Yes, you’re right! Bockstael and IPLodge are now continuing as Oryon. Read all about it here!
Think ahead, protect your creation or innovation
If you’re an innovator, you invest time, money and energy in your idea or creation. But when does a technical invention, design or trademark actually belong to you?
Our experts provide the clarity you seek. We support you with a well‑considered strategy and a solid legal foundation for your intellectual property (IP), allowing you to focus on growing your business.
A trusted name in IP for over 80 years
Your partner on your IP journey
Wherever your innovation takes you, we stand by your side with well‑considered advice. Always with a focus on growth, competitiveness and market position. Whether you’re starting out, scaling up or expanding internationally, your ideas deserve an IP partner that is just as ambitious as you are.
From innovation to competitive advantage
No idea where to start? Let’s begin with an intake meeting. We analyse your innovations and creations and discuss how they fit in your business plans. This makes it clear which patents, trademark and design registrations you need to be protected and stay ahead of the competition.
From innovation to competitive advantage
No idea where to start? Let’s begin with an intake meeting. We analyse your innovations and creations and discuss how they fit in your business plans. This makes it clear which patents, trademark and design registrations you need to be protected and stay ahead of the competition.
Patents
A patent is more than a protection against imitation. It is a powerful tool to secure a monopoly and strengthen your competitive position. A patent also provides considerable tax benefits.
Trademarks
Register the elements that set your creation apart.
Think in terms of word, image, shape, position, colour, etc. and build a strong trademark with real legal force.
Designs
Ensure that the unique design of your product, packaging and more remains legally yours.
Register your design before making it public and allow it to deliver its full value.
Our people, our strength
Working with Oryon will unlock the expertise of a dedicated team of engineers, legal experts, paralegals and marketers. For registrations outside Europe, we work with an international network of patent and trademark attorneys.
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For innovators with
growth ambitions
Is your organisation active in innovative domains such as Mechanics, Shipping/Maritime, ICT, Engineering, Food or AI? Then Oryon is your ideal IP partner. We work for:
- Companies: from start-ups and scale-ups to established corporates
- Universities and research institutes
- Marketing and communication agencies
- Law firms and foreign IP offices
Ready to secure your idea?
From the very first meeting, we provide the clarity you need.
We get to know you and your business, and we analyse how your innovation or creation can be protected.
News, client cases
and articles
IP firms Bockstael and IPLodge join forces as Oryon
Antwerp/Leuven, April 2, 2026 – Bockstael and IPLodge, two firms specializing in intellectual property, are joining forces under a new name: Oryon. The name launch is...
GE HealthCare announces intent to acquire icometrix
Exciting news from our friends at icometrix! It is a privilege to follow their journey GE HealthCare announces its intention to acquire icometrix to strengthen its...
Archimedes Patents and Bureau De Rycker are part of Oryon
Archimedes Patents and Bureau De Rycker, two well-established names in intellectual property, had previously joined forces with Bureau MFJ Bockstael and are now part of...
Clear answers to every IP question
What is a patent?
A patent is a temporary exclusive right to use a technical invention (the patented subject matter). A patent remains valid for up to 20 years from the filing of the patent application and therefore offers only temporary protection. The patent holder can prohibit others from using their innovation within a specific territory, usually a country. The invention can be protected in several countries by applying for multiple patents in accordance with the applicable patent legislation in those countries.
A patent also allows licences to be granted for an invention and in that way provide a potential source of revenue. Oryon is happy to advise you on European and international treaties that facilitate obtaining patents in multiple countries.
Why is an IP strategy important?
The right IP protection strengthens your market position. It grants exclusive rights to commercialise your invention, trademark or design and creates a substantial competitive advantage. Your intellectual property is also an intangible asset on your balance sheet and therefore an added value to your company. In addition, IP can offer financial benefits through the patent deduction for inventions. Small-sized companies can use patents to boost their competitiveness. Larger companies often manage broader IP portfolios, making it essential to monitor each individual IP asset while maintaining a clear overall view.
How can I protect my trademark?
Unlike patents, which are limited in time, a trademark can remain your property indefinitely, provided it is renewed on time with the local or regional trademark registers. The initial filing date of your trademark is crucial in this, as it determines the start of your monopoly and can give you a six‑month priority right worldwide. You can count on our trademark attorneys and paralegals to handle all the administration required to register and protect your trademark rights. After an initial discussion and a favourable preliminary search, we file your trademark in all relevant countries. We subsequently ensure that your trademark is renewed everywhere in good time, so that it remains your property. You can expect transparency, clarity and a proactive approach.
How can I protect my design?
You can do so by registering the design rights. A registered design right offers protection for a definite period and in specific geographic areas. A design right can be valid for a maximum of 25 years in the European Union, provided it is renewed every five years. This allows designers to maintain long‑term protection as long as the registration is renewed in good time.
Design protection only applies in the countries where the design is registered. A design registered in the EU, for example, does not offer protection in the United States or China unless a separate registration is made there.