De Clercq & Partners Annual IP Seminar – 12 June 2026
20 March 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.
Programme highlights
Morning session
Chaired by Andrej Michalík (Partner – De Clercq & Partners)
09:00 | Welcome & introduction Ann De Clercq
09:05 | The protection of product and packaging design under trademark, design and copyright law Anthony Van der Planken (Co & Delarue)
10:15 | AI in creating and protecting IP: opportunities, risks and practical use cases Dan Morath (Patent Law Works, US) David Lesthaeghe (De Clercq & Partners)
12:00 | Walking Lunch
Afternoon session
Chaired by Liesbet Paemen (Partner – De Clercq & Partners)
14:00 | Three years of UPC: lessons learned and strategic choices Christophe Ronse, Kirian Claeyé (Altius) Koen Vanhalst (De Clercq & Partners)
16:00 | Recent updates from the EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal – G1/24 and beyond Andrej Michalík
17:00 | Closing remarks
17:05 | Networking reception
Who should attend
This seminar is aimed at:
Patent and trademark professionals
Technology transfer specialists
Legal experts and policymakers
Inventors, investors and business leaders
Practical information
📅 Date: Friday 12 June 2026 🕘 Time: 08:30 – 19:00 (seminar until 17:00) 📍 Location: Auberge du Pêcheur Pontstraat 41, 9831 Sint-Martens-Latem
Fees (excl. VAT):
€200 – companies & private practitioners
€100 – universities & non-profit organisations
The seminar includes breakfast, coffee breaks, a walking lunch and a closing reception.
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
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.
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).
