VO is one of the best patent and trade mark attorney firms in the Benelux. The firm specialises in IP protection and portfolio management work, with a strong team of patent attorneys to deal with a range of technical fields, most notably chemistry, biotechnology, and engineering. Most of its IP practitioners are based in the Netherlands.
The firm has a large team of experienced European patent attorneys. Herman Witmans, Leo Jessen, Bernard Ledeboer, Michiel van Rooij and Annemie Jaeken are key figures in the engineering team. Jaeken is based in Belgium. Otto Oudshoorn, Hajo Kraak, Marco Molling, and Huub Maas are experts in chemistry. Mark Einerhand, Frits Schut and Bettina Hermann are experienced attorneys for life sciences patent work, while Jasper Groot Koerkamp, Marco Box and Johannes van Melle are key contacts in the electronics practice. Hermann is based in Germany. Ledeboer was appointed in 2022 to serve as a technical judge in the Unified Patent Court.
Trade mark instructions are dealt with by trade mark associates such as Noëlle Wolfs and Raquel Alvarez, both of whom are based in the Netherlands. For commercial IP matters, the team can always count on the legal and transactional experience of Nick Oostenbroek. Patent attorneys Henri van Kalkeren, Martin Klok, Jetze Beeksma, Peter de Lange, and Rutger Timmer are practitioners to watch.
2024/2025
"We have a long-time, successful trusting relationship. Have worked with this firm for more than 30 years. Reliable, timely advice fairly priced. Strong expertise and clear advice."
"V.O. is one of the go-to firms in the Netherlands when it comes to providing patent attorney assistance in patent litigation, particularly in the pharma field. V.O. has several leading practitioners who are experienced to assist in court litigation. They are good, friendly and responsive."
"They have a high success ratio in opposition cases – very high quality standard. They are customer-minded – true experts – top class."
"We work with several patent attorneys but V.O. is for us the one to go to for difficult work. Jasper Groot Koerkamp is fantastic, seems always available and is quick. But most importantly, he is to the point and has a lot of knowledge. Jasper Groot Koerkamp is fantastic, seems always available and is quick. But most importantly, he is to the point and has a lot of knowledge."
"I have worked closely together with Jasper Groot Koerkamp, one of the firm's patent partners, for many years. We like their availability, knowledge and service level."
"Top-quality patent attorneys – Jetze Beeksma and Martin Klok. I like their responsiveness, quality and the completeness of drafts, etc."
"The quality of their work is always first class. They are not only strong technically, but also strategically. Great quality; very responsive and always looking for an unexpected angle."
Noëlle Wolfs
"Responsive. Reliable. Practical advice."
Herman Witmans
"Involved in oppositions and appeal proceedings before EPO."
Jasper Groot Koerkamp
"Jasper is excellent. He really understands the client's needs and is flexible. Most importantly, he is just good at what he does and is fast as well."
"He has the ability to explain technical issues in a comprehensive manner. We like his availability and strategy."
Jetze Beeksma
"Jetze is a very smart guy and is easy to work with. Blends in in the team very well."
"Jetze is great at both patent prosecution and providing patent attorney assistance in litigation. He's very skilled and precise and clients really like working with him. "
Martin Klok
"Responsive, with excellent technical input."
"Very skilled and responsive patent attorney. Experienced in litigation. "
Marco Molling
"He is extremely knowledgeable, very steady in court and very easy to work with."
Leo Jessen
"He is a brilliant strategist who looks beyond the mere technical merits of the case."
2023
"They are very responsive, very thorough, and provide detailed analysis and global expertise."
"We value their expert advice."
"We appreciate that they are thinking ahead and being proactive in advising.'
"We appreciate the team's responsiveness and their strategic and analytical skills."
Managing IP award 2022 reasons
The Netherlands Practitioner of the Year (Patent & Trademark Attorney Firms)
Herman Witmans
This practitioner led several patent drafting and prosecution work for his firm’s engineering clients, including Atlas Copco.
The Netherlands Patent Prosecution
The Dutch team handled an EPO matter which led to a Board of Appeal decision affirming the legitimacy of straw man oppositions. The team provided pro bono patent advice to the environmental NGO, The Ocean Cleanup, and drafted and prosecuted patents for companies such as LiteVax and Avebe.
The firm has provided litigation support services to companies such as Eli Lilly and Company and Novartis. The firm provided patent protection services to companies such as Plastipak, LiteVax, ADR Technologies, Innocore Pharmaceuticals, and Stamicarbon. Former chairman Cees Jansen and Kim Tan now serve as consultants. Bernard Ledeboer was appointed in 2022 to serve as a technical judge in the Unified Patent Court.