Looking for a lawyer specialized in intellectual property in Belgium? For more than 20 years, the ICT Lawyer team has been providing legal assistance in the protection, defense and valorization of all intellectual property rights.
Specialist in all areas of intellectual property law
In today's knowledge-based economy, intellectual property (IP) rights are the indispensable foundation of innovation and creativity. The legal protection of these intangible assets is crucial to maintaining your competitive advantage and maximizing their commercial value.
ICT Rechtswijzer's team, led by attorney Joris Deene, provides highly specialized legal assistance in all aspects of intellectual property law. With offices in Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels We serve clients throughout Belgium.
Full legal support for all intellectual property rights
As experienced intellectual property attorneys, we offer a comprehensive range of services for the protection, enforcement and valorization of all types of IP rights:
Copyright
The copyright is one of the most important intellectual property rights and provides protection for creative works. Our copyright lawyer provides assistance with:
- Advice on copyright protection of works
- Assistance with infringement proceedings
- Negotiation and drafting of license agreements
- Advice on copyright exceptions
- Tax optimization of copyright income
Trademark law
A strong brand is essential to your market position. Our trademark lawyer helps with:
- Advice on trademark registration
- Control of brand names on availability
- Guidance on registration in Belgium, the Benelux and Europe
- Opposition and nullity proceedings
- Infringement procedures and enforcement
- Drafting brand licensing
Patent Law
For technical inventions and innovations, our patent lawyer expertise in:
- Advice on patentability of your invention
- Strategic advice on patent protection
- Patent application support (in cooperation with patent attorneys)
- Defense against infringement allegations
- Drafting patent licensing agreements
Model law
The design right Protects the appearance and design of products. We advise on:
- Registration of models as Benelux Model or Union Model
- The implications of the new Design Package
- Infringement procedures against counterfeiting
- Model licenses and transfer agreements
- Combined protection via design right and copyright
Software and databases
Digital creations require specific protection. Our expertise includes:
- Software protection via copyright
- Database Law
- Licensing structures for software (including SaaS)
- Development agreements
- SaaS escrow arrangements
Trade name and company name
The protection of your trade name and company name is essential to your brand identity. We offer:
- Advice on name selection and protection
- Protection against infringements by competitors
- Dispute resolution for conflicting names
Breeder's right
For developers of new plant varieties, we offer advice on breeders' rights:
- Registration of plant variety rights
- Enforcement and protection
- License agreements for propagation
Trade secrets and know-how
Since the implementation of the Trade Secrets Directive, we have been helping organizations protect trade secrets:
- Identification and classification of trade secrets
- Implementation of protective measures
- Taking action against violations
- Drafting Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Domain names
In conflicts over domain names we offer assistance in:
- Domain name disputes (.be, .eu, .com, etc.)
- UDRP Procedures
- Cepani procedures for .be domain names
- Domain name transfer negotiations
Our services as intellectual property attorneys
Strategic protection
A proactive approach to intellectual property includes:
Strategic IP planning
- Identification and inventory of valuable IP rights.
- Development of a tailored protection strategy
- Cost-effective registration and protection
- Integrating IP strategy into your business plan
Contractual protection
- Transfer agreements
- License contracts
- Cooperation agreements with IP clauses
- R&D agreements
- Non-disclosure agreements
- Employment contracts with IP provisions
Violation enforcement
For infringements of your intellectual property rights, we offer:
Extrajudicial enforcement
- Notices of default
- Negotiations
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
Judicial proceedings
- Seizure regarding counterfeiting
- Evidence seizure
- Strike Procedures
- Ground proceedings with damages
- Customs measures against counterfeiting
Commercialization and valorization
Intellectual property is only valuable when it is effectively exploited:
Economic valorization
- Licensing Strategies
- IP due diligence in acquisitions and transfer of undertakings
- Transfer agreements
- Franchising
Tax optimization
- Advice on tax-favorable structures for IP income
- Guidance on copyright favoritism
- Advice on innovation deduction and patent deduction
Intellectual property in the digital economy
As a specialized lawyer in intellectual property and ICT law, we offer unique expertise at the intersection of both fields:
Digital challenges to IP rights
- Artificial intelligence and copyright
- Privacy and data protection in relation to IE
- Protection of IP in cloud environments
- E-commerce and intellectual property
- Media Law and digital content
Contracts for digital IP
- ICT contracts with IP provisions
- SaaS and other as-a-service models
- Data licenses
- SLAs For IE-related services
Our expertise as intellectual property attorneys
As a specialized intellectual property attorney, Attorney Deene distinguishes himself by:
- 20+ years of practical experience in all aspects of intellectual property law
- Academic expertise through guest lectureship at Ghent University
- Dozens of publications about intellectual property rights
- Membership of the Intellectual Property Council (which advises the Minister of Economy)
- Recognized third-party decision maker for .be domain name disputes
Multidisciplinary approach
Intellectual property does not stand alone. That is why we combine our IP expertise with knowledge of:
Sectors and clients
As intellectual property attorneys, we serve clients from a variety of industries, including:
- ICT sector: software developers, technology companies, IT consultants
- Creative Industry: designers, artists, architects, photographers
- Media and entertainment: publishers, producers, media houses
- Retail and e-commerce: web shops, retailers, distributors
- Life sciences: biotech, pharma, medtech
- Research institutions: universities, knowledge institutions
- Startups and scale-ups: innovative companies in every sector
Frequently asked questions about intellectual property law
What is intellectual property law?
Intellectual property law is the area of law concerned with the legal protection of intangible creations of the human mind. It includes several specific areas of law such as copyright law, trademark law, patent law, design law, plant breeders' rights, trade names and trade secrets.
Why do I need to protect my intellectual property?
Adequate protection of intellectual property:
- Prevents others from unlawfully using your creations
- Creates distinctiveness in the marketplace
- Enables you to commercialize your innovations
- Increases the value of your business
- Provides legal certainty
What intellectual property rights do I need for my business?
It depends on your specific activities:
- A trademark protects your trade name and logo
- Copyright protects your creative works
- Patents protect your technical inventions
- Design right protects the appearance of your products
- Trade secrets protect your confidential know-how
As intellectual property attorneys, we advise on the most appropriate combination of protection mechanisms for your particular situation.
Do I need to register my intellectual property?
It depends on the type of intellectual property:
- Copyright arises automatically and does not require registration
- Trademarks, designs, patents and plant breeders' rights do require registration
- For trade secrets, secrecy is essential, not registration
As intellectual property attorneys, we will guide you through the registration process as needed.
What does protecting intellectual property cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of law, territorial coverage and complexity. As intellectual property lawyers, we work with transparent fees and help you determine the most cost-effective strategy. Please feel free to request a no-obligation quote.
What can I do if my intellectual property rights are infringed?
If your intellectual property rights are infringed, we can:
- Sending a notice of default
- Negotiating an amicable settlement
- Seizure regarding counterfeiting lay
- Filing a cessation claim
- Conducting an action on the merits for damages
As intellectual property attorneys, we will work with you to determine the most effective strategy.
Contacting our intellectual property lawyer
With more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property law, our team of specialized attorneys is here for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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