De Clercq & Partners

About De Clercq & Partners

Since 1999, De Clercq & Partners has been dedicated to helping businesses protect their innovations and creativity. With offices in Sint-Martens-Latem, Leuven, and Hasselt, we’ve grown into one of Europe’s most trusted intellectual property firms. Our team of over 50 professionals—including patent attorneys, trademark attorneys, legal experts, and paralegals—blends scientific, technical, and legal expertise to deliver exceptional results. What We Do We provide tailored support in: - Patents & SPCs - Trademarks - Designs - Copyright - IP Licensing Whether you need a patent application, help managing trademarks, or representation in complex disputes, we offer personalized advice every step of the way. Our European Patent Litigators are also qualified to represent clients before the Unified Patent Court. Industry Expertise We’ve built strong expertise across key sectors: - Life Sciences: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. - Chemistry: Agrochemicals, polymers, and industrial processes. - Engineering & Software: AI, robotics, medtech, and semiconductors. - Brands & Designs: Consumer products, homeware, and digital media. Our multidisciplinary team ensures every innovation is thoroughly protected, even when ideas cross multiple fields. Awards & Recognition We’re proud to be recognized for our work: - 2025: Koen Vanhalst (IAM Strategy 300), Ann De Clercq and Liesbet Paemen (IAM Global Leaders). - 2024: Patent Firm of the Year (Managing IP, 6th year running), Opposition Procedure Firm of the Year (LMG Life Sciences, 3rd year in a row), and Gold Tier for Patent Prosecution (IAM Patent 1000). In recent years, we’ve consistently earned top rankings from WTR 1000, Leaders League, and others. Why Choose Us At De Clercq & Partners, we’re more than IP specialists—we’re your partner in innovation. Our goal is to make the process straightforward and give you peace of mind, so you can focus on what's most important.