Guillaume de Villegas

I am a counsel in our Brussels office where I have experience in all types of IP matters, with a particular focus on trade mark, copyright, design and patent law in the life sciences, retail & consumer, food & beverage, luxury goods and media & entertainment sectors.

Over the years, I have developed in-depth expertise in managing complex litigation in trade mark, copyright, design and patent law, as well as in various commercial disputes, ranging from distribution to sponsorship and beyond.

I have successfully represented clients before national courts, administrative bodies (EUIPO and BOIP) and EU courts (Court of Justice of the European Union and General Court of the European Union).

I regularly advise clients on the implementation of a global trade mark and design policy and strategy, often hand in hand with my expert colleagues across the Bird & Bird network in order to offer a tailor-made solution. I recognise the value of innovative and dynamic tools to manage portfolios in a cost-efficient manner.

I have also assisted clients on a range of transactional matters, including the drafting and negotiation of IP agreements, such as license agreements, collaboration agreements, transfer agreements, clinical trial agreements, etc. I always strive to provide constructive and pragmatic advice, weighing the risks linked with every option. My expertise in litigation has helped me a great deal in that respect.

I have experience counselling clients on various legal issues involving trade practices and consumer law protection (e.g. vetting of marketing campaigns and packaging of products, review of general terms and conditions, etc.).

Before joining Bird & Bird in 2011, I worked in the intellectual property department of a UK headquartered multinational law firm based in Brussels and as a trainee in the Patent Law Directorate of the European Patent Office in Munich.

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