Dr. Cord Willhöft, LL.M. (KCL) | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

My main areas of practice

My regulatory expertise covers the placing on the market of medical devices and medicinal products, including clinical evaluation and testing, conformity assessment procedures and authorisation, making available on the market, MDR compliance of economic operators, as well as the representation of companies' interests vis-à-vis authorities and courts.

The area of Healthcare Compliance includes the legally compliant design of cooperation with healthcare professionals and patient organisations, as well as product-related sales promotion.

I am a leading expert in the area of SHI reimbursement of medical devices in the outpatient and inpatient service area of SHI.

In particular, we advise companies on medical device method assessment procedures (§ 137h SGB V) and testing procedures (§ 137e SGB V).

We have advised numerous (US) companies on the implementation of MDR requirements, including ZOLL Medical Co, Asahi Kasei Medical, Starkey, Galvanize Therapeutics, Pulmonx, Saluda Medical, Procept, Corvia Medical, Route 92, Intersect ENT and ResMed.

I advise my clients in German and English.
 

Recommendations

JUVE and Legal 500
 

Publications

I regularly publish in relevant journals and am, among other things, co-author of the medical devices law commentary Lücker/Baumann. 
 

Personal engagement

I am a regular speaker, give trainings in companies and am also involved in local sports clubs (Münchener Ruderclub von 1880).

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Legal 500 - 2024
Cord Willhöft: Proven expert in the life sciences sector; experienced, precise, pragmatic.
JUVE 2018/19
experienced and uncomplicated, a good strategist. Proven expert in healthcare law with extensive detailed knowledge.Very practice-orientated and excellently networked.

Authored pieces

All Resources
A digital illustration of a glowing DNA double helix strand made up of colorful light particles, set against a dark background with purple and blue hues.
Life Sciences
Insight

ECJ's landmark ruling on defective products liability: What it means for life sciences manufacturers

30.03.2026
On 26 March 2026, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued a significant and precedent-setting judgment reshaping the liability landscape for defective products in the pharmaceutical sector. Although the case concerned a medicinal product (a vaccine), the Court’s reasoning extends in practice to medical device manufacturers, even though the judgment did not explicitly reference devices.
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Abstract representation of a chemical structure on a gradient purple and blue background. The molecular diagram features various bonded elements and hexagonal shapes, highlighting nitrogen (N) and amine (NH) groups.
Life Sciences
Insight

Small Gifts, Strict Rules: What the One-Euro Limit Means for Product-Related Advertising in the German MedTech Industry

25.07.2025
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A digital representation of a DNA double helix, with glowing particles forming the iconic twisted ladder shape. The background is a gradient of blue and purple, giving a futuristic and scientific feel to the image.
Insight

Update on the new Art. 10a MDR

10.12.2024
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Close-up of multiple pipettes dispensing blue liquid into rows of small, transparent test tubes in a laboratory setting. The scene is well-lit, emphasizing the precision and sterility of the scientific equipment and process.
Life Sciences
Insight

New MDR/IVDR amendment: transitional provisions for IVDs, EUDAMED, new Art. 10a

06.08.2024
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Insight

Following in the footsteps of other European countries, new regulation in France has facilitated the development and reimbursement of digital medical devices in this highly promising sector

06.11.2023
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What others say…

Legal 500 - 2024
Cord Willhöft: Proven expert in the life sciences sector; experienced, precise, pragmatic.
JUVE 2018/19
experienced and uncomplicated, a good strategist. Proven expert in healthcare law with extensive detailed knowledge.Very practice-orientated and excellently networked.