29/04/2026
New Partner Promotions!
We are very pleased to announce the promotions of Tom Liessens, Kris Pappaert and David Lesthaeghe to full members of the partnership at De Clercq & Partners.
Through the years, each of them has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, leadership and dedication. Their growth reflects not only personal achievement but also the strength of our team and the bright future ahead.
Tom Liessens has been promoted to partner in our firm’s Trademark and Design practice. Tom is a certified Benelux and European trademark & design attorney and has been with our office for almost 11 years. With an LL.M in IP and ICT law, he is known for advising Belgian and international clients across various sectors on a wide range of trademark, design and contract law matters.
Kris Pappaert has been promoted to partner in our Chemistry and Life Sciences patent practices. Kris has been with the firm for 19 years. He advises on all aspects of patent prosecution and law and is highly specialized in chemistry, life sciences and food technology. Besides being a European patent attorney, he is also a UPC Representative.
David Lesthaeghe has been promoted to partner in our Engineering patent practice. David has been with the firm for 15 years. He advises on all aspects of patent prosecution and law and is highly specialized in software, AI, engineering and chemistry. Besides being a European and Belgian patent attorney, he is also a UPC Representative.
With all other long-standing equity partners remaining on board, our firm strengthens its partner structure, thereby enhancing the depth of our expertise across key technological areas and further strengthening how we support clients on their most complex and strategic matters. We are confident that these promotions underscore both the momentum of the team and our commitment to continued growth.
We are proud to remain an independent privately owned Belgian patent and trademark attorney firm existing 27 years and having three offices across Belgium, namely in Sint-Martens-Latem, Leuven and Hasselt. As of now, we are led by a team of 9 partners. We boast a team of 20 European patent attorneys of which 18 are also registered UPC Representatives. We have 3 patent advisers that are on the road to becoming European patent attorneys. Our Trademark and Design practice meanwhile counts 5 trademark & design attorneys, of which 3 are also legal counsels. Most importantly, we are supported by a large team of experienced, efficient and well qualified paralegals and expert assistants in administration, accounting, and IT.
We look forward to seeing Tom, Kris and David continue to grow our practices in their new roles as partner.
Congratulations on this significant step in your career! Here’s to continued success together! 🥂
