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‘My aim is to guide the client, so he understands how IPR strategy can contribute to his objectives and needs.’
Marijke Westra

Marijke Westra

  • Life Sciences
  • European and Dutch Patent Attorney, European Patent Litigator
  • Senior Associate

Marijke joined V.O. in 2009, She advises clients on the protection of intellectual property in all areas of life sciences, primarily in biochemistry, biotechnology and molecular biology.

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She studied pharmacy at the University of Groningen. After graduation in 2004, Marijke performed doctoral research (PhD) in the field of cardiovascular disease at LeidenUniversity, for which she obtained the PhD degree in 2010.

Marijke is also supervisor of the search department of V.O.

In her capacity as European Patent Litigator, Marijke is allowed to act as UPC representative.

Working experience

  • Patent Attorney, V.O.( 2009-present)

Education

  • PhD in Biopharmaceutical sciences, Leiden University (2010)
  • MSc in Pharmacy, University of Groningen with a specialization in pharmaceutical biology (2004)

Professional & Community Activities

  • Member of examination committee Platform Formalities Officers (PFO)

Languages

  • English
  • Dutch

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News

Remembering Mark Einerhand

It is with great sadness that we have received the news of the passing, on 14 April, of our dear colleague and partner, Mark Einerhand. Mark joined V.O. in 1998 and has made a lasting contribution to the success of our firm.Continue reading

Validation agreement with Laos in force

As of 1 April 2025, the validation agreement between the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Lao PDR has entered into force. As a result, granted European patents can now be validated in Laos according to that country’s national patent law.Continue reading

Column: Can I only get a patent for breakthrough inventions?

In my work as a patent attorney, I notice that there is a lot of confusion among inventors about the requirements for a patent. Many inventors seem to be under the impression that patents are only granted for “breakthrough inventions”, such as the mRNA technology underlying – among others – the Covid vaccines, or novel […]Continue reading

Events

JCI Award Flemish-Brabant Young Entrepreneur 2025

Arcade Leuven, De Hoorn, Sluisstraat 79, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

Every year JCI (Junior Chamber International) Leuven and JCI Brussels award a young entrepreneur from Flemish Brabant or Brussels who has given shape to sustainable entrepreneurship in an exceptional way and dares to challenge society. In this way they hope to inspire a new generation of young potentials to become entrepreneurs while supporting young entrepreneurship in Flemish Brabant and Brussels.

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NL Startup Competition 2025

3089 JB Rotterdam, Netherlands

In April and May the second edition of NL Startup Competition, organized by Erasmus Enterprises, will take place. An extraordinary opportunity for innovative talents who take up the challenge to pitch their startup for prize money, a valuable network and knowledge.

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Knowledge for Growth 2025

Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp, Koningin Astridplein, Antwerpen, Belgium

The crème de la crème of the Belgian life sciences community is present at flanders.bio's annual Knowledge for Growth conference, which brings together decision-makers from the biotech, pharma and medtech, agriculture and chemical industries, as well as investors, universities, top research institutions, policy makers and competence providers.

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