Stefan Steinbrener has long-time experience as examiner and supervisor in German and European examination and opposition proceedings, in particular in the fields of semiconductor and display technology.

As a member of the Board of Appeal 3.4.02 (Physics II) of the European Patent Office Stefan Steinbrener has dealt with ex parte and inter partes opposition proceedings primarily in the field of optics. When appointed chairman of the Board of Appeal 3.5.01 (Electricity I) his practice focus shifted to telecommunication and later increasingly to aspects of hardware and software technology. Under his chairmanship Board of Appeal 3.5.01 has made fundamental contributions to the case law in the field of computer-implemented inventions.

Since his retirement from the EPO, Stefan Steinbrener is working at BARDEHLE PAGENBERG in a consultant capacity.