The book Visser's Annotated European Patent Convention is a leading and widely used commentary on the European Patent Convention (EPC) and a bestseller in European patent law. The 2025 edition is the only authoritative English-language guide that explains, article by article, the EPC, its implementing regulations and relevant case law. Since its first edition in 1994, it has provided valuable insights for successful practice before the European Patent Office (EPO). The EPO itself recommends this book as the first choice in the list of external literature for preparation for the European Qualification Examination (EQE). One of the regular authors of this standard work is Peter de Lange, patent attorney working at our Amsterdam office.

In early July, at the eleventh edition of the Gerard & Anton Awards, held at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven, ten promising startups from the Brainport region were awarded prizes. V.O. Patents & Trademarks is proud to have been a sponsor of this event, which promotes innovation and entrepreneurship, for 11 years now. The winners represent technological innovation with social impact. For example, Avoxt is developing efficient solutions for green hydrogen, while TNO spin-off Keiron is working on sustainable and precise soldering technology for microelectronics. Keiron has already raised EUR 11 million and attracted customers such as SpaceX. As a gesture of support, each winner will receive a V.O. voucher for four hours of free intellectual property advice. With this, we aim to help them protect their innovations. V.O. sees startups as essential drivers of technological progress and is happy to contribute to their growth and the success of the Brainport region.

In order to give all patent and trademark attorneys, attorneys-at-law and trainees of our firm network the opportunity to get together for a both educational and relaxing day in a casual setting, the firm organizes once a year a so-called Attorneys Day. Every year the Attorneys Day is very much looked forward to. Each year, a different V.O. office takes the initiative.

On 11 June, our Leuven office was the organizing party. The event took place at the historic Irish College, one of the oldest colleges in this university town. In the morning, the theme was 'Intellectual Property as a Business Tool', with contributions from external speakers with extensive experience in this field. The afternoon featured a surprising program of urban exploration combined with challenging activities. The day ended festively with a barbecue in the attractive gardens of the Irish College.

On 20 August, V.O. and several clients experienced a special day in Amsterdam: a cruise on a former cargo ship to experience the impressive Sail-in Parade. With beautiful summer weather, a relaxed atmosphere and a unique view of the incoming tallship spectacle, it was a festive gathering on the water. Guests enjoyed snacks, beverages and, above all, inspiring conversations on board. The event provided ample opportunity for networking in an informal and unique setting. V.O. looks back with pride on this successful day and thanks all attendees for coming. The Sail-in Parade 2025 was not only a visual highlight, but also a moment of connection between relations and professionals from various sectors.