Fieldfisher Strengthens Brussels Intellectual Property Practice with New Of Counsel
18th November 2024
European law firm Fieldfisher welcomes Thierry van Innis as Of Counsel in its Brussels office.
Thierry, who has practiced in IP matters for over 40 years, is an acknowledged leader in his field.
He was a partner at Loeff Claeys Verbeke for 23 years, joining Allen & Overy as part of the merger in 2002.
He then joined Fieldfisher at the beginning of 2010, following in the footsteps of IP lawyers Stijn Debaene and Hakim Haouideg, who had previously joined, also coming from Allen & Overy.
In late 2013, Thierry co-founded an IP litigation boutique firm.
As 2024 draws to a close, Thierry has chosen to rejoin Fieldfisher as Of Counsel, reuniting with his former colleagues, IP Partners Stijn Debaene and Hakim Haouideg.
Thierry has litigated more high-profile trademark cases before the CJEU and the Benelux Court of Justice than any other IP lawyer. His work has resulted in numerous precedents and landmark decisions, including the significant Reprobel judgment rendered this week by the CJEU on important copyright matters.
For decades, Thierry has been the go-to lawyer for some of the biggest names in today’s world of fashion. Chambers & Partners, the WTR 1000, Legal 500 and the clients they quote have described Thierry as "the pope of trade mark law in Belgium", or “a mastermind in European trade mark law”, who “wins praise for his brilliant mind and incredible intellect”.
Thierry is still to this day the only Belgian lawyer to have won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Leaders European IP Awards.
Commenting on this arrival, Jean-François Germain, Managing Partner, said:
"We are thrilled to welcome Thierry back to Fieldfisher as Of Counsel. Thierry's exceptional track record in intellectual property law, including his landmark cases and industry accolades, speaks for itself. His return is a testament to our firm’s commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing to build on our shared legacy in IP law."
On this appointment Thierry van Innis says: "I am extremely happy to join again the Fieldfisher IP team and reunite with my friends Stijn and Hakim. I will bring my passion for protecting innovation and creativity to this leading IP team."
Stijn Debaene, Head of the Intellectual Property practice group, commented:
"Thierry is without any doubt one of the sharpest legal minds of the Benelux IP-community. It is a real honor for our firm that Thierry has decided to re-join our team. I am sure that he will contribute to our further success."
Hakim Haouideg, Partner in the Intellectual Property practice group, shared the following:
“I am excited and honoured to work again with Thierry, who has been a mentor and a friend for many years. I look forward to having him on our side and continuing making a difference in the IP scene.”
For more information, please read the press release.
