From R&D engineer to patent attorney, why this move?

"At my previous employer, I had regular contact with patent attorneys. It was through them that I got the idea to start a career as a patent attorney myself. In this job, I come across different technologies and products every day, and my working days are very varied. Yes, I still feel like a techie[A1] , but in a slightly more abstract way. I now articulate[A2]  technical innovations in claims and patent applications." 

Willem enjoys the diversity of substantive projects, the different technologies involved in customer innovations and the customer contacts involved. Not only does customer contact require his attention; he also deals with files, procedures, agents and examiners.

Five reasons to work at NLO in Ede

Besides the informal atmosphere, the bar for serving customers is high. That combination means that team colleagues at NLO are ready to support each other when needed.

A second reason why Willem enjoys working at NLO is that they invest in people and systems. You can develop in different directions and NLO supports that.

For his third reason, Willem says: "My working days are almost always exciting. No two days are the same. There are plenty of challenges, I can regularly delve into all kinds of issues and then work with the client to see how they can best protect their intellectual property.

Everyone knows everyone in the Ede office, a friendly and trusted group of colleagues. In the beautiful, green surroundings of the Ede office, colleagues regularly take a walk after lunch.

A fifth reason is an element of freedom, the ability to work wherever you want. Besides a modern workplace in Ede, Willem regularly travels to the NLO office in The Hague to work with other team members. Great for variety and a good way to get to know your colleagues throughout NLO.

As a bonus reason, Willem mentions the enjoyable NLO quarterly drinks and other NLO events, which are always great festivities.

A career move to Associate Partner

In 2019, Willem was appointed Associate Partner (AP). In this role, you position yourself (even) more as an entrepreneur, constantly looking for ways to improve, for opportunities. As AP, you have more responsibility in acquisition and Willem develops his own strategy for his client portfolio and marketing. "As an Associate Partner, I experience more freedom and job satisfaction. I’ve really grown towards this role and the greater involvement in how the organisation operates suits me well."