Domien Op de Beeck

Assisting cutting edge companies in IP-rich matters since 2007.

In my practice, I advise on patents and trade secrets laws and implementation on a daily basis. I also represent design or trademark holders in infringement and opposition proceedings, up to the CJEU level. I help clients recapture their legitimate IP rights (incl. domain names), ban copycats from the market or fence off unfounded infringement claims.

Working at Bird & Bird implies a privilege on working for and together with inspiring individuals and cutting edge companies. Clients have said they appreciate my openness to the business and drive to grasp the most complex science. Investing time to understand these extra factors goes hand in hand with the sector approach for which Bird & Bird is known.

Having represented clients before different courts and IP offices in Belgium and abroad, I know the procedural intricacies of IP litigation, but also how to get to constructive out-of-court solutions. Contract drafting and negotiation is another inherent part of my practice. Furthermore, I help clients on matters like adding value to their IP, negotiating a safe passage to market, or devising and implementing trade secret protection policies.

AIPPI Belgium elected me as a member of its board of directors in 2020. I am also a member of the Licensing Executing Society (LES), the Benelux Trademarks and Design Association (BMM) and the European Patent Lawyers Association (EPLAW).

I am fluent in Dutch, English and French and have a good understanding of German.

• • Representing AB InBev in patent entitlement proceedings at the EPO and the Brussels Courts, and in patent infringement proceedings before the Brussels Courts.
• • Assisting Devin AD in trademark opposition proceedings before the General Court of the EU in relation to water products.
• • Representing Amgen in patent infringement proceedings in Brussels in relation to biological drugs.
• • Representing Stumabo in trademark infringement proceedings in the Brussels Courts in relation to food cutting equipment.
• • Representing Nokia in patent infringement proceedings in the Brussels Courts in relation to telephone services.
• • Representing Chemicar Europe in fencing off patent infringement claims before the Brussels Courts in relation to spray paint products
• • Representing Betafence (Praesidiad) in design proceedings before the General Court of the EU in relation to fencing products.
• • Representing two ex-employees in criminal court for alleged breach of so-called "factory secrets"
• • Representing one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in patent proceedings before the Brussels Courts (evidence seizure and infringement)