Kilburn & Strode patent attorney hire boosts Dutch pharma practice

Rike Dekker (51), who has joined Kilburn & Strode, specialises in life science and chemistry advice, with many years of experience in both IP firms and in-house patent departments.

She began her career in 1997 at the Dutch patent and trademark office (NLO). In 2002, she joined Pfizer in the management team of the European patent department. At Pfizer, Dekker advised on global licensing, due diligence and market analysis in patent matters in the pain therapeutic area. Here, she also dealt with questions of loss of exclusivity and FTO for all Pfizer products.

Rike Dekker

In 2011, Rike Dekker moved from Pfizer to Dutch chemical company DSM. At DSM, she led a team of seven patent attorneys. As manager of the IP materials group, Dekker was responsible for IP strategy and litigation in the area Engineering Plastics.

From AOMB to Kilburn & Strode

After working in-house for 15 years, in 2017 Dekker moved to IP firm AOMB. In addition to drafting and prosecution, she worked alongside The Hague partner René Raggers in patent litigation, particularly in life science.

At Kilburn & Strode in the Netherlands, Rike Dekker joins a team of three – two patent attorneys and a trainee – who focus on mechanics, electronics and technology. Here, Dekker fills the gap in advising on pharma, chemistry and chemical technology. At Kilburn & Strode, she also advises on bio-materials, food technology and nutrition.

This expertise complements the work of trademark partner Claudia Festen, who works on the interface between the horticulture sector and patent law. Festen’s practice focuses especially on intellectual property rights for plant and flower varieties, fertilisers, farming technologies and robotics.

Following Dekker’s departure, AOMB has 18 patent attorneys. The firm offers patent prosecution in a broad field of technologies.