Intellectual Property

OUR CLIENTS

Our clients operate in many industrial and commercial sectors. We have, however, extensive expertise in the chemical, oil and food sectors as well as in software industries.

OUR APPROACH

Our approach is to fully understand the industry sectors in which our clients operate. We ensure that we understand each client’s commercial objectives and concerns, we anticipate the issues and we tailor our services to achieve the best possible IP strategy.

We believe in a practical, business-oriented approach to legal issues. If needed, we propose alternative dispute resolution, try to reach out-of-court settlements, or negotiate joint ventures instead of indefinitely pursuing litigation. We explore creative solutions and genuinely defend the best interests of our clients in a commercial, cost-effective way.

OUR TEAM

Most of our IP lawyers are active members of major Belgian and international professional IP associations. Many of them frequently speak at conferences and have written or co-authored articles and books on IP issues.

All IP team members are multilingual, facilitating effective communication with our clients.

OUR SERVICES

Advisory work

• Patents and know-how

Advising on IP transactions, such as licence agreements, technology transfer agreements, joint R&D projects, joint venture agreements, manufacturing agreements, or financing projects involving IP key business assets.

• Confidential information

Ensuring that confidential data is safeguarded during negotiations in the framework of commercial agreements and partnerships as well as in employment contracts.

• Trademarks

Advising on all aspects of brand protection: assisting clients with registration strategy, with opposition procedures (Benelux and EU), and with the drafting of licensing and transfer agreements.

• Copyright and designs

Advising on all aspects of Belgian copyright law. Advising on all aspects of Benelux and European design law.

• IP audits

Verifying the adequate identification and protection of IP assets, the validity of existing contracts and their registration when necessary, the adequacy of standard terms and conditions as well as IP transfer in employment contracts.

• IP and competition law

Advising on matters of competition law where IP is involved.

• Tax implications of intellectual property

Developing and implementing tax optimisation policies for IP assets in close collaboration with our tax department, which includes a dedicated IP team.

Contentious work

Representing clients before Belgian courts in various proceedings, such as ‘descriptive seizures’ aimed at gathering evidence of IP infringement, interim injunctions, copyright/trademark/patent infringement actions and the implementation of border measures involving customs authorities.