Ipsilon announces that, as of today, they have entered a partnership with NV Nederlandsch Octrooibureau (“NLO”), a leading European IP firm headquartered in The Hague. This move, facilitated by Waterland Private Equity, represents a significant milestone in both firms' shared vision of becoming the undisputed European tech-driven IP partner of choice to the world’s innovators. 

Landmark deal solidifies their leadership in European IP consulting  

Through this powerful union, the IP firm becomes #1 in the European Union and expands its service capabilities across life sciences (including biotech and pharma), chemistry, mechanics/electronics, IT, and legal (including trademarks and designs). This strategic move empowers clients worldwide with a fully integrated, one-stop-shop approach in Europe, providing faster, more comprehensive, and highly specialized support to meet even the most complex and demanding needs. 

With Ipsilon and NLO’s combined headcount now exceeding 400, and with multiple offices across seven countries, the firm strengthens its global reach and solidifies its position as a key consolidator in the international IP sector. At the same time, it accelerates the digitization of IP services, leveraging AI-driven IP management, automation and advanced data security to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.  

Valérie Feray, founder of Ipsilon in 2001:

“This is a transformative step in achieving our objective to become the #1 European player in IP. More importantly, it serves our ambition to be the one-stop-shop partner for all our clients worldwide in the European market. Our firm offers a large portfolio of IP services to cover our clients’ needs in all key geographies, now backed by a team of hundreds of dedicated experts across a broad range of specialisms, who can meet the most demanding needs with reactivity, excellence and innovative approaches. By combining complementary cultures, strategies and a shared focus on high-growth technology sectors, digital transformation and key international markets, we are pushing the frontiers of IP further than ever before, for all those who, across the globe, are creating tomorrow’s world.”    

NLO managing partners, René van Duijvenbode and Jeroen Cornelis:

“In Ipsilon we have found a partner who shares the same company values when it comes to our people, clients and the future of our industry. As NLO we want to adapt to the changing IP landscape and achieve growth in a consolidated market, strengthening and expanding our geographical presence. By joining forces with Ipsilon, we will accelerate our ambitions, unlock our full potential, and continue driving the future forward.”

Louis Huetz & Pierre Naftalski, respectively partner and director at Waterland Private Equity:

“We are glad to welcome NLO teams and we are convinced that Ipsilon and NLO’s powerful union sets the stage for sectorial leadership in IP. Together, we're not just combining strengths, we're shaping the future of IP.” 

About Ipsilon  

Founded in 2001 by Valérie Feray, Ipsilon is a leading international intellectual property (IP) consulting firm headquartered in Paris, France. Ipsilon’s multidisciplinary teams of about 250 professionals support those who are creating tomorrow’s world in protecting and promoting their innovations through the filing, monitoring, maintenance and defense of all IP rights: patents, trademarks, designs, domain names and more across all key technological fields.   

Ipsilon’s rapid expansion in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and the US is powered by a dynamic strategy of external growth, based on partnerships with prestigious firms sharing the same values of excellence, innovation and boldness.  

Ipsilon collaborates with a diverse portfolio of innovation-driven clients, including L’Oréal, Essilor, Renault and the CEA.

About NLO  

N.V. Nederlandsch Octrooibureau (“NLO”) is a leading European firm of patent and trademark attorneys, renowned for its top-tier legal expertise and deep technical know-how. Headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands, NLO operates across Europe with offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, serving a diverse international client base.  

Founded in 1888, NLO combines a strong heritage with a forward-thinking approach, providing full-service intellectual property solutions. The firm comprises 12 partners and a team of over 200 professionals, including more than 80 attorneys and trainees — all dedicated to protecting and strengthening innovation. NLO provides specialized IP services across key industries, including:  

·           Chemistry & Pharmaceuticals  

·           Life Sciences  

·           Physics & Engineering  

·           Telecoms & Software  

·           Trademarks & Designs  

NLO’s client list includes a broad spectrum of innovative corporate clients, including Samsung, Heineken, Essity, and Danone.  

About Waterland Private Equity  

Waterland is an independent European private equity group that supports entrepreneurs in realizing their growth ambitions. Waterland currently manages over €14 billion in investor commitments. Since its inception in 1999, Waterland has grown to over 200 professionals operating across 13 offices in 11 countries.  

Waterland is a licensed alternative investment fund manager, catering exclusively to professional investors and under the supervision of the Dutch Financial Markets Authority (AFM). Waterland Private Equity Investments B.V. is registered as a fund manager in the regulator’s registry maintained by the AFM.  

Press contact:

Naël Madi, waterland@the-arcane.com, 06 21 93 22 14

Laurence Van Doosselaere, vandoosselaere@waterland.be, +32 473 88 05 21