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De Clercq & Partners

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België
Sint-Martens-Latem
De Clercq & Partners

💡Specialized Belgian IP firm
🖊️ Patents, Trademarks, Design. Sint-Martens-Latem, Leuven & Hasselt

02/09/2026

We’re hiring!

Our Trademark & Design team is growing, and we’re looking for a Trademark & Design Attorney / Legal Counsel to join us at De Clercq & Partners.

You may already have some experience in trademark and design law, or you may be a recent law graduate keen to develop in IP. Either way, we’d be happy to hear from you. You’ll get plenty of hands-on training and support, while working on a wide variety of trademark, design and other IP matters for Belgian and international clients.

You can expect good-quality IP work in an international setting, lots of opportunities to learn and develop, hybrid working and, above all, a friendly and experienced team.

Interested? Send your CV and a short motivation to [email protected].

01/09/2026

🌱 New EU Regulation on New Genomic Technique (NGT) plants– but what does it mean for patent protection of plants in Europe?

The NGT regulation reduces regulatory barriers for certain gene-edited plants, while patentability of these plants remains governed by the European Patent Convention.

In our latest article, we look at:
• Regulatory outcome for NGT plants
• Role of patents in the debate
• New patent transparency and licensing requirements
• Patentability of plant-related inventions under the EPC

Read the full article here: https://www.dcp-ip.com/en/press-news-insights/the-new-eu-regulation-on-new-genomic-technique-ngt-plants-what-it-means-for

31/08/2026

Heading to Budapest for FICPI 2026?

Our Partner David Lesthaeghe will be attending the FICPI World Congress from 16–19 September 2026.

If you’ll be there too, we’d be delighted to connect. Reach out via [email protected] to schedule a meeting with David.

See you in Budapest!

28/08/2026

We are pleased to announce that our partner Koen Vanhalst has once again been recognised in the IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists 2026.

The IAM Strategy 300 identifies leading professionals who are recognised for their ability to develop and implement strategies that maximise the value of intellectual property.

Koen is ranked across several areas of expertise, reflecting the breadth of his strategic IP practice:

• Defensive patent aggregation
• IP management consultancy
• Legal
• Licensing
• Technology transfer

This recognition reflects the strategic approach at the heart of De Clercq & Partners: combining in-depth IP expertise with a strong understanding of technology and business to help clients protect, manage and leverage their intellectual assets effectively.

Congratulations to Koen on this well-deserved recognition!

14/08/2026

We’re hiring: European Patent Attorney / Trainee European Patent Attorney – Chemistry 🧪⚖️

Are you a qualified European Patent Attorney looking for your next challenge, or do you have a PhD in Chemistry and want to build your career in intellectual property?

De Clercq & Partners is expanding its patent practice and is looking for either an experienced European Patent Attorney or a Trainee European Patent Attorney with a strong chemistry background.

🔬 Expertise in organic chemistry and analytical techniques required, combined with polymer, pharmaceutical and/or materials chemistry
🌍 Work on national, European and international patent matters
⚖️ Gain or further develop expertise in patent drafting, prosecution, FTO, oppositions and appeals
🤝 Work alongside an experienced team of IP professionals
📚 Professional development and support towards European Patent Attorney qualification for trainees
☕ Hybrid working, attractive benefits, endless coffee & fruit

Qualified European Patent Attorney or ready to become one? We’d like to hear from you.

Send your CV and motivation to Jarne Herman at [email protected].

14/08/2026

The AI Act has not banned AI. It has simply asked us to pay attention.

Since 2 August 2026, a substantial part of the EU AI Act has become applicable. But what does this mean in practice for businesses using tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, AI chatbots and other automated systems?

Joost Muylle explains the principal points companies should consider—from AI literacy and transparency to confidentiality and appropriate human oversight.

The practical takeaway? Treat AI like a very bright trainee: use its speed and ingenuity, but always check its work.
Read the full article: https://www.dcp-ip.com/en/press-news-insights/ai-act-brussels-has-not-banned-ai-it-has-simply-asked-us-to-pay-attention

15/07/2026

💼 WE ARE HIRING: Trademark & Design Attorney / Legal Counsel (M/F/X)

De Clercq & Partners is expanding! We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly skilled Trademark & Design Attorney / Legal Counsel (M/F/X) to join our leading Intellectual Property practice. Based primarily in Sint-Martens-Latem, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a broad range of domestic and international IP matters.

🔍 Key Responsibilities:
• Managing international trademark and design portfolios (BOIP, EUIPO, WIPO, ...).
• Providing clearance searches, availability opinions, and strategic advice on IP protection and enforcement.
• Handling opposition, cancellation, and invalidity proceedings.
• Drafting coexistence agreements, licenses, and legal opinions.

👤 Your Profile:
• Master's degree in Law, preferably with an IP qualification.
• Some experience in IP law/trademark protection, preferably in private practice.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in Dutch and English.
• Pragmatic, proactive, and client-oriented.

🎁 What We Offer:
• High-quality IP work in an international, top-tier environment.
• Tailored opportunities for continuous professional growth.
• Competitive salary + package (meal vouchers, insurance, laptop, smartphone, ...).
• Hybrid work arrangements / part-time teleworking.

📧 To apply, please send your CV and motivation letter to Jarne Herman at [email protected].

10/07/2026

We are proud to congratulate Anne-Lore and Filip on successfully passing the European Qualifying Examination (EQE)! They now join our team of European Patent Attorneys, bringing our total to 22 EPAs.

10/07/2026

Congratulations, Ann, on this well-deserved recognition.

We are proud to share that our founding partner, Dr. Ann De Clercq, has once again been recognised in Managing IP's Top 250 Women in IP 2026.

This prestigious global ranking recognises outstanding female intellectual property practitioners who have consistently demonstrated excellence in serving their clients and advancing the IP profession worldwide.

Congratulations to Ann on this well-deserved recognition, and to all of the exceptional women featured in this year's Top 250.

Read more and view the full ranking:
https://www.managingip.com/article/2glu5pyc6u5rz7254r9c0/women-in-ip/bridging-the-gap-top-250-women-in-ip-and-corporate-stars-rankings-revealed

07/07/2026

How should patent claims be interpreted in light of the description?

The European Patent Office's Enlarged Board of Appeal has been asked to provide further guidance in referral G 1/26, a case that could significantly influence the assessment of claim interpretation and added subject-matter under Article 123(2) EPC.

With the Boards of Appeal currently applying different interpretive approaches, the forthcoming decision has the potential to shape patent drafting, prosecution, opposition and litigation practice for years to come.

In our latest article, we explore:
• Why G 1/26 was referred
• The three competing interpretive frameworks
• The questions before the Enlarged Board
• The practical implications for applicants, patentees and opponents

Read the full article here: https://www.dcp-ip.com/en/press-news-insights/the-epos-enlarged-board-prepares-to-tackle-claim-interpretation-and-added

If you would like to discuss how this referral may impact your European patent strategy or ongoing proceedings, our patent team is happy to assist.

Adres

E. Gevaertdreef 10a
Sint-Martens-Latem
9830

Openingstijden

Maandag	09:00 - 17:00
Dinsdag	09:00 - 17:00
Woensdag	09:00 - 17:00
Donderdag	09:00 - 17:00
Vrijdag	09:00 - 17:00

Website

http://www.dcp-ip.com/

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