Unlocking IP: Turning Innovation into Business Impact

Thursday, 28 May 2026 - imec

Intellectual Property is more than protection, it’s a strategic asset

In an increasingly competitive landscape, Intellectual Property (IP) has become one of the most powerful tools for driving sustainable growth. As Europe continues to be a key hub for technological development and market expansion, understanding how to navigate and leverage its IP framework is essential. Yet many companies are still not capturing its full potential.

Join us on 28 May at IMEC in Leuven for an event designed to bring clarity and fresh perspective to the role of IP in business development across Europe. The BJA will bring together experts and industry voices to discuss practical, strategic, and forward-looking approaches to IP, helping businesses make informed decisions and unlock greater value from their innovation.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Program

13:30	Registration
14:00	Welcome by Kurt Leuridan, CEO, Tokai Optecs and BJA Investment Committee Chair
14:05	Introduction by Ethan Humphreys, Senior Legal Counsel, followed by
	Beyond Patents and Trademarks: How IP Fits into a Business by Suzanne Renes, Senior Dutch & European Patent Attorney, Business Developer & Japan Desk Team Lead, IFORI
14:40	From Protection to Profit: Maximizing the financial impact of IP by Wim Eynatten, Partner and Japanese Services Group Leader, Deloitte and BJA Legal & Tax Committee Chair
15:10	IP and innovation: towards genuine value creation. A critical look at the innovation system: real world considerations
	by Prof Ivan Van de Cloot, Chief Economist and CEO, Stichting Merito
15:40	Coffee Break
16:15	Panel Discussion moderated by Gert Bergen, Executive Vice President & co-CSO, imec, with:
	• Marc Sader, European Patent Attorney, Barco
	• Vincent Ryckaert, IP Manager, imec
	• Toon Digneffe, Head of EU Public Affairs & Partnerships, Takeda
	• Marc De Baere, President & General Manager, JSR Micro
	followed by a Q&A
17:15	Closing words by Wim Eynatten
17:20	Networking drinks
18:20	Event adjourns