Life sciences

Innovation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices, and plant sciences is transforming industries, making strategic intellectual property protection more critical than ever. At De Clercq & Partners, our life sciences team combines scientific expertise with deep patent knowledge, ensuring robust protection for pioneering discoveries.

Our European patent attorneys, litigators, SPC experts, and trademark attorneys, many with PhDs and industry experience, provide expert support in patent drafting, prosecution, opposition, and litigation at the EPO and national courts. We work closely with our chemistry and engineering teams, offering seamless IP solutions across disciplines.

We assist multinational corporations, research institutions, startups, and universities in navigating complex patent landscapes and maximizing their IP value. Our partners hold key positions in professional organisations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of legal developments and best practices in the life sciences sector.

Our expertise in life sciences includes

Biotechnology & Gene Editing
Patenting biotechnological innovations, genome editing, stem cell research, and synthetic biology.
Pharmaceuticals & Biosimilars
Securing new drugs, biosimilars, drug delivery systems, and SPC extensions.
Medical Devices & Digital Health
Protecting innovations in AI-driven diagnostics, medical wearables, and digital therapeutics.
Plant Sciences & Agricultural Biotechnology
Intellectual property protection for gene-edited plants, plant variety rights, and agritech solutions.
SPC extensions
Supplementary Protection certificates for pharmaceutical and plant protection products.

De Clercq & Partners is the real diamond of European practices. The work is excellent, efficient, and has a lot of technical expertise to prosecute inventions in fields as diverse as life sciences and mechincal arts. It is truly the outfit of choice, especially for representing clients before the EPO.

IAM Patent 1000 (2025)

Ann De Clercq is a nationally renowned visionary, and her encyclopaedic command of biotechnology and life sciences, and their intersection with patent law, has cemented her place as a leading expert.

IAM Patent 1000 (2025)

With a strong track record in providing ‘diligence, availability and commitment,’ it is no wonder that De Clercq & Partners is heralded as the ‘go-to law firm for patent prosecution work in Europe’.

IAM Patent 1000 (2024)

Koen Vanhalst is celebrated as “a formidable practitioner who gets the science across quickly and applies his comprehensive knowledge of European patent law to get the best results possible.

IAM Patent 1000 (2025)

Andrej Michalík is entrusted with dealing with the fine details and complexities of patent matters affecting medicine and medical technology, owing to his reputation as “an excellent and highly responsive patent attorney.

IAM Patent 1000 (2025)

Jeffrey Gyi’s technical prowess knows no bounds, with patrons heralding him as “responsive and professional, with high scientific and technical competence. He is beyond helpful, insightful and an all-round excellent patent attorney.

IAM Patent 1000 (2025)

De Clercq & Partners is one of the leading Belgian firms for patent protection and portfolio management work, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and chemistry.

Managing IP STARS Reviews (2024)

Andrej Michalík and Koen Vanhalst are highly innovative attorneys, having amassed an impressive array of experience dealing with cutting-edge biotechnology cases in the areas of regenerative therapy, genome editing, vaccines, green energy, and molecular biology.

IAM Patent 1000 (2024)

The ‘grande dame’ of the biotech sector, Ann De Clercq is celebrated as a ‘tour de force’ on the Belgian IP scene.

IAM Patent 1000 (2024)