Trademarks and Designs

Sound Advice and Litigation Proficiency

We are trial lawyers first and foremost. Our lawyers have extensive courtroom experience and understand how to present complex ideas in straightforward terms. However, our initial aim is always to work with our clients to prevent disputes arising. Should it then become necessary to take further action, we help our clients resolve disputes quickly and favorably.

We provide clients with clear, concise advice on all relevant issues, including clearances, nullity arguments, infringement questions and cross-border litigation strategies before the Belgian and European courts as well as before the European and Benelux intellectual property offices. We are also one of Belgium’s leading practices when it comes to pre-trial discovery proceedings (‘saisie-contrefaçon’), and regarding the prevention of cross-border trade in counterfeit goods through customs actions.

Maximizing Investment

In cooperation with lawyers from our Corporate Group, we are able to provide commercial and pragmatic advice on all aspects of trademark and design transactions. We recognize the intrinsic importance of trademarks and designs to many companies, and we combine our legal experience with business acumen to assist clients in drafting and negotiating their agreements (license agreements, transfer agreements, co-existence agreements, joint development agreements, manufacturing agreements and marketing, reseller and distribution agreements).

Trademark and Design Prosecution

We recognize that there is little benefit in obtaining trademark or design protection if that protection is subsequently found to be invalid or severely limited by litigation. Our trademark and design litigators therefore work closely with our U.S. colleagues and outside trademark and design prosecutors to ensure that clients are aware of the latest developments regarding the prosecution and protection of their creative assets.

We also advise clients on relevant competition law, particularly in relation to abuse of dominant position, exclusivity, and parallel imports. We offer training, both online and face-to-face, specifically tailored to the needs of individual companies and associations.

Our Team

Crowell & Moring’s Brussels office has a strong domestic, European, and international trademark practice. For complex international matters, we are able to rely on excellent support from our Crowell & Moring U.S. colleagues and on a network of trusted local trademark lawyers across Europe.