The intellectual property practice at ALTIUS runs the gamut of intellectual property and unfair competition mandates with patents, parallel trade matters and geographical indications among the team’s core areas of expertise. A trio of partners head up the team: Christophe Ronse is well versed in patent law and life sciences; Olivier Vrins frequently wins plaudits for his work on anti-counterfeiting cases; and Philippe de Jong handles a steady stream of litigation related to plant variety rights. Kirian Claeyé, who made partner in September 2023, has a notable focus on patents and is a key contact for pharmaceuticals clients. Trade mark and patent litigation are strong suits of Sophie Lens, while Alexander De Bleeckere is another name to note.

From trade secrets and patent disputes, to geographical indications and brand protection work, Bird & Bird covers the full spectrum of intellectual property matters. Transactional and tax IP matters are additional areas of strength with the unit winning plaudits for its R&D and innovation tax work, notably in the life sciences sector. Jean-Christophe Troussel heads up the practice and has a wide-ranging IP practice that encompasses cross-border disputes and patent and trade mark expertise. Expert member of the Belgian Council of Intellectual Property Benoit Van Asbroeck frequently operates at the nexus of technology and IP, and Domien Op De Beeck‘s practice straddles contentious mandates and advice on trade secret protection agreements and policies. Auriane Shockaert excels in drafting complex IP agreements, while Guillaume De Villegas De Clercamp is adept at managing complex litigation in trade mark and copyright law.

Praised for its ‘vast network of foreign correspondents’, Crowell & Moring has developed a strong market reputation in cross-border litigation and the design and implementation of strategies for national and multi-jurisdictional IP disputes. Accomplished trade mark litigator Kristof Roox chairs the practice and is known for his prowess in cross-border enforcement mandates. Jan-Diederik Lindemans and Jurgen Figys are praised for their strength in ‘navigating Belgian IP litigation which is not always firmly established by case law’. Sari Depreeuw is trusted by national, European and international clients to handle mandates pertaining to issues such as copyright and neighbouring rights. The IP dimension of NFTs is an area of strength for Matteo Mariano. Edward Taelman, previously at A&O Shearman joined the team in March 2024 with particular expertise in trademark litigation.

Pan-European IP boutique HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER is a popular address for clients from the life sciences, tech and telecoms industries and media companies in need of regulatory advice, assistance with securing and defending IP portfolios, and work connected to trade mark litigation. Managing partner of the Brussels office Liesbeth Weynants is a key contact for patent litigation, particularly in the life sciences sector. Fabienne Brison has a focus on advising on the interests of intellectual property rights holders, while cross-border patent litigation is a particular area of competency for Steven Cattoor. Tim Robrechts and Ine Letten are further key contacts.

Described as a ‘strong practice in litigation’, NautaDutilh pulls together a strong offering with patent and trade mark related advice and litigation the core pillars of the practice, which is also equipped to handle disputes concerning trade secrets, copyright and domain names. Florence Verhoestraete and Tanguy de Haan co-head the team; Verhoestraete frequently leverages her knowledge of EU regulatory frameworks for contractual work, while de Haan’s strong focus on EU courts makes him a key contact for complex pan-European litigation. Philippe Péters is sought out by clients from the automotive industry, and commercial and IP specialist Sien Vandezande is singled out for her drafting skills.

Stibbe complements its focus on national and multi-jurisdictional IP litigation with advice on matters such as IP structurings and technology transfers. Patent, trade secret, and copyright mandates are notable areas of strength for the team. Team co-head Ignace Vernimme‘s broad IP expertise is prized by clients from a varied spectrum of sectors ranging from the pharmaceuticals space to the fashion industry. Fellow co-head Philippe Campolini frequently handles patent and trade mark litigation for clients in the life sciences and medical devices industries. Drafting IP clauses in contracts is a staple of Louis Bidaine‘s practice.

Described as ‘the best pan-European IP team in Europe’, independent IP litigation firm VAN INNIS & DELARUE is a particularly popular destination for clients from the designer goods and media and entertainment sectors, and the team has a strong focus on handling contentious soft IP work from the plaintiff’s side. In Antwerp, Dieter Delarue co-chairs the practice and is described as an ‘absolute star in IP jurisprudence’, who possesses a ‘strong future-proof outlook’. Brussels-based practitioner Thierry Van Innis is an authority on trade mark litigation, an area in which ‘rising star’ Anthony Van Der Planken is also a name to note.

Patent litigation, contentious and non-contentious trade mark matters and the negotiation and drafting of IP agreements and transactions are all key areas for the intellectual property practice at A&O Shearman. Practice head Peter Van Dyck‘s practice straddles strategic IP litigation and transactional work with an IP component, and Geert Glas has a proven track record in cross-border IP litigation and also works as an arbitrator for the World Intellectual Property Organization. Tine Carmeliet further extends the contentious and advisory experience at the firm. Edward Taelman left the firm in March 2024.

With specific expertise across the social media, consumer goods, and gambling sectors, CMS assists clients with an array of mandates related to trade marks, unfair competition issues and consumer protection work. The team is also well placed to handle IP disputes and arbitration proceedings. Tom Heremans and Renaud Dupont share leadership duties; Heremans' varied practice extends to domain name disputes, while Dupont’s trade mark and patent expertise is frequently relied upon by multinationals in the media and chemicals sectors. Lisbeth Depypere is praised for her ‘creative and nuanced presentation at trial’.

With longstanding experience of representing clients before both the Belgian courts and the European Court of Justice, Fieldfisher‘s team is well positioned to handle issues ranging from design rights, to patents to database rights. Stijn Debaene heads up the practice and is geared to assist clients from the media and telecoms industries with a wide range of IP mandates. Experienced IP litigator Hakim Haouideg‘s practice incorporates technology disputes including unfair trade practices and domain name disputes. Serge Flecijn further extends the patent and trade mark expertise at the firm’s Brussels base.

Boutique firm Inteo is equipped to handle IP litigation across the intellectual property spectrum, with the firm assisting a varied client base with mandates relating to patents, trade marks, plant variety rights and other forms of IP. Mechelen-based Kristof Neefs and Sofie Cubitt head up the practice; Neefs' far-reaching practice is notably active in patent litigation, while Cubitt’s copyright expertise is relied upon by multinationals and publishers. Thomas Baetens is well versed in the the copyright implications of downloading and streaming content.

The ‘young, highly educated and extremely friendly’ team at Liedekerke handles advisory, transactional and contentious IP work. The team is notably experienced in soft IP matters, with additional strength in patent litigation. Etienne Kairis heads up the practice and is well positioned to plan and enforce domestic and cross-border strategies for IP protection. Sarah Van Den Brande frequently leverages her IP litigation experience to draft and negotiate IP and IT agreements. Bernard Vanbrabant is praised for his ‘outstanding academic merit’, while Myrtle Gevers is a key contact for advisory work in the IP space.

Simont Braun‘s established IP practice encompasses trade mark infringement cases, life sciences and telecoms patent litigation, copyright cases for cable television operators, and geographical indication protection work. Team co-head Eric De Gryse frequently handles domestic and international litigation and is sought out by clients from the pharmaceuticals and engineering industries. Fellow co-lead Emmanuel Cornu has recently received instructions from international clients in the luxury sector relating to trade mark strategies. ‘Seasoned practitioner’ Fernand de Visscher has expertise in patent litigation, while registered UPC representative Michaël De Vroey, who joined from Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL in January 2023, is another name to note.

The fully trilingual Brussels IP group at Taylor Wessing handles advisory and contentious work regarding copyrights, trade marks and patents for a broad range of knowledge-based and high-tech businesses. The team, in conjunction with other European offices of the firm, is also involved in some of the first cases of UPC litigation. Practice co-head Christian Dekoninck centres his practice on patent litigation and is sought out by clients from the life sciences and telecoms sectors. Patricia Cappuyns, described as ‘very capable and a good choice in the Belgian legal market’, rounds off the leadership team; her practice extends to the representation of clients in European Commission investigations. Marie Keup heads up the Brussels soft IP practice.

Described as a ‘incredibly innovative’, Wiggin LLP pulls together a strong offering with expertise in areas including brand protection matters, such as trade mark litigation and portfolio management issues; advisory, transactional and commercial copyright work; and patent litigation. The practice has a focus on mandates at the nexus of IP and the digital space. Ted Shapiro and Carina Gommers co-head the practice and are described as a ‘great duo’; Shapiro is well versed in international and European copyright law, while Gommers receives plaudits for her knowledge of IP rights litigation. Carl De Meyer‘s extensive experience extends to patent and contractual disputes involving human olfaction issues. Peter Dawson manages a variety of global IP portfolios for major brands. Eva De Pauw and Sunniva Hansson are further names to note.

Baker McKenzie CVBA/SCRL‘s IP practice incorporates expertise in global trade mark portfolio management, copyright advice and strategic patent planning and enforcement work. The unit is also known for its established IP litigation strength and ability to coordinate the IP aspects of transactional work. Antwerp-based Koen De Winter co-heads the team and has a broad advisory and contentious practice that extends to trade mark infringement actions and deign infringement proceedings. Elisabeth Dehareng has a focus on assisting clients with the underlying IP issues relating to new technologies including AI and the metaverse.  Romanie De Pelsemaeker is a further name to note.

The ‘small but highly efficient team’ at CAPE IP Law is praised for being able to handle a broad spectrum of contentious and advisory work. The practice is best known for handling IP litigation involving patents, trade marks, designs and copyrights. Domestic and international clients hail from sectors including the electronics, pharmaceuticals and construction industries. Ghent-based Véronique Pede is an authority on patent law, while Camille Vansteenkiste is well placed to advise domestic and international companies on various IP matters.

From advisory transactional work to enforcing and litigating IP rights, DLA Piper’s IP practice is mandated by Belgian and Flemish public bodies and private sector clients from a variety of sectors including the consumer goods and life sciences industries. Alexis Fierens, praised for his ‘clear, hands-on advice‘, is the key contact; his practice centres on soft IP rights. IP infringement disputes specialist Kaat Scheerlinck frequently provides support to Fierens.

Eubelius has established a robust reputation for its expertise in handling cases concerning trade marks and trade names. Design rights, patent discussions and IP issues associated with professional sports teams are additional areas of activity. The ‘very hands-on‘ Pieter Callens is frequently relied upon by the likes of the Belgian Office for Intellectual Property, and Fay Reynaert, Hans Verstrepen and Judith Hollevoet provide key support.

Linklaters' varied IP practice spans patent and copyright litigation, arbitration and mediation proceedings, royalty disputes and agreements relating to the commercial exploitation of IP rights. Pieter Van Den Broecke heads up the practice and frequently assists blue-chip clients with the IP aspects of corporate transactions. The ‘hardworking’ Tom De Coster wins plaudits for his competence in contentious and non-contentious commercial law matters involving IP rights, and Julie De Meyer is noted for being an ‘up-and-coming’ practitioner.

From representing clients in Belgian courts and administrative IP offices to advising on IP strategies, contracts and due diligence, Lydian‘s ‘lean and effective’ practice covers a wide range of IP work with trade mark, copyright and design issues core areas for the firm. The ‘competent and hands-on’ Bastiaan Bruyndonckx heads up the team and has experience encompassing technology transfer arrangements, R&D collaborations and domain names. ‘Experienced trade mark lawyer’ Olivia Santantonio is equipped to assist clients with the management of their trade mark portfolios.

Praised for its ‘professional and personal knowledge of the sectors in which it operates, such as the fashion, design and entertainment industries’, Monard law, joined by Buyle is well placed to handle copyright, trade mark and IP-related distribution issues; the unit also handles investigations into potential IP infringements. Ghent-based co-head Stephane Criel‘s varied practice extends to expertise in arbitration and mediation cases concerning domain names. In Brussels, fellow co-head Daan De Jaeger‘s contentious prowess is sought after by the likes of Rolex and Napoleon Games. Willem De Vos is praised for his ‘tons of experience and tremendous qualities as a litigator’.

Osborne Clarke is noted for its ‘combination of data and IP knowledge’, which ‘makes it exceptionally well positioned to advise medtech clients’. The practice centres on both advisory and contentious patent and trade secrets matters and has seen an increase in instructions relating to technology transfer deals to China. Benjamin Docquir co-heads the practice and frequently assists clients from the life sciences sector with IP transactional work. Fellow co-head Valentin De Le Court‘s practice has three core pillars: patent litigation, trade secrets issues and IP work involving China.

Petillion pulls together a strong offering with contentious work (including ADR) concerning trade marks and domain names key areas of particular strength. Flip Petillion heads up the team, and has a varied practice, which straddles disputes and enforcement issues, licensing work and advertising clearances. Jan Janssen has longstanding experience of handling domestic and cross-border IP disputes, notably for clients from the life sciences, media and telecoms sectors.

The ‘excellently balanced team’ at Van Bael & Bellis covers contentious and non-contentious work concerning patents, trade marks and copyrights, and is a key destination for clients from the life sciences and music industries. Mandates connected to digital market platforms and software protection are additional areas of strength. Peter L’Ecluse leads the practice alongside Thibaut D’hulst; the former is regularly tasked with patent litigation in the life sciences sector, while the latter handles the IP compliance dimension of  projects involving new technologies. Gert-Jan Fraeyman is highlighted for his expertise in IP transfer agreements.

A key destination for clients from the fashion, broadcasting and advertising sectors, AdaStone Law is equipped to manage IP portfolios of all sizes, assist clients with global IP strategies and handle transactional work. Contentious work, such as IP litigation, oppositions and cancellation actions, is another strong suit. Agnès Macqua and Hannah Tacheny jointly lead the team; Macqua frequents works at the nexus between the audiovisual sector and IP, while Tacheny’s practice extends to negotiating with collective right management organisations and drafting trade licence agreements. Katrien Maris and Charlotte Beeckmans are further names to note.

The ‘ultra-efficient’ Antwerp-based team at Artes acts as trusted counsel for government agencies, domestic and international enterprises, entrepreneurs and notable personalities such as actors and athletes. The unit is well positioned to handle disputes before Belgian and European courts, copyright transfer agreements and international trade mark registrations. Nele Somers heads up the practice and is noted for her ‘broad knowledge of intellectual property, dispute resolution as well as general company law’.  Experienced IP litigator Ben Hermans frequently leverages his software and technology expertise to assist clients with cross-border disputes and contract negotiations. Myrthe Maes has in-depth knowledge of copyright and neighbouring rights, while Ellen Desnyder has a focus on IP contracts in the media and entertainment sector.

Trade mark portfolio management, IP advice regarding film productions and third-party transfer and licence agreements stand out as areas of activity for the team of ‘leading specialists’ at ASTREA. In Antwerp, practice co-head Olivier Van Fraeyenhoven is a key contact for clients from the automotive sector. Brussels-based co-head Christine De Keersmaeker‘s varied practice includes assisting clients with the safeguarding of worldwide trade mark rights and handling litigation connected to copyright ownership. Thaïsssa Nuyens frequently provides key support to De Keersmaeker with the two described as an ‘excellent team‘ and ‘satisfying and reassuring to work with’.

Deloitte Legal is equipped to assist clients with transactional and advisory IP work including drafting and negotiating IP agreements and handling IP-related due diligence connected to M&A transactions. IP portfolio management, including enforcement work, is another strength of the team. Antwerp-based Jurgen Egger and Matthias Vierstraete, who divides his time between Ghent and Brussels, jointly lead the team. Willem-Jan Cosemans‘ IP experience includes representing clients before domestic and European Courts in copyright, trade mark and design litigation.

As an ‘IP boutique with a strong and close-knit team‘, IP Porta‘s contentious and non-contentious practice in Sint Martens-Latem has expertise in copyrights and trade marks, patent litigation and IP audits. Co-chair Karen Ongena is described as an ‘excellent legal expert and litigator’ and is a key contact for technology and media clients. Laurence Hubert completes the leadership team and is praised for combining ‘creative solutions’ with excellent and detailed technical IP knowledge.

A key address for clients from the design and entertainment industries, MVVP frequently handles disputes relating to issues such as injunctions, seizures and damages. The practice is also equipped to assist with IP strategy and contract negotiations. Co-chair Herman Croux is well acquainted with the intricacies of trade mark and plant variety rights. Peter Marx and Olivier Sasserath, who has a notable focus on the music and audiovisual sectors, complete the leadership group.

Nelissen Grade is well placed to assist with a host of copyright, trade mark, patent, and unfair competition matters and has recently seen an increase in instructions relating to trade secrets. Alexis Hallemans, who is praised for his 'keen understanding of business', heads up the practice and advises on issues such as copyright in the context of cable retransmissions. Melis Bulut further extends the copyright expertise at the practice.

The contentious and transactional IP practice at Timelex, praised for ‘handling disputes and procedures with finesse’, is active across areas including copyrights, trade marks, patents and trade secrets. Practice co-heads Frederic Debusseré and Edwin Jacobs are praised for their ‘deep understanding of IP and IT‘. Geert Somers and Hans Graux complete the leadership team, with the latter described as a ‘smart and very capable lawyer‘.