As a patent attorney Hajo has dealt with a broad range of chemical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional sciences and technologies. He gained considerable experience in obtaining patents and conducting opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office, including oral proceedings, and in international patent litigation. Also, he has been active in conducting patent due diligence investigations and in developing patent strategies for various businesses, including life cycle management in pharma.

Hajo is a member of the Dutch delegation for the EPI Council and a tutor for the Dutch qualifying examination.

In his capacity as European Patent Litigator, Hajo is allowed to act as UPC representative.

Working experience

• Patent Attorney, V.O. (2007-present)
• Head of Global Patent Department, Organon (2001-2007)
• Member of IP Managent Team, Akzo Nobel (2001-2007)
• Senior patent attorney, Organon (1997-2001)
• Management team patent department, Akzo Nobel (1995-1997)
• Patent counsel, Akzo Nobel (1987-1997)

Education

• MSc in Organic and Polymer Chemistry, Leiden University (1987)

Directories

• “Hajo Kraak graces the firm with an experience-rich track record, notably as in-house patent counsel in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Kraak is a crucial part of the boutique’s provision of oppositions proceedings, as well its constructing of success-oriented IP strategy for leading clientele” (IAM Patent 1000, 2025)
• “Hajo Kraak, a specialist in chemical and pharmaceuticals, graces the firm with extensive experience organising patent opposition proceedings before the EPO and participating in international patent litigation. As a member of the Dutch delegation for the EPI Council, Kraak possesses a deep understanding of inventors’ and companies’ perspectives, thanks to his technological acumen” (IAM Patent 1000, 2024)
• Hajo Kraak “is an outstanding patent attorney with very strong skills in oppositions. He understands the needs of in-house counsel and has a great ability to recognise how patents fit into a business context” (IAM Patent 1000, 2023)
• “Hajo Kraak speaks the language of inventors, thanks to his background in industry, and works seamlessly with in-house teams at prestigious companies to craft strategies and streamline internal processes” (IAM Patent 1000, 2021).
• Recommended Individual (IAM Patent 1000, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025).
• “Otto Oudshoorn, Hajo Kraak and Frits Schut are mainstays of the life sciences and chemistry practice. Kraak is [one] of the firm’s experienced former in-house patent counsels and can be relied on for a commercially tuned-up service on chemical and pharmaceutical matters” (IAM Patent 1000, 2019).
• “A former in-house counsel at AkzoNobel, Kraak is a legal and scientific polymath who is a heavyweight in the Dutch IP scene” (IAM Patent 1000, 2018).
• “Chemistry maestro Hajo Kraak is a trusted partner for clients seeking bulletproof patent portfolio advice” (IAM Patent 1000, 2017).
• “Hajo Kraak is a high-flying chemist. He has plentiful chemical and pharmaceutical industry experience to draw on; with a flair for oppositions and litigation” (IAM Patent 1000, 2016).
• “Chemical, pharmaceutical and nutritional sciences sage Hajo Kraak makes his debut in the guide this year. While many attorneys here have industry experience, Kraak is particularly good at communicating in the in-house language; prior to joining the firm, he spent two decades in senior patent roles at Akzo Nobel and Organon” (IAM Patent 1000, 2015).

Professional & Community Activities

• Tutor CEIPI course for European patent qualification (1993-2003)
• Tutor Professional Education Dutch Patent Attorneys (as of 2000)
• Member EPI Council for The Netherlands

Languages

• English
• Dutch
• German
• Italian