NLO Partners with Ipsilon to Form Leading EU IP Firm
Deal News | May 09, 2025 | IMAP Netherlands
NV Nederlandsch Octrooibureau (NLO), a renowned patent and trademark firm in the Benelux region, has entered a strategic partnership with Ipsilon, a leading European Intellectual Property firm headquartered in Paris. This alliance seeks to establish the combined entity as a preeminent IP services provider across Europe. Ipsilon, with its 250-strong team, offers expansive IP services covering patents, trademarks, designs, and more, serving clients like L'Oréal and Renault. Waterland Private Equity, a significant player in European private equity, supports Ipsilon's growth initiatives. NLO, deeply rooted in the Netherlands since 1888, is celebrated for its expertise in fields ranging from chemistry and pharmaceuticals to telecom. This partnership will allow both firms to expand their geographical footprint and enhance service offerings, with shared strategic focuses on growth, technology, and digital transformation.
Sectors
- Intellectual Property Services
- Private Equity
- Legal Services
Geography
- Europe – Both NLO and Ipsilon operate in multiple European countries, and the partnership aims to lead the IP sector across Europe.
- Netherlands – This is the home country of NLO, one of the principal participants in the partnership.
- France – Ipsilon is headquartered in Paris, indicating its significant role in the French and broader European IP markets.
Industry
- Intellectual Property Services – This industry is directly involved as NLO and Ipsilon specialize in providing intellectual property services, including patents and trademarks, to clients in various sectors.
- Private Equity – Waterland Private Equity's investment in Ipsilon highlights the role of private equity in the expansion and strategic growth of IP firms.
- Legal Services – NLO and Ipsilon offer legal services related to IP, including protection, maintenance, and defense of intellectual property rights.
Financials
- Not disclosed – The financial terms of the partnership between NLO and Ipsilon were not disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLO (NV Nederlandsch Octrooibureau) | Target | Company | A leading firm of patent and trademark attorneys in the Benelux, known for its top-tier legal expertise and technical know-how. |
| Ipsilon | Bidding Company | Company | A prominent European intellectual property firm headquartered in Paris, France, offering comprehensive IP services. |
| Waterland Private Equity | Investor | Company | A leading European private equity firm that invested in Ipsilon to accelerate its growth. |
| IMAP Netherlands | Advisor | Company | Advised NLO on its strategic partnership with Ipsilon. |
| Valrie Feray | Commentator | Person | Founder of Ipsilon, providing insights into the strategic aims of the partnership. |
| Ren van Duijvenbode | Commentator | Person | Managing Partner at NLO, discussing the strategic benefits of the NLO-Ipsilon partnership. |
| Jeroen Cornelis | Commentator | Person | Managing Partner at NLO, offering perspectives on the future growth and expansion plans. |