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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. and member of the board of directors of V.O. Herman is also Chairman of V.O.

In his capacity as European Patent Litigator, … 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

  • 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

Research exemptions under Belgian patent law before and after 1 June 2023

A research exemption is a provision in patent law that allows researchers to perform Research and Development (R&D) on patented inventions without infringing on the patent holder’s rights. In Belgium, the research exemption was one of the broadest in Europe until 31 May 2023.Continue reading

Recognitions by IP STARS andWho’s Who Legal

We are again proud of our recent recognitions by IP STARS (Managing IP) as a Tier 1 firm and for Belgium as a Tier 2 firm. And a Tier 3 listing for Trademark Prosecution. Individual recommendations as ‘IP Stars 2024’ are for Tamara Elmore, Bettina Hermann, Annemie Jaeken, Leo Jessen, Bernard Ledeboer, Marco Molling, Otto […]Continue reading

JUVE Patent 2024: another five stars for V.O.

In the recently published JUVE Patent Netherlands ranking 2024, our firm once again receives a very prominent place. This ranking was compiled after a thorough survey of all leading Dutch patent firms, patent attorneys and litigators.Continue reading

Events

2024 AIPPI World Congress

Hangzhou International Expo Center, Benjing 2nd Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

The annual AIPPI Wereldcongres, held in September or October, is the one moment in the year when members from all around the world come together to discuss hot topics in Intellectual Property. Usually, up to 2000 members attend with accompanying persons.

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Patents conference 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Vienna Schönbrunn, Schloßallee, Wien, Austria

This two-day patent conference covers the following topics: Unitary Patent, Artificial Intelligence, Standard Essential Patents.

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Improve your practical knowledge at the IP Academy – Basic course

Carnegieplein, The Hague, Netherlands

For innovative entrepreneurs who wish to improve their intellectual property (IP) know-how, V.O. organizes a basic course on IP on Tuesday 5 November 2024 and an advanced course on Tuesday 10 December 2024. These courses will be given, in English, by our attorneys and feature many practical examples and skill trainings. Continue reading