SAP Fires IP Salvo at Celonis Amid Heated Antitrust Clash

The legal standoff comes as the two companies are already embroiled in a contentious U.S. antitrust battle, with Celonis accusing SAP of engaging in anti-competitive practices aimed at stifling innovation and market access. This dual-front legal war signals a high-stakes rivalry that is as much about legal maneuvering as it is about technological dominance in the growing space of process automation and enterprise analytics.

According to SAP, Celonis’ use of cloud-based process mining features encroaches upon technology that SAP developed and protected via patent filings in 2021. The UPC filing is significant because it allows SAP to potentially enforce its IP rights across multiple EU member states simultaneously, a powerful new capability introduced with the pan-European court.

Celonis, on the other hand, has dismissed SAP’s allegations as a tactical distraction meant to undermine its credibility and momentum during the U.S. antitrust litigation. The startup has vowed to vigorously contest the patent claim and has emphasized its commitment to independent innovation. This lawsuit is not only baseless but also indicative of SAP’s increasing discomfort with Celonis’ success.

Legal analysts are watching this case closely. The fact that SAP chose the new Unified Patent Court for this filing is notable—it reflects confidence in the strength of their patent and a desire for broader, faster enforcement across Europe. If successful, SAP could seek injunctions, damages, or both, potentially disrupting Celonis’ operations in key European markets.

Moreover, the timing of the suit—while a parallel antitrust case is unfolding in the U.S.—raises eyebrows. It’s possible that SAP is using the patent action as leverage to pressure Celonis in the broader dispute. Conversely, it could be a sign that SAP is adopting a more aggressive IP enforcement strategy going forward.