Intellectual property

The most valuable assets of a company typically include its intellectual property (IP) and trade secrets, i.e. its intellectual creations, inventions, know-how, data, company name, product names and shapes, etc.

We offer clients of all sizes – from multinationals to individual entrepreneurs and non-profit – and from various industry sectors – software, internet, technology, photography, fashion, furniture, luxury products, entertainment, retail, manufacturing, banking, etc. – strategic legal and commercial advice on all aspects of the protection, exploitation and enforcement of their IP rights and trade secrets, such as copyright, trademarks, domain names, patents, design rights, know-how, trade names, geographical indications, as well as on related areas, such as unfair competition, trade practices, distribution and advertising law.

IP CONTRACTS

We assist clients in drafting and negotiating various types of IP-related contracts, such as:

• Licensing agreements
• IP transfer agreements
• Joint development agreements
• Distribution agreements
• Reselling agreements
• Open-source software licenses
• Trademark co-existence agreements
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Non-competition agreements
• IP clauses in employment contract and regulations
• IP contracts in the context of outsourcing, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures involving technology-based companies
• IP rights due diligence in M&A transactions

IP LITIGATION

We represent clients in their intellectual property and trade secrets disputes with their competitors, business partners, customers, suppliers, former directors, employees or employers, etc., either on the plaintiff’s or the defendant’s side. Together with the client, we determine the best litigation strategy to obtain the best results. We have a track record of successful litigation outcomes.

• Proceedings to stop violations of IP rights
• Damages claims
• Counterfeit seizure
• Customs counterfeit seizures
• Trademark opposition and invalidity proceedings (EU and Benelux)
• Domain name disputes