Updates

Modernised Dutch Patents Act: From Rubber Stamp to Examination

A proposal for the modernisation of the Dutch Patent Act (Rijksoctrooiwet 1995) is currently under consideration by the Parliament. In this article, we briefly outline the most important implications for the Dutch life sciences sector and, in particular, for university spinouts.

We have advised several clients, including Dutch Growth Funds, on the structuring and application of government funding and related public-private partnership schemes aimed at stimulating innovation in the life sciences and health sector. Our advice covers the design and structuring of funding schemes, including the formulation of eligibility criteria and subsidy conditions, the establishment of governance frameworks for public-private consortia, and the administrative and legal requirements for the disbursement of government-funded research and development grants.

We have advised a company on defending itself against an enforcement action brought by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).

Axon assists medical technology companies in structuring their collaborations with hospitals and universities. We draft and negotiate cooperation agreements that protect our clients’ IP while fostering innovation.

Axon supports pharmaceutical companies in licensing their products across Europe and beyond. We draft and negotiate licence agreements tailored to each market, helping clients maximise the value of their intellectual property.

Axon assisted a start-up developing a real-time diagnostic test to define pathogens food. We negotiated and drafted an agreement with a university to support the further development & validation of the technology.

A Nordic company owns a proprietary technology for producing legume-based meat alternatives. Axon drafted technology licensing agreements and developed an IP strategy covering patents and trade secrets, with practical checklists for implementation.

We have assisted several clients in challenging tender decisions by Dutch hospitals.

Our firm is experienced in the conduct and defence of companies against freedom of information cases pertaining to confidential under Dutch and EU law, and has defended a number of companies, including a multinational, in a series of such cases over the years.

We have represented clients in complex commercial litigation proceedings, including claims relating to earn-out disputes in the context of corporate transactions in the life sciences sector.