Press, news & insights

Anne-Lore Bex and Filip Van Lysebetten qualify as European Patent Attorneys

14 July 2026

De Clercq & Partners is delighted to announce that Anne-lore Bex and Filip Van Lysebetten have successfully passed the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) and are now officially qualified as European Patent Attorneys.

Passing the EQE is a significant professional achievement, requiring extensive technical expertise, legal knowledge and years of dedicated preparation. As European Patent Attorneys, Anne-Lore and Filip are qualified to represent clients before the European Patent Office (EPO), providing strategic advice and guidance throughout the European patent process.

09 July 2026 Awards | General

Ann De Clercq recognised in Managing IP's Top 250 Women in IP 2026

De Clercq & Partners is proud to announce that our founding partner, Dr. Ann De Clercq, has once again been recognised in Managing IP's Top 250 Women in IP 2026.

07 July 2026 General | IP news | Patents

The EPO's Enlarged Board Prepares to Tackle Claim Interpretation and Added Matter

23 June 2026 Awards | General

De Clercq & Partners included in the Financial Times' ranking of Europe’s Leading Patent Law Firms 2026.

22 June 2026 General

DCPeloton returns in 2027!

Following two successful editions, DCPeloton returns in 2027!

18 June 2026 Awards | General | Trademarks

Joost Muylle recognised in the World Trademark Review Global Leaders 2026

We are proud to announce that our Of Counsel, Trademark and Design Attorney Joost Muylle, has once again been recognised in the World Trademark Review Global Leaders 2026, in the category Benelux: Belgium Agencies.

04 June 2026 Awards | General | IP news

De Clercq & Partners has once again been recognised in the IAM Patent 1000

We are proud to announce that De Clercq & Partners has once again been recognised in the IAM Patent 1000 2026, one of the leading international rankings for patent professionals and firms.

04 May 2026 Awards | General

Women in Business Law EMEA Awards 2026 – Shortlist

We’re proud to share that De Clercq & Partners has been shortlisted for the Women in Business Law EMEA Awards 2026.
✨Belgium Firm of the Year
✨Patent – Lawyer of the Year: Liesbet Paemen

27 April 2026 General

New Partner Promotions!

We are very pleased to announce the promotions of Tom Liessens, Kris Pappaert and David Lesthaeghe to full members of the partnership at De Clercq & Partners.

Through the years, each of them has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership and dedication. Their growth reflects not only personal achievement but also the strength of our team and the bright future ahead.

17 April 2026 General | IP news | Patents

Moldova to become the 40th EPC contracting state on 1 June 2026

On 1 June 2026, the European Patent Organisation (EPO) will grow to 40 contracting states with the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Patent Convention (EPC).

20 March 2026 General

De Clercq & Partners Annual IP Seminar – 12 June 2026

We are pleased to invite you to the De Clercq & Partners Annual IP Seminar, taking place on Friday 12 June 2026 at Auberge du Pêcheur in Sint-Martens-Latem.

This full-day seminar brings together leading practitioners and experts to discuss key developments and practical challenges in intellectual property law.

18 March 2026 General | Patents | UP & UPC

Navigating the UPC – Third-party liability for patent infringement: the UPC Court of Appeal’s landmark decision in Belkin v Philips

16 March 2026 IP news | Patents

Update on the G1/25 Enlarged Board of Appeal referral on description amendments

January 30 marked the deadline set by the Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBoA) to file written statements regarding referral G1/25. This deadline concerned the parties to the proceedings, third parties not taking part in the proceedings (also known as amicus curiae) and the President of the European Patent Office (EPO). You can read the background information relating to the G1/25 referral in our article of August 5, 2025 here.