International legal practice Osborne Clarke enhances its intellectual property law capabilities with the arrival of Valentin de le Court who will join the firm as counsel in the IP/IT/Data team.
Valentin has over fifteen years of experience in innovation-related intellectual property law, including four years of practice in China. His area of expertise covers contentious and non-contentious IP matters, with a particular focus on patent law, trade secrets protection and management, open innovation contracts, and China-related IP strategies.
Valentin is an appointed expert of the 'China IP SME Helpdesk', a project funded by the EU Commission that supports European SMEs with their China IP law issues. He will work closely with Osborne Clarke's offices in Asia to leverage his experience supporting investors and manufacturers in the APAC region, relying on the expertise of Osborne Clarke's Shanghai office as well as an existing network of local experts who advise on IP transactions and litigation.
Benjamin Docquir, the head of IP/IT/Data Protection in Belgium, comments, "We're delighted to see Valentin join our team, strengthening our capacity to assist clients with IP disputes, licensing and tech transfers deals, amongst others. Valentin's arrival also reinforces our expertise in the life sciences and TMC sectors. We are looking forward to working together with him, his and our client base, to build a strong and reputable IP/IT/Data practice in Belgium."
Steve Yu, Managing Partner of Osborne Clarke China, comments, “Technology and Innovation have been a major force driving the economic growth in China and Asia. It is therefore crucial for any European investor in the technology sector to take practical advice to help them navigate the opportunities China has to offer while protecting them from IP-related risks. We are very glad to see that Valentin will bring his years of multi-jurisdictional experience to Osborne Clarke and help the firm’s European clients to expand into Asia.”
Osborne Clarke’s international practice has been growing rapidly and now boasts offices in 25 locations. Founded in 2013, the office in Belgium now counts 35 lawyers and has nationally and internationally recognised experts in our key sectors (TMC, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Energy & Utilities, Real Estate & Infrastructure, Retail, Financial Services, Transport & Automotive and Workforce Solutions).
