De Clercq & Partners Seminar 2026
Join us at the scenic Auberge du Pêcheur for a full day of engaging discussions, expert insights and invaluable networking opportunities at the De Clercq & Partners' Annual IP Seminar.
Morning Session
Chaired by Andrej Michalík (Partner – De Clercq & Partners)
08:30 | Registration & Coffee
09:00 | Welcome & Introduction
Ann De Clercq (Founding Partner – De Clercq & Partners)
09:05 | The protection of product and packaging design under trademark, design and copyright law
Anthony Van der Planken (Partner – Co & Delarue, BE)
09:45 | Coffee Break
10:15 | AI in Creating and Protecting IP: Opportunities, Risks, and Practical Use Cases
Dan Morath (Partner – Patent Law Works, US)
David Lesthaeghe (Junior Partner, De Clercq & Partners)
Afternoon Session
Chaired by Liesbet Paemen (Partner – De Clercq & Partners)
14:00 | Three years of UPC: lessons learned and strategic choices for innovative companies
Christophe Ronse (Partner – Altius, BE)
Kirian Claeyé (Partner - Altius, BE)
Koen Vanhalst (Partner - De Clercq & Partners)
15:30 | Coffee Break
16:00 | Recent updates from the EPO Enlarged Board of Appeal – G1/24 and beyond
Andrej Michalík (Partner, De Clercq & Partners)
17:00 | Closing Remarks
17:05 | Closing Reception at the Conference Venue