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.
Tom Liessens has been promoted to partner in our firm’s Trademark and Design practice. Tom is a certified Benelux and European trademark & design attorney and has been with our office for almost 11 years. With an LL.M in IP and ICT law, he is known for advising Belgian and international clients across various sectors on a wide range of trademark, design and contract law matters.
Kris Pappaert has been promoted to partner in our Chemistry and Life Sciences patent practices. Kris has been with the firm for 19 years. He advises on all aspects of patent prosecution and law and is highly specialized in chemistry, life sciences and food technology. Besides being a European patent attorney, he is also a UPC Representative.
David Lesthaeghe has been promoted to partner in our Engineering patent practice. David has been with the firm for 15 years. He advises on all aspects of patent prosecution and law and is highly specialized in software, AI, engineering and chemistry. Besides being a European and Belgian patent attorney, he is also a UPC Representative.
With all other long-standing equity partners remaining on board, our firm strengthens its partner structure, thereby enhancing the depth of our expertise across key technological areas and further strengthening how we support clients on their most complex and strategic matters. We are confident that these promotions underscore both the momentum of the team and our commitment to continued growth.
We are proud to remain an independent privately owned Belgian patent and trademark attorney firm existing 27 years and having three offices across Belgium, namely in Sint-Martens-Latem, Leuven and Hasselt. As of now, we are led by a team of 9 partners. We boast a team of 20 European patent attorneys of which 18 are also registered UPC Representatives. We have 3 patent advisers that are on the road to becoming European patent attorneys. Our Trademark and Design practice meanwhile counts 5 trademark & design attorneys, of which 3 are also legal counsels. Most importantly, we are supported by a large team of experienced, efficient and well qualified paralegals and expert assistants in administration, accounting, and IT.
We look forward to seeing Tom, Kris and David continue to grow our practices in their new roles as partner.
Congratulations on this significant step in your career! Here’s to continued success together! 🥂
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 theIAMPatent 1000 2026, one of the leading international rankings for patent professionals and firms.
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
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).
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.
