‘A creative interaction with the client and mutual understanding lead to the most valuable IP creations.’
Kristel Van den Broeck
- Chemistry
- European Patent Attorney
- Senior Associate
As a European patent attorney Kristel Van den Broeck has18 years of experience, of which 12 years as in-house patent attorney in the chemical industry. She spent most of that time working for Huntsman, where she was in-house patent attorney for the patent portfolio within the polyurethane division. In this position, she was responsible for drafting patent applications and associated global prosecution; advising on invention valorization; assessing patent validity, freedom to operate studies and European oppositions. Before working for Huntsman, Kristel worked within IMEC’s patent department, working on microelectronics-related patents.
News
Column: Can you patent something illegal?
Can an invention whose manufacture, sale or use is illegal still qualify for patent protection? It is a question that surprises many people, because the answer is less straightforward than you might expect. Under European patent law, illegality does not automatically preclude an invention from being patentable.Continue reading
G 1/25: the description must be adapted only where an inconsistency leads to non-compliance with the EPC
In G 1/25 (Enlarged Board of Appeal, 3 September 2026), the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO) decided whether, and on what legal basis, the description must be adapted when the claims are amended. The decision resolves a long-standing divergence in the case law of the Boards of Appeal and builds […]Continue reading
UPC clarifies lack of entitlement as a ground for revocation under Article 138(1)(e) EPC
In UPC_CFI_523/2025, Wittenstein SE v Vestas Wind Systems A/S, the Court of First Instance, Central Division (Section Munich), decided on 2 September 2026 how lack of entitlement may operate as a ground for revocation under Article 138(1)(e) EPC. The Court held that it is not sufficient for a claimant to establish rights to only part […]Continue reading