JUVE Comment

This Dutch patent attorney firm maintains a strong presence in the Dutch litigation market, particularly in mobile communications and life sciences. Former partner Harm van der Heijden frequently appears in nullity cases concerning mobile communications and related technologies. A notable highlight in this field is his work alongside Brinkhof for Oppo and Verify against KPN.

In the life sciences sector, NLO’s patent attorneys have again demonstrated their litigation expertise across several pharmaceutical and biotechnology cases. Mari Korsten’s work for Amgen and Insud, working alongside lawyers from other firms in nullity cases before the Dutch courts, showcased the team’s ability to represent both originators and generic drug manufacturers. Korsten also represented GSK with De Brauw lawyers in a recently settled case against Pfizer concerning RSV vaccines. The firm’s capacity to handle matters in other technical fields is evident through recent instructions from Ollnova regarding building automation systems and Insite Innovations over webserver technology. To date, clients have only occasionally engaged the patent attorneys in UPC cases.

However, to strengthen its international presence, the Dutch firm undertook a fundamental reorganisation in 2025. The merger with French firm Ipsilon, backed by private equity investor Waterland, represents a transformative step for NLO. The move forms part of a clear ambition to become a leading European IP player, with the combined outfit now exceeding 400 people across seven countries. The merger brings together NLO’s expertise in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and electronics with Ipsilon’s strengths in mechanics and process engineering. Whilst NLO continues to operate under its established brand in the Netherlands, the two firms have initially focused primarily on advancing integration at group level – for example, by merging their AI teams and through joint activities at practice group level.

To invest more flexibly in future advisory services, the NLO partners have abandoned their previous partnership model. All twelve equity partners are now shareholders in the Ipsilon Group. However, despite the new corporate structure and increased use of AI, the new entity remains committed to developing its own talent. It has appointed several patent attorneys as associate partners, though this no longer implies partnership status in the traditional law firm sense. At the same time, Hans Hutter, one of the most distinguished partners in recent years, has retired. Another prominent partner, van der Heijden, has moved to of counsel status whilst also serving as head of patent innovation at Dutch AI firm Ankar. These changes underscore the importance of retaining top talent, as the merger with Ipsilon and its associated professional structures can only succeed if the firm remains visible in the market through its best people. At European level, NLO and Ipsilon face numerous competitors, including the private equity-backed group comprising De Vries & Metman and V.O.

Strengths

Patent disputes conducted by patent attorneys regarding mobile communications and pharmaceuticals (for both originators and generics companies).

Recommended individuals

Harm van der Heijden (digital communication and computer technology, electronics), Mari Korsten (pharma and biotechnology, chemistry)

Team

45 patent attorneys

Partner moves

Hans Hutter (retired)

Clients

Litigation: Verify IP Juno in nullity case against KPN over mobile communications; Nokia (co-defendant of KPN) against Assia over DSL technology; Ollnova in infringement and nullity case against Signify over building automation systems; Insite Innovations against Squeezely in nullity action over webserver technology. Frequent litigation for Accord, Amgen and Insud Pharma (some public knowledge).