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Benelux UPC Conference 2026
Recent Developments and Insights
Inschrijven
mr. K. Neefs and
K. Roox and
B. van der Maazen and
ir. S.M.M. Versaevel
Octrooigemachtigden
Bedrijfsjuristen en Legal Counsels
Patent attorneys
Patent litigators
Head of IP
IP Lawyers
Description
The annual Benelux UPC Conference, the premier event for patent professionals in (or outside) the Benelux, once again brings together leading in-house IP lawyers, patent attorneys, and patent litigators this year to discuss the latest developments, strategies, and challenges surrounding the Unified Patent Court.
This conference offers the insights and discusses the latest developments, strategies in an rapidly evolving field and is interesting, whether you are
- patent attorney, whether UPC representative or not, are often the first point of contact for clients, it is crucial to answer initial client questions in line with the latest UPC case law developments, particularly since UPC case law does not always align with that of the EPO.
- patent litigator
- in-house counsel
Rather than presenting ready-made answers, we choose this year the format of panel discussions, because we believe that the most valuable insights emerge from open dialogue, debate and the exchange of different perspectives. Our panellists will challenge each other, share their experiences and invite you to join the conversation.
In addition to three highly relevant panel discussions that will take place throughout the day, the fourth panel discussion is featuring UPC judges!
The following contributions are on the program:
1. The UPC and SME litigation: Unhappily ever after?
Moderator:
Kristof Neefs, lawyer and partner Inteo Mechelen
Panel members:
- Iris Arts, lawyer at LaGro advocaten Den Haag
- Ellen Crabbe, European Patent Attorney and partner at Brantsandpatents Brussels
- Christophe Ronse, lawyer and partner Altius Gent
2. Pharma & Life Sciences under the UPC: off to a slow start?
Moderator:
Kristof Roox: lawyer and partner Crowell&Moring Brussels
Panel members:
- Jules Fabre, lawyer at TaylorWessing Paris
- Daan de Lange, lawyer at Brinkhof Amsterdam
- Miriam Kiefer, lawyer at Kather Augenstein Düsseldorf
3. The UPC and SEP litigation: a match made in heaven?
Moderator:
Boukje van der Mazen, lawyer at Brinkhof Amsterdam
Panel members:
- Carlos van Staveren, lawyer and partner at Bird&Bird Amsterdam
- Marina Wehler, lawyer and partner at Arnold Ruess Düsseldorf
- Tobias Hessel, lawyer and partner at Clifford Chance Düsseldorf
4. The Judges Panel; recent and future developments
Moderator:
Sebastien Versaevel, European Patent Litigator and partner at Winston Taylor Benelux
Panel members:
- soon to be announced
Naturally, there will again be plenty of networking opportunities at the lunch, during the conference, and the reception afterwards, which is sponsored by Winston Taylor.
Please click here for the Benelux UPC website .
Price
The registration fee is € 450,- per person (excl. VAT). This price includes coffee, tea, and catering as specified in the program.
You can also participate in the training online. In that case, the registration fee is also € 450,- per person (excl. VAT).If you are able to attend in person, we — and the speakers in particular — would greatly appreciate it. Experience shows that this enhances interaction during the course.
Naturally, it remains possible to switch from in-person to online attendance up to 48 hours in advance, should the need arise.
Points
This training offers 4 teaching hours and is therefore worth 4 legal points.
Online participation
We use the software to log participant attendance throughout the entire online training. This digital record replaces the standard sign-in sheets.A test for Dutch lawyers follows at the end of the online training; this is a requirement set by the NOvA. To qualify for the Certificate of Attendance, you must answer at least 60% of the questions correctly and be logged in for the duration of the training.
Program
November 26, 2026
12.00 PM Welcome with coffee and lunch
Chair: Wim Maas is Partner at Winston Taylor
Panel members:
- Iris Arts, lawyer at LaGro advocaten Den Haag
- Ellen Crabbe, European Patent Attorney and partner at Brantsandpatents Brussels
- Christophe Ronse, lawyer and partner Altius Gent
Panel members:
- Jules Fabre, lawyer at TaylorWessing Paris
- Daan de Lange, lawyer at Brinkhof Amsterdam
- Miriam Kiefer, lawyer at Kather Augenstein Düsseldorf
3.15 PM Break
Panel members
- Carlos van Staveren, lawyer and partner at Bird&Bird Amsterdam
- Marina Wehler, lawyer and partner at Arnold Ruess Düsseldorf
- Tobias Hessel, lawyer and partner at Clifford Chance Düsseldorf
4.30 PM The Judges Panel; recent and future developments
5.30 PM Conclusion and drinks
Speaker
Wim Maas is partner and a trial attorney at Winston Taylor with over 20 years of experience in high-stakes patent litigation in the telecom, IT and life sciences sector. He is recognized as a leading advocate before the Unified Patent Court and frequently speaks and publishes on European patent law and patent enforcement.
Speaker
Kristof Neefs is lawyer and partner at Inteo Mechelen, Belgium and a registered representative at the Unified Patent Court. His practice focuses on intellectual property and technology disputes. He represents clients in a wide array of industries, including life sciences, pharmaceuticals, software, automotive, media and food.
Speaker
Kristof Roox is lawyer and partner at Crowell&Moring Brussels. Pharmaceutical and life sciences companies often have to deal with complex patent litigation. They require help from someone with a pragmatic, creative approach, and this is Kristof Roox’s particular strength. Clients reach out to him for his tenacity in the courtroom as well as his to-the-point counseling on every aspect of intellectual property law.
Speaker
Boukje van der Maazen is Lawyer and UPC representative at Brinkhof
Speaker
Sebastien Versaevel is Partner and European patent litigator at Winston Taylor Benelux. He focuses on European patent litigation, with an emphasis on the Unified Patent Court (UPC), and has experience before the Dutch patent courts.
Location
Reviews
Participants on this course