Brands & Designs
We understand that your brands and designs are critical to your business success. That's why we are committed to providing you with the highest quality legal services to protect your intellectual property. Our team of experienced trademark and design attorneys will guide you through the complexities of intellectual property law and ensure that your creative assets are protected in the global marketplace, whether through trademarks, designs or copyrights.
Your brand is unique, and we believe it deserves the utmost protection. Our experienced trademark attorneys specialize in helping businesses register and defend their trademarks. From conducting comprehensive trademark searches to navigating the application process, we ensure that your brand identity is secure, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what you do best - growing your business.
In a world driven by innovation and creativity, protecting your designs is paramount. Our design attorneys are experts in copyright and design law, providing strategic advice on how to protect your unique creations. Whether you're an established business or a start-up, we work closely with you to understand your design objectives and provide tailored legal solutions to protect your artistic endeavors.
When it comes to copyright De Clercq & Partners assists its clients with advice on protection requirements, enforcement, fixed date registrations and valorization. Thanks to our broad expertise, we are able to assist clients active in various sectors, ranging from the classical domain of art, music and literature to web applications and industry, and to develop effective strategies to achieve our clients' goals.
Protecting your intellectual property doesn't end with registration - it requires vigilant enforcement. Our legal team is experienced in enforcing your rights, whether it's dealing with infringement issues, sending cease and desist letters, negotiating settlement or co-existence agreements, or assisting in litigation when necessary. We're committed to protecting the integrity of your intellectual property.
Navigating the legal landscape of IP transactions and contracts is critical to a thriving business. Our attorneys specialize in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating intellectual property contracts, ensuring that your rights are protected in licensing agreements, partnerships and other business transactions. We're here to provide clarity and legal expertise so that you can make informed decisions that are aligned with your business objectives.
Our team is made up of experienced lawyers with a wealth of experience and expertise in intellectual property law, equipped to deal with the unique challenges your business may face. We regularly represent clients before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP), the Benelux Court of Justice, the French Intellectual Property Office (INPI) and the various divisions and boards of appeal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and we routinely provide advice and assistance in local enforcement matters, enabling us to efficiently handle complex, multi-jurisdictional cases.
We understand that, even in today's interconnected world, every business is unique. That's why we offer personalized strategies to meet your specific IP needs and offer comprehensive services to protect your intellectual property on a global scale. Your success is our priority. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients, ensuring transparency, communication, and satisfaction throughout the entire process.
Our prominence in the Brands and Designs industry is reflected in our continued inclusion in specialist IP rankings such as the WTR 1000, Leaders League and Managing IP’s IP Stars. Also, we have been awarded the ‘Belgian Prosecution Firm of the Year 2023’ at the Managing IP Awards and the ‘Best Law Firm for Trademark Prosecution’ category Leading by Leaders League in 2023.
“De Clercq & Partners (DC&P) is lauded by its patrons for its efficiency and thorough knowledge of trademark law. [...] In addition to providing the full menu of prosecution services, it also goes beyond the typical remit of trademark agencies and skillfully tackles transactional mandates.”
WTR 1000 (2023)
”De Clercq & Partners is our SPOC for all trademark and patent filings and dossiers across the globe. They are responsive, fast and efficient.”
“They are very accurate and fast in their response and really think together with the business on the best approach.”
IP STARS (2023)
The strength of the trademark group rests, in no small part, on the abilities of team lead Joost Muylle: "one of the very best trademark attorneys in Belgium. He has a wealth of experience and is always in search of commercially minded, pragmatic solutions." "Opposition proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) are a cinch for Thomas Baudewijn, as are commercial contracts. He in hot demand among players in the software sphere."
WTR 1000 (2024)
Key Contacts
Joost Muylle
-
Partner
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Joost Muylle holds a Master's degree in chemical and biotechnology engineering from the University of Ghent (Howest, 1986) with additional training in intellectual property (EPI CEIPI, 1990 - University of Leuven, 1993) and management (Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School, 2008). He started his professional career at the Vandemoortele Group, first as a patent expert, subsequently in charge of intellectual property rights and finally as a member of the strategic committee on product and market development.
Prior to joining De Clercq & Partners, Joost joined the intellectual property private practice in 1999 as Director of Gevers & Partners in Brussels, opened its branch office in Ghent and was appointed Managing Director in 2003. He was Operational Director at Novagraaf in Paris from 2010 to 2011 and founded iprmanager in December 2011, an electronic platform enabling intellectual property holders and their counselors to monitor and manage their intellectual property rights themselves. In 2012, Joost was appointed consular judge in the Court of Commerce.
In October 2013, Joost became Partner at De Clercq & Partners through the merger of De Clercq & Partners and iprmanager. Joost is now heading the firm's trademark, design, domain names and copyright activities.
Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) singled out Joost as Leading IP Star for the last six years and the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR) lists him as a recommended individual as well.
Areas of practice
Joost advises small, medium and large corporations as well as individuals, institutes and investors with regard to prosecution and litigation in all areas of intellectual property worldwide. He has extensive expertise in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the Office for the Harmonization in the Internal Mark, in anti-counterfeiting through customs measures and in IP due diligence. Joost often acts as a court appointed or party appointed expert in IP matters in litigation.
Joost often lectures on several IP related topics, at conferences and universities. He is a member of BMM, LES and AIPPI.
Languages
Joost is a native Dutch speaker, is fluent in English and French and has working knowledge of German.
Competences
Joost has scientific experience in various fields of technology, including biochemistry and food technology, in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Joost
"A sparring partner for more strategic discussions, a natural authority with an excellent grasp of the legal and economic issues involved and is all around a pleasure to work with.” - World Trademark Review 2023
Thomas Baudewijn
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Thomas Baudewijn holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Thomas started his career as a legal counsel and trademark and design attorney and worked in private practice where he gained extensive and practical training in various aspects of Intellectual Property with an emphasis on trademark and design law, copyright, software, databases and domain names as well as commercial contracts.
Thomas qualified as a European Trademark and Design attorney in 2013 and gained further experience with aspects of ICT law. He joined De Clercq & Partners in April 2016 as a Legal Counsel and Trademark and Design Attorney.
Since 2022, he was added to the list of recommended individuals of the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR)
Areas of practice
Thomas provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property. He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux.
Languages
Thomas is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Thomas has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Thomas
"Solution-oriented nature that calms clients’ minds, while also being reliable, precise and pragmatic without too many words.” - World Trademark Review (2023)
Tom Liessens
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Tom Liessens holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Tom started his career as a lawyer-trainee in 2014 in private practice and gained experience in various aspects of Commercial law, Intellectual Property law and Information Technology law.
Tom joined De Clercq & Partners as a Legal Counsel and Benelux Trademark and Design Attorney in October 2015. In January 2018, he successfully completed the two-year professional training course organized by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design law (BMM) and qualified as a BMM Certified Trademark Attorney. In October 2019, Tom also qualified as a European Trademark and Design Attorney.
Additionally, Tom has successfully completed a Data Protection Officer Certification training and is De Clercq & Partners’ go-to person for matters relating to GDPR.
Areas of practice
Tom provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property.
He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases.
Tom regularly lectures on several IP related topics. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux
Languages
Tom is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Tom has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Nathalie Gailliaert
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Nathalie holds a Bachelor's degree in legal practice from the Vives University College in Bruges, Belgium. She started her career as a paralegal at De Clercq & Partners in 2015 and emerged as an ambitious trademark attorney candidate through in-house practice and intensive self-study.
In November 2023, Nathalie achieved a significant milestone by qualifying as a European Trademark and Design Attorney. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney after a two-year professional training course organised by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law.
Areas of practice
Nathalie manages trademark and design portfolios of various Belgian and international clients and foreign associates. Her work includes advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is also a member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law, VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property).
Languages
Nathalie is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in French and English.
Competences
Nathalie has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Wiebeke De Wachter
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Wiebeke graduated from Ghent University in 2017 with a Master's degree in Communication Sciences.
Wiebeke joined De Clercq & Partners in 2019 as a Trademark and Design Paralegal. After gaining two years of experience under the Trademark Attorneys' wings, she started the BBMM (Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law Course) in 2022. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney. You will find Wiebeke in both the Sint-Martens-Latem and Hasselt offices.
Areas of practice
Wiebeke manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is an active member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law (BMM) and VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Languages
Wiebeke is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Wiebeke has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Emily Van Mulders
-
Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee
-
Legal Counsel
Emily holds a Master’s degree in Globalization and Law from Maastricht University Faculty of Law since 2022. After gaining sector experience at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) where she worked one year as a Pan-European Seal Trainee, she joined our firm in August 2023 as a Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee. You will find her mainly at our Hasselt office.
Areas of practice
Emily manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
Languages
Emily is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Emily has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Joost Muylle
-
Partner
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Joost Muylle holds a Master's degree in chemical and biotechnology engineering from the University of Ghent (Howest, 1986) with additional training in intellectual property (EPI CEIPI, 1990 - University of Leuven, 1993) and management (Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School, 2008). He started his professional career at the Vandemoortele Group, first as a patent expert, subsequently in charge of intellectual property rights and finally as a member of the strategic committee on product and market development.
Prior to joining De Clercq & Partners, Joost joined the intellectual property private practice in 1999 as Director of Gevers & Partners in Brussels, opened its branch office in Ghent and was appointed Managing Director in 2003. He was Operational Director at Novagraaf in Paris from 2010 to 2011 and founded iprmanager in December 2011, an electronic platform enabling intellectual property holders and their counselors to monitor and manage their intellectual property rights themselves. In 2012, Joost was appointed consular judge in the Court of Commerce.
In October 2013, Joost became Partner at De Clercq & Partners through the merger of De Clercq & Partners and iprmanager. Joost is now heading the firm's trademark, design, domain names and copyright activities.
Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) singled out Joost as Leading IP Star for the last six years and the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR) lists him as a recommended individual as well.
Areas of practice
Joost advises small, medium and large corporations as well as individuals, institutes and investors with regard to prosecution and litigation in all areas of intellectual property worldwide. He has extensive expertise in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the Office for the Harmonization in the Internal Mark, in anti-counterfeiting through customs measures and in IP due diligence. Joost often acts as a court appointed or party appointed expert in IP matters in litigation.
Joost often lectures on several IP related topics, at conferences and universities. He is a member of BMM, LES and AIPPI.
Languages
Joost is a native Dutch speaker, is fluent in English and French and has working knowledge of German.
Competences
Joost has scientific experience in various fields of technology, including biochemistry and food technology, in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Joost
"A sparring partner for more strategic discussions, a natural authority with an excellent grasp of the legal and economic issues involved and is all around a pleasure to work with.” - World Trademark Review 2023
Thomas Baudewijn
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Thomas Baudewijn holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Thomas started his career as a legal counsel and trademark and design attorney and worked in private practice where he gained extensive and practical training in various aspects of Intellectual Property with an emphasis on trademark and design law, copyright, software, databases and domain names as well as commercial contracts.
Thomas qualified as a European Trademark and Design attorney in 2013 and gained further experience with aspects of ICT law. He joined De Clercq & Partners in April 2016 as a Legal Counsel and Trademark and Design Attorney.
Since 2022, he was added to the list of recommended individuals of the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR)
Areas of practice
Thomas provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property. He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux.
Languages
Thomas is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Thomas has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Thomas
"Solution-oriented nature that calms clients’ minds, while also being reliable, precise and pragmatic without too many words.” - World Trademark Review (2023)
Tom Liessens
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Tom Liessens holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Tom started his career as a lawyer-trainee in 2014 in private practice and gained experience in various aspects of Commercial law, Intellectual Property law and Information Technology law.
Tom joined De Clercq & Partners as a Legal Counsel and Benelux Trademark and Design Attorney in October 2015. In January 2018, he successfully completed the two-year professional training course organized by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design law (BMM) and qualified as a BMM Certified Trademark Attorney. In October 2019, Tom also qualified as a European Trademark and Design Attorney.
Additionally, Tom has successfully completed a Data Protection Officer Certification training and is De Clercq & Partners’ go-to person for matters relating to GDPR.
Areas of practice
Tom provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property.
He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases.
Tom regularly lectures on several IP related topics. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux
Languages
Tom is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Tom has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Nathalie Gailliaert
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Nathalie holds a Bachelor's degree in legal practice from the Vives University College in Bruges, Belgium. She started her career as a paralegal at De Clercq & Partners in 2015 and emerged as an ambitious trademark attorney candidate through in-house practice and intensive self-study.
In November 2023, Nathalie achieved a significant milestone by qualifying as a European Trademark and Design Attorney. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney after a two-year professional training course organised by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law.
Areas of practice
Nathalie manages trademark and design portfolios of various Belgian and international clients and foreign associates. Her work includes advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is also a member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law, VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property).
Languages
Nathalie is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in French and English.
Competences
Nathalie has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Wiebeke De Wachter
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Wiebeke graduated from Ghent University in 2017 with a Master's degree in Communication Sciences.
Wiebeke joined De Clercq & Partners in 2019 as a Trademark and Design Paralegal. After gaining two years of experience under the Trademark Attorneys' wings, she started the BBMM (Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law Course) in 2022. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney. You will find Wiebeke in both the Sint-Martens-Latem and Hasselt offices.
Areas of practice
Wiebeke manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is an active member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law (BMM) and VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Languages
Wiebeke is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Wiebeke has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Emily Van Mulders
-
Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee
-
Legal Counsel
Emily holds a Master’s degree in Globalization and Law from Maastricht University Faculty of Law since 2022. After gaining sector experience at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) where she worked one year as a Pan-European Seal Trainee, she joined our firm in August 2023 as a Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee. You will find her mainly at our Hasselt office.
Areas of practice
Emily manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
Languages
Emily is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Emily has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Joost Muylle
-
Partner
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Joost Muylle holds a Master's degree in chemical and biotechnology engineering from the University of Ghent (Howest, 1986) with additional training in intellectual property (EPI CEIPI, 1990 - University of Leuven, 1993) and management (Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School, 2008). He started his professional career at the Vandemoortele Group, first as a patent expert, subsequently in charge of intellectual property rights and finally as a member of the strategic committee on product and market development.
Prior to joining De Clercq & Partners, Joost joined the intellectual property private practice in 1999 as Director of Gevers & Partners in Brussels, opened its branch office in Ghent and was appointed Managing Director in 2003. He was Operational Director at Novagraaf in Paris from 2010 to 2011 and founded iprmanager in December 2011, an electronic platform enabling intellectual property holders and their counselors to monitor and manage their intellectual property rights themselves. In 2012, Joost was appointed consular judge in the Court of Commerce.
In October 2013, Joost became Partner at De Clercq & Partners through the merger of De Clercq & Partners and iprmanager. Joost is now heading the firm's trademark, design, domain names and copyright activities.
Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) singled out Joost as Leading IP Star for the last six years and the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR) lists him as a recommended individual as well.
Areas of practice
Joost advises small, medium and large corporations as well as individuals, institutes and investors with regard to prosecution and litigation in all areas of intellectual property worldwide. He has extensive expertise in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the Office for the Harmonization in the Internal Mark, in anti-counterfeiting through customs measures and in IP due diligence. Joost often acts as a court appointed or party appointed expert in IP matters in litigation.
Joost often lectures on several IP related topics, at conferences and universities. He is a member of BMM, LES and AIPPI.
Languages
Joost is a native Dutch speaker, is fluent in English and French and has working knowledge of German.
Competences
Joost has scientific experience in various fields of technology, including biochemistry and food technology, in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Joost
"A sparring partner for more strategic discussions, a natural authority with an excellent grasp of the legal and economic issues involved and is all around a pleasure to work with.” - World Trademark Review 2023
Thomas Baudewijn
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Thomas Baudewijn holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Thomas started his career as a legal counsel and trademark and design attorney and worked in private practice where he gained extensive and practical training in various aspects of Intellectual Property with an emphasis on trademark and design law, copyright, software, databases and domain names as well as commercial contracts.
Thomas qualified as a European Trademark and Design attorney in 2013 and gained further experience with aspects of ICT law. He joined De Clercq & Partners in April 2016 as a Legal Counsel and Trademark and Design Attorney.
Since 2022, he was added to the list of recommended individuals of the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR)
Areas of practice
Thomas provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property. He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux.
Languages
Thomas is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Thomas has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Thomas
"Solution-oriented nature that calms clients’ minds, while also being reliable, precise and pragmatic without too many words.” - World Trademark Review (2023)
Tom Liessens
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Tom Liessens holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Tom started his career as a lawyer-trainee in 2014 in private practice and gained experience in various aspects of Commercial law, Intellectual Property law and Information Technology law.
Tom joined De Clercq & Partners as a Legal Counsel and Benelux Trademark and Design Attorney in October 2015. In January 2018, he successfully completed the two-year professional training course organized by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design law (BMM) and qualified as a BMM Certified Trademark Attorney. In October 2019, Tom also qualified as a European Trademark and Design Attorney.
Additionally, Tom has successfully completed a Data Protection Officer Certification training and is De Clercq & Partners’ go-to person for matters relating to GDPR.
Areas of practice
Tom provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property.
He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases.
Tom regularly lectures on several IP related topics. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux
Languages
Tom is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Tom has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Nathalie Gailliaert
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Nathalie holds a Bachelor's degree in legal practice from the Vives University College in Bruges, Belgium. She started her career as a paralegal at De Clercq & Partners in 2015 and emerged as an ambitious trademark attorney candidate through in-house practice and intensive self-study.
In November 2023, Nathalie achieved a significant milestone by qualifying as a European Trademark and Design Attorney. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney after a two-year professional training course organised by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law.
Areas of practice
Nathalie manages trademark and design portfolios of various Belgian and international clients and foreign associates. Her work includes advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is also a member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law, VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property).
Languages
Nathalie is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in French and English.
Competences
Nathalie has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Wiebeke De Wachter
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Wiebeke graduated from Ghent University in 2017 with a Master's degree in Communication Sciences.
Wiebeke joined De Clercq & Partners in 2019 as a Trademark and Design Paralegal. After gaining two years of experience under the Trademark Attorneys' wings, she started the BBMM (Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law Course) in 2022. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney. You will find Wiebeke in both the Sint-Martens-Latem and Hasselt offices.
Areas of practice
Wiebeke manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is an active member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law (BMM) and VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Languages
Wiebeke is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Wiebeke has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Emily Van Mulders
-
Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee
-
Legal Counsel
Emily holds a Master’s degree in Globalization and Law from Maastricht University Faculty of Law since 2022. After gaining sector experience at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) where she worked one year as a Pan-European Seal Trainee, she joined our firm in August 2023 as a Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee. You will find her mainly at our Hasselt office.
Areas of practice
Emily manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
Languages
Emily is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Emily has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Joost Muylle
-
Partner
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Joost Muylle holds a Master's degree in chemical and biotechnology engineering from the University of Ghent (Howest, 1986) with additional training in intellectual property (EPI CEIPI, 1990 - University of Leuven, 1993) and management (Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School, 2008). He started his professional career at the Vandemoortele Group, first as a patent expert, subsequently in charge of intellectual property rights and finally as a member of the strategic committee on product and market development.
Prior to joining De Clercq & Partners, Joost joined the intellectual property private practice in 1999 as Director of Gevers & Partners in Brussels, opened its branch office in Ghent and was appointed Managing Director in 2003. He was Operational Director at Novagraaf in Paris from 2010 to 2011 and founded iprmanager in December 2011, an electronic platform enabling intellectual property holders and their counselors to monitor and manage their intellectual property rights themselves. In 2012, Joost was appointed consular judge in the Court of Commerce.
In October 2013, Joost became Partner at De Clercq & Partners through the merger of De Clercq & Partners and iprmanager. Joost is now heading the firm's trademark, design, domain names and copyright activities.
Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) singled out Joost as Leading IP Star for the last six years and the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR) lists him as a recommended individual as well.
Areas of practice
Joost advises small, medium and large corporations as well as individuals, institutes and investors with regard to prosecution and litigation in all areas of intellectual property worldwide. He has extensive expertise in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the Office for the Harmonization in the Internal Mark, in anti-counterfeiting through customs measures and in IP due diligence. Joost often acts as a court appointed or party appointed expert in IP matters in litigation.
Joost often lectures on several IP related topics, at conferences and universities. He is a member of BMM, LES and AIPPI.
Languages
Joost is a native Dutch speaker, is fluent in English and French and has working knowledge of German.
Competences
Joost has scientific experience in various fields of technology, including biochemistry and food technology, in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Joost
"A sparring partner for more strategic discussions, a natural authority with an excellent grasp of the legal and economic issues involved and is all around a pleasure to work with.” - World Trademark Review 2023
Thomas Baudewijn
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Thomas Baudewijn holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Thomas started his career as a legal counsel and trademark and design attorney and worked in private practice where he gained extensive and practical training in various aspects of Intellectual Property with an emphasis on trademark and design law, copyright, software, databases and domain names as well as commercial contracts.
Thomas qualified as a European Trademark and Design attorney in 2013 and gained further experience with aspects of ICT law. He joined De Clercq & Partners in April 2016 as a Legal Counsel and Trademark and Design Attorney.
Since 2022, he was added to the list of recommended individuals of the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR)
Areas of practice
Thomas provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property. He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux.
Languages
Thomas is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Thomas has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Thomas
"Solution-oriented nature that calms clients’ minds, while also being reliable, precise and pragmatic without too many words.” - World Trademark Review (2023)
Tom Liessens
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Tom Liessens holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Tom started his career as a lawyer-trainee in 2014 in private practice and gained experience in various aspects of Commercial law, Intellectual Property law and Information Technology law.
Tom joined De Clercq & Partners as a Legal Counsel and Benelux Trademark and Design Attorney in October 2015. In January 2018, he successfully completed the two-year professional training course organized by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design law (BMM) and qualified as a BMM Certified Trademark Attorney. In October 2019, Tom also qualified as a European Trademark and Design Attorney.
Additionally, Tom has successfully completed a Data Protection Officer Certification training and is De Clercq & Partners’ go-to person for matters relating to GDPR.
Areas of practice
Tom provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property.
He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases.
Tom regularly lectures on several IP related topics. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux
Languages
Tom is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Tom has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Nathalie Gailliaert
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Nathalie holds a Bachelor's degree in legal practice from the Vives University College in Bruges, Belgium. She started her career as a paralegal at De Clercq & Partners in 2015 and emerged as an ambitious trademark attorney candidate through in-house practice and intensive self-study.
In November 2023, Nathalie achieved a significant milestone by qualifying as a European Trademark and Design Attorney. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney after a two-year professional training course organised by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law.
Areas of practice
Nathalie manages trademark and design portfolios of various Belgian and international clients and foreign associates. Her work includes advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is also a member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law, VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property).
Languages
Nathalie is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in French and English.
Competences
Nathalie has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Wiebeke De Wachter
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Wiebeke graduated from Ghent University in 2017 with a Master's degree in Communication Sciences.
Wiebeke joined De Clercq & Partners in 2019 as a Trademark and Design Paralegal. After gaining two years of experience under the Trademark Attorneys' wings, she started the BBMM (Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law Course) in 2022. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney. You will find Wiebeke in both the Sint-Martens-Latem and Hasselt offices.
Areas of practice
Wiebeke manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is an active member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law (BMM) and VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Languages
Wiebeke is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Wiebeke has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Emily Van Mulders
-
Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee
-
Legal Counsel
Emily holds a Master’s degree in Globalization and Law from Maastricht University Faculty of Law since 2022. After gaining sector experience at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) where she worked one year as a Pan-European Seal Trainee, she joined our firm in August 2023 as a Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee. You will find her mainly at our Hasselt office.
Areas of practice
Emily manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
Languages
Emily is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Emily has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Joost Muylle
-
Partner
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Joost Muylle holds a Master's degree in chemical and biotechnology engineering from the University of Ghent (Howest, 1986) with additional training in intellectual property (EPI CEIPI, 1990 - University of Leuven, 1993) and management (Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School, 2008). He started his professional career at the Vandemoortele Group, first as a patent expert, subsequently in charge of intellectual property rights and finally as a member of the strategic committee on product and market development.
Prior to joining De Clercq & Partners, Joost joined the intellectual property private practice in 1999 as Director of Gevers & Partners in Brussels, opened its branch office in Ghent and was appointed Managing Director in 2003. He was Operational Director at Novagraaf in Paris from 2010 to 2011 and founded iprmanager in December 2011, an electronic platform enabling intellectual property holders and their counselors to monitor and manage their intellectual property rights themselves. In 2012, Joost was appointed consular judge in the Court of Commerce.
In October 2013, Joost became Partner at De Clercq & Partners through the merger of De Clercq & Partners and iprmanager. Joost is now heading the firm's trademark, design, domain names and copyright activities.
Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) singled out Joost as Leading IP Star for the last six years and the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR) lists him as a recommended individual as well.
Areas of practice
Joost advises small, medium and large corporations as well as individuals, institutes and investors with regard to prosecution and litigation in all areas of intellectual property worldwide. He has extensive expertise in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the Office for the Harmonization in the Internal Mark, in anti-counterfeiting through customs measures and in IP due diligence. Joost often acts as a court appointed or party appointed expert in IP matters in litigation.
Joost often lectures on several IP related topics, at conferences and universities. He is a member of BMM, LES and AIPPI.
Languages
Joost is a native Dutch speaker, is fluent in English and French and has working knowledge of German.
Competences
Joost has scientific experience in various fields of technology, including biochemistry and food technology, in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Joost
"A sparring partner for more strategic discussions, a natural authority with an excellent grasp of the legal and economic issues involved and is all around a pleasure to work with.” - World Trademark Review 2023
Thomas Baudewijn
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Thomas Baudewijn holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Thomas started his career as a legal counsel and trademark and design attorney and worked in private practice where he gained extensive and practical training in various aspects of Intellectual Property with an emphasis on trademark and design law, copyright, software, databases and domain names as well as commercial contracts.
Thomas qualified as a European Trademark and Design attorney in 2013 and gained further experience with aspects of ICT law. He joined De Clercq & Partners in April 2016 as a Legal Counsel and Trademark and Design Attorney.
Since 2022, he was added to the list of recommended individuals of the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR)
Areas of practice
Thomas provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property. He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux.
Languages
Thomas is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Thomas has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Thomas
"Solution-oriented nature that calms clients’ minds, while also being reliable, precise and pragmatic without too many words.” - World Trademark Review (2023)
Tom Liessens
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Tom Liessens holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Tom started his career as a lawyer-trainee in 2014 in private practice and gained experience in various aspects of Commercial law, Intellectual Property law and Information Technology law.
Tom joined De Clercq & Partners as a Legal Counsel and Benelux Trademark and Design Attorney in October 2015. In January 2018, he successfully completed the two-year professional training course organized by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design law (BMM) and qualified as a BMM Certified Trademark Attorney. In October 2019, Tom also qualified as a European Trademark and Design Attorney.
Additionally, Tom has successfully completed a Data Protection Officer Certification training and is De Clercq & Partners’ go-to person for matters relating to GDPR.
Areas of practice
Tom provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property.
He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases.
Tom regularly lectures on several IP related topics. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux
Languages
Tom is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Tom has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Nathalie Gailliaert
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Nathalie holds a Bachelor's degree in legal practice from the Vives University College in Bruges, Belgium. She started her career as a paralegal at De Clercq & Partners in 2015 and emerged as an ambitious trademark attorney candidate through in-house practice and intensive self-study.
In November 2023, Nathalie achieved a significant milestone by qualifying as a European Trademark and Design Attorney. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney after a two-year professional training course organised by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law.
Areas of practice
Nathalie manages trademark and design portfolios of various Belgian and international clients and foreign associates. Her work includes advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is also a member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law, VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property).
Languages
Nathalie is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in French and English.
Competences
Nathalie has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Wiebeke De Wachter
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Wiebeke graduated from Ghent University in 2017 with a Master's degree in Communication Sciences.
Wiebeke joined De Clercq & Partners in 2019 as a Trademark and Design Paralegal. After gaining two years of experience under the Trademark Attorneys' wings, she started the BBMM (Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law Course) in 2022. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney. You will find Wiebeke in both the Sint-Martens-Latem and Hasselt offices.
Areas of practice
Wiebeke manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is an active member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law (BMM) and VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Languages
Wiebeke is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Wiebeke has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Emily Van Mulders
-
Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee
-
Legal Counsel
Emily holds a Master’s degree in Globalization and Law from Maastricht University Faculty of Law since 2022. After gaining sector experience at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) where she worked one year as a Pan-European Seal Trainee, she joined our firm in August 2023 as a Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee. You will find her mainly at our Hasselt office.
Areas of practice
Emily manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
Languages
Emily is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Emily has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Joost Muylle
-
Partner
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Joost Muylle holds a Master's degree in chemical and biotechnology engineering from the University of Ghent (Howest, 1986) with additional training in intellectual property (EPI CEIPI, 1990 - University of Leuven, 1993) and management (Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School, 2008). He started his professional career at the Vandemoortele Group, first as a patent expert, subsequently in charge of intellectual property rights and finally as a member of the strategic committee on product and market development.
Prior to joining De Clercq & Partners, Joost joined the intellectual property private practice in 1999 as Director of Gevers & Partners in Brussels, opened its branch office in Ghent and was appointed Managing Director in 2003. He was Operational Director at Novagraaf in Paris from 2010 to 2011 and founded iprmanager in December 2011, an electronic platform enabling intellectual property holders and their counselors to monitor and manage their intellectual property rights themselves. In 2012, Joost was appointed consular judge in the Court of Commerce.
In October 2013, Joost became Partner at De Clercq & Partners through the merger of De Clercq & Partners and iprmanager. Joost is now heading the firm's trademark, design, domain names and copyright activities.
Managing Intellectual Property (MIP) singled out Joost as Leading IP Star for the last six years and the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR) lists him as a recommended individual as well.
Areas of practice
Joost advises small, medium and large corporations as well as individuals, institutes and investors with regard to prosecution and litigation in all areas of intellectual property worldwide. He has extensive expertise in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the Office for the Harmonization in the Internal Mark, in anti-counterfeiting through customs measures and in IP due diligence. Joost often acts as a court appointed or party appointed expert in IP matters in litigation.
Joost often lectures on several IP related topics, at conferences and universities. He is a member of BMM, LES and AIPPI.
Languages
Joost is a native Dutch speaker, is fluent in English and French and has working knowledge of German.
Competences
Joost has scientific experience in various fields of technology, including biochemistry and food technology, in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Joost
"A sparring partner for more strategic discussions, a natural authority with an excellent grasp of the legal and economic issues involved and is all around a pleasure to work with.” - World Trademark Review 2023
Thomas Baudewijn
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Thomas Baudewijn holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Thomas started his career as a legal counsel and trademark and design attorney and worked in private practice where he gained extensive and practical training in various aspects of Intellectual Property with an emphasis on trademark and design law, copyright, software, databases and domain names as well as commercial contracts.
Thomas qualified as a European Trademark and Design attorney in 2013 and gained further experience with aspects of ICT law. He joined De Clercq & Partners in April 2016 as a Legal Counsel and Trademark and Design Attorney.
Since 2022, he was added to the list of recommended individuals of the renowned World Trademark Review (WTR)
Areas of practice
Thomas provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property. He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux.
Languages
Thomas is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Thomas has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
What they say about Thomas
"Solution-oriented nature that calms clients’ minds, while also being reliable, precise and pragmatic without too many words.” - World Trademark Review (2023)
Tom Liessens
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
-
Legal Counsel
Tom Liessens holds a Master's degree in law from the University of Ghent and a subsequent LL.M. in Intellectual Property Rights from the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL).
Tom started his career as a lawyer-trainee in 2014 in private practice and gained experience in various aspects of Commercial law, Intellectual Property law and Information Technology law.
Tom joined De Clercq & Partners as a Legal Counsel and Benelux Trademark and Design Attorney in October 2015. In January 2018, he successfully completed the two-year professional training course organized by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design law (BMM) and qualified as a BMM Certified Trademark Attorney. In October 2019, Tom also qualified as a European Trademark and Design Attorney.
Additionally, Tom has successfully completed a Data Protection Officer Certification training and is De Clercq & Partners’ go-to person for matters relating to GDPR.
Areas of practice
Tom provides clients with strategic and hands-on advice on the protection, maintenance and management of small and large trademark and design portfolios and he also assists in negotiations and drafting agreements relating to Intellectual Property.
He has extensive experience in trademark and design prosecution, including formal proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property and the European Union Intellectual Property Office, in opposition matters, infringement and enforcement cases.
Tom regularly lectures on several IP related topics. He is also a member of AIPPI, BMM and LES Benelux
Languages
Tom is a native Dutch speaker and is also fluent in English and French.
Competences
Tom has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Nathalie Gailliaert
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Nathalie holds a Bachelor's degree in legal practice from the Vives University College in Bruges, Belgium. She started her career as a paralegal at De Clercq & Partners in 2015 and emerged as an ambitious trademark attorney candidate through in-house practice and intensive self-study.
In November 2023, Nathalie achieved a significant milestone by qualifying as a European Trademark and Design Attorney. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney after a two-year professional training course organised by the Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law.
Areas of practice
Nathalie manages trademark and design portfolios of various Belgian and international clients and foreign associates. Her work includes advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is also a member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law, VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and AIPPI (International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property).
Languages
Nathalie is a native Dutch speaker and fluent in French and English.
Competences
Nathalie has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Wiebeke De Wachter
-
Trademark and Design Attorney
Wiebeke graduated from Ghent University in 2017 with a Master's degree in Communication Sciences.
Wiebeke joined De Clercq & Partners in 2019 as a Trademark and Design Paralegal. After gaining two years of experience under the Trademark Attorneys' wings, she started the BBMM (Benelux Association for Trademark and Design Law Course) in 2022. Early 2024, she successfully obtained her degree as Certified BMM Trademark & Design Attorney. You will find Wiebeke in both the Sint-Martens-Latem and Hasselt offices.
Areas of practice
Wiebeke manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
She is an active member of the Benelux Association for Trademark & Design Law (BMM) and VOKA (Flanders Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Languages
Wiebeke is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Wiebeke has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.
Emily Van Mulders
-
Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee
-
Legal Counsel
Emily holds a Master’s degree in Globalization and Law from Maastricht University Faculty of Law since 2022. After gaining sector experience at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) where she worked one year as a Pan-European Seal Trainee, she joined our firm in August 2023 as a Trademark & Design Attorney Trainee. You will find her mainly at our Hasselt office.
Areas of practice
Emily manages trademark and design portfolios of several Belgian and foreign companies. Her work consists of communicating with clients and foreign associates, following up on deadlines, filing and renewing trademarks and designs before BOIP, EUIPO and WIPO, advising on the distinctiveness and availability of trademarks, auditing of sometimes extensive trademark portfolios, advising about the maintenance of trademarks and designs, and evaluating watch notices and advising clients accordingly.
Languages
Emily is a native Dutch speaker. She is fluent in English and has working knowledge of French.
Competences
Emily has experience in legal aspects of intellectual property, particularly trademarks and designs, and in product and service development in various areas of intellectual property.