Dispute resolution

Many organisations are confronted with intellectual property, information technology and data protection disputes. We believe litigation is one of the many solutions to resolve such disputes. We represent clients both before Belgian and European Union courts, as well as before administrative bodies. Artes helps its clients choose direction and assist them in responding adequately, thereby reducing the negative impact on their business and reputation.

 

We assess the most efficient method of reaching a solution, out of court where possible and in court where necessary. Your business and priorities are top of mind in our litigation strategy.

 

Our areas of Expertise

 

Artes can build on a strong team with extensive expertise in dispute resolution and litigation in both in a national and international setting. Our expertise includes:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this area of expertise. If your question is not addressed below, we invite you to contact us for tailored advice.

What qualifies as intellectual property?

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, including trademarks, logos, brand names, inventions, software, artistic and literary works, designs, databases and confidential know-how. These intangible assets can be legally protected to prevent unauthorised use by third parties.

IP protection allows you to secure exclusive rights over your creations, strengthen your competitive position, prevent imitation, and increase company valuation. Without proper protection, competitors may exploit your innovation without consequence.

Depending on the asset, you may register trademarks, patents, and design rights. Copyright protection arises automatically for original works, including software. Strategic advice is necessary to determine the most appropriate protection mechanism.

Enforcement may include cease-and-desist letters, negotiation, opposition proceedings, injunctive relief, seizure measures such as an Anton Piller order, or court litigation. The appropriate strategy depends on the severity and jurisdiction of the infringement.

Yes. We represent clients in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), as well as in related judicial proceedings.

An IP audit identifies and evaluates your intellectual assets, ownership structures, and protection gaps. It helps ensure that valuable assets are properly secured, documented and aligned with your business strategy.

Trade secrets require contractual and organisational safeguards. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), internal policies, restricted access controls and clear ownership clauses are essential to maintain confidentiality and legal enforceability.

Such agreements must clearly define ownership, scope of use, territorial rights, duration, royalties, confidentiality obligations, termination clauses and dispute resolution mechanisms. Proper drafting prevents future conflicts and safeguards commercial value.

Yes. We advise and represent clients in domain name dispute resolution procedures and in judicial proceedings involving cybersquatting or misuse of trade names and brands online.

Emerging technologies such as AI, 5G applications and digital platforms raise complex IP questions regarding authorship, ownership, data use and liability. Strategic legal guidance ensures that innovation remains protected within evolving regulatory frameworks.

FIND OUR EXPERTISE

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Advertising law
Copyright
Communications law
Computer programs
Confidential information
Counterfeiting
Cookies
Cybercrime
Cybersecurity

Database rights
Data protection
Design law
Domain names

Entertainment
Fashion law
GDPR
ICT
Intellectual property
Internet Services Providers
Image rights

Right to reply
Right to be forgotten
Supplementary protection certificates
Social media
Software

Trade secrets
Trade names
Trade marks
Know how

Plant variety rights
Protected geographical designations
Patents
Piracy
Privacy (/E-privacy)

Licensing
Media law
Music law
Neighbouring rights

Transfer of rights
Technology
Topographies and semiconductor products
Videogames