Hans-Norbert Mayer holds a degree in mechanical and electrical engineering (Dipl.-Ing.). He is a former presiding judge at the German Federal Patent Court.

He began his career in patent law in 1967 as an examiner at the German Patent and Trademark Office in Munich. He was a judge at the German Patent Court from 1981-86. He also served as a member in the examining commission for patent attorneys.

Hans-Norbert Mayer was a leading head of the patent division of the German Patent Office from 1986-89. He was presiding judge at the German Federal Patent Court from 1989-99. From 1999-2001, he was a consultant and advisor at a German patent attorney's office in Munich. Mr. Mayer joined the Frohwitter law firm in Munich in 2002.

Mr. Mayer speaks German.