Two leading European intellectual property firms, Dutch-based NV Nederlandsch Octrooibureau (NLO) and Paris-headquartered Ipsilon, have entered into a “strategic partnership” backed by pan-European investment fund Waterland Private Equity.

In a joint press release, the firms said by combining forces they would expand service capabilities across areas including life sciences, chemistry, mechanics, electronics and legal (including trademarks and designs).

Founder of Ipsilon, Valérie Feray, said: “This is a transformative step in achieving our objective to become the leading European player in IP.”

NLO managing partners René van Duijvenbode and Jeroen Cornelis added: “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.”

An NLO spokesperson said that the move was not a merger in the “traditional sense”, which is why it is referred to as a strategic partnership. It has transitioned from a traditional partner-led model to a corporate partnership structure, reflecting “our long-term ambition to build a unified, tech-driven European IP firm”.

The Dutch firm also pointed out that both will retain a degree of “operational autonomy to ensure continuity and uphold our high standards of client service. For example, in the Netherlands, NLO will continue operating under its current structure and systems”.

At this stage, no decision has been made regarding a full consolidation in the future.

When Ipsilon and NLO join together they will have a headcount exceeding 400, with multiple offices across seven countries including Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the US.

The firms hope the partnership “accelerates the digitisation of IP services, leveraging AI-driven IP management, automation and advanced data security to enhance efficiency”.

Founded in 1888 and headquartered in the Hague, NLO is a firm of patent and trademark attorneys operating across Europe. The firm comprises 12 partners and a team of more than 200 professionals, including more than 80 attorneys and trainees

It provides specialised IP services across key industries, including chemistry and pharmaceuticals, life sciences and telecoms and software. Its client list includes Samsung, Heineken, Essity and Danone.  

Ipsilon is known for its expertise in patent and trademark prosecution and also for its work in designs and domain names.

Its 250-strong team has offices in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and the US and some of its key clients include L’Oréal, Essilor, Renault and the CEA.

Ipsilon has been supported by Waterland in a number of deals. Last year, Ipsilon with the backing of Waterland, joined forces with French IP firm Laurent & Charras and, in 2023, it acquired IP Hills strengthening its position in the Benelux region.

PE investment in the IP sector is a growing trend. In August, private equity firm Adamantem Capital completed the acquisition of Australia-based intellectual property business Qantm IP. In October, CBPE Capital announced its investment in Leeds-headquartered IP firm HGF.

PE investment in the UK legal sector as a whole reached a record high of £534m in 2024, according to M&A broker Acquira Professional Services.