, including operations with the Organized Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit.
Beyond his service in Scotland, Kirk served as an external advisor to US Law Enforcement, contributing to the development of protocols for the use of force and de-escalation techniques. Recognizing the applicability of negotiation skills beyond law enforcement, Kirk transitioned into the corporate world, leveraging his expertise to navigate complex situations and foster positive outcomes.
Kirk’s journey is a testament to his commitment to making a difference, whether in law enforcement or corporate settings. His dedication to promoting peaceful resolutions and fairness remains unwavering.

Fiorella Erni is an expert in negotiation and crisis management. With extensive experience leading humanitarian missions in conflict zones across the Middle East and Africa, she specialized in negotiating with governmental and non-governmental actors while ensuring the safety of her teams in complex environments. Over the past four years, she researched negotiation tactics and practices and trained humanitarian frontline staff and diplomats in high-stakes negotiations.
Transitioning from her role in humanitarian work, Fiorella has also served as a consultant, advising private sector companies on risk and crisis management strategies. Today, she applies her entrepreneurial spirit to support businesses, providing communication guidance and training and advising corporate teams and individuals in negotiation.
Fiorella holds a degree in Social Anthropology and Arabic from Zurich, along with a “Conflict and Development Studies” certification from the Graduate Institute in Geneva. Additionally, she earned an MBA from the École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL).

Since its establishment in 2005, IPGATE AG has collaborated with LSP Innovative Automotive Systems GmbH to offer comprehensive services to its licensing partners. These services include identifying optimal technological solutions, assisting partners in integrating these solutions into new or existing products and conducting piloting and testing phases.
Established in 1998 and located in Munich, LSP Innovative Automotive Systems GmbH is a boutique engineering service with extensive experience in supporting clients to integrate technology solutions into their products efficiently and cost-effectively.

Their expertise lies in providing engineering services for holistic brake systems and vehicle stability solutions. LSP drives innovation, developing compelling products with unique selling propositions for clean, efficient, and safe mobility. They cater to established Tier 1 and OEM companies, as well as startups, offering support in high-performance vehicles, concept cars, and motorsport. Their services encompass knowledge sharing, resource provision, accelerating market access, and proving concepts. With their deep understanding and knowledge of braking and vehicle motion control, LSP delivers comprehensive solutions to meet diverse industry needs. With a diverse team of over 20 engineers representing 15 nationalities, LSP harnesses global knowledge to find the best and most innovative solutions for its clients.