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‘A broad perspective and creativity as well as a keen eye for detail are needed for obtaining the best IP-protection.’
Herman Witmans

Herman Witmans

  • Engineering
  • European and Dutch Patent Attorney, European Patent Litigator
  • Partner

Herman Witmans started his career as a staff member of the production facility of Thomassen International B.V., a manufacturer of gas turbines and large pumps. Before that he was trained as an mechanical engineer at Delft University of Technology. Herman started as a patent attorney in 1990 at V.O.

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He has a mechanical practice and works for SME’s and large companies that are developing production devices for the semiconductor industry, medical devices, household devices, and that are active in power generation technology and driving technology.

Over the years, Herman has gained a vast experience with medical devices, apparatus for producing cd’s, dvd’s and OLEDs, machinery for the packaging industry and power generation, pumps and household appliances as well as with software for controlling such devices and machinery. Herman has wide experience in patent cases before the opposition divisions and appeal boards of the EPO as well as the court in The Hague.

As a tutor for the official education for the qualification examination for Dutch patent attorneys, Herman teaches the practice of writing patent applications. Herman was also President of the Netherlands Institute of Patent Attorneys.

Herman is Head of the Arnhem branch office of V.O.

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

Working experience

  • Patent Attorney, V.O. (1990-present)
  • Thomassen International B.V. (1989-1990)

Education

  • MSc in mechanical engineering, Delft University of Technology (1989)

Directories

  • Recognized as ‘The Netherlands Practitioner of the Year 2022’ by Managing Intellectual Property
  • Recognized as IP Star (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) by Managing Intellectual Property

Professional & Community Activities

  • Member of the board of directors and Chairman of V.O. (2019-2024)
  • President of the Board of the Dutch Institute of Patent Attorneys (2006-2010)
  • Secretary of the Board of the Dutch Institute of Patent Attorneys (2005-2006)

Languages

  • English
  • Dutch
  • German

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News

An update on the unitary patent system

As of 1 June 2023, the European Patent Office (EPO) offers the possibility to register a granted European patent as a unitary patent. This unitary patent has effect in 18 European Union (EU) member states, representing 80% of the GDP of the EU. Before its start, it was uncertain if patentees would readily embrace the […]Continue reading

V.O. changes chairman

As of 1 January 2025, Bernard Ledeboer has taken over the baton of V.O. from Herman Witmans. An excellent moment to pause for a moment and subject the outgoing and new chairman to a short interview.Continue reading

Relocation V.O. on the High Tech Campus Eindhoven

Since 1 December, our office on the High Tech Campus Eindhoven (HTCE) has moved to a brand new location elsewhere on the HTCE: Lucis One (HTC 91), part of the sustainable expansion of the Campus. V.O. has been present for 18 years within this, as HTCE itself describes it, “smartest square kilometer in Europe.”Continue reading