A big congratulations to Laura Ameel and Fabian Temmerman for successfully passing the 2023 EPAC (European Patent Administration Certification) exam!
22 December 2023
For those new to EPAC, it's a rigorous certification focusing on European patent procedures, including the EPO, PCT, and Paris Convention. It tests proficiency in patent routes, application procedures, and related administrative tasks.
Earlier this year Sarah Awad and Marjolijn De Weerdt obtained their certification. Laura and Fabian now make our office home to five Certified European Patent Administrators!
Sarah Awad
Marjolijn De Weerdt
Maud Verheyleweghen
Laura Ameel
Fabian Temmerman
A testament to their expertise and dedication! Well done to our stellar team!
DCPeloton returns from 29 March to 5 April 2027, bringing IP professionals from around the world together in Flanders for a unique week of cycling, professional connections and Belgian culture.
G1/25: Enlarged Board of Appeal Narrows Requirement to Adapt Patent Descriptions After Claim Amendments
The Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO) has issued its long-awaited decision G 1/25 on 3 September 2026, clarifying when patent applicants and proprietors must adapt the description and drawings of a patent after amending the claims. We refer to our earlier articles of 16 March 2026 and 5 August 2025 on this subject.
We are pleased to welcome Mathijs van Noort to De Clercq & Partners as a Patent Adviser / Trainee European Patent Attorney.
With his background in mathematics, engineering, computer science and AI, he will strengthen our Engineering, Software & AI team and contribute his expertise in areas including AI, software, IoT, medical devices, computer-implemented inventions, and various practical applications using software & AI.
We wish Mathijs a great start and look forward to working together!
Koen Vanhalst has once again been recognised in the IAM Strategy 300
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.
