Michiel heads Leeway’s Trademark Attorneys practice and is developing the firm’s impressive resources in the area of trademark prosecution and IP portfolio management. Michiel is well known to many in the intellectual property community as a board member and former President of the BMM – the Benelux Association of Trademark and Design Law, which represents over 700 IP lawyers, attorneys and in-house counsel.
A highly experienced trademark attorney himself, who has been described in a respected publication as “among the best IP professionals anywhere”, he advises major international clients from across the world on the protection, registration and enforcement of their trademarks, domain names and designs. The same publication praised Haegens’ combination of “theoretical acumen with street smarts”, his ability to marshal the most recondite knowledge, to adopt the biggest of big picture views, and then hone this into pragmatic advice and sharp, tactical insights. Years of working with the in-house teams at household-name multinationals in a variety of sectors has given Michiel a profound understanding of IP strategy, not just from the legal perspective, but from the business and marketing viewpoints.
Also appreciated for his enthusiasm and service-minded approach, Michiel has a long track record of solving problems for leading brand owners. What he really enjoys, though, is liaising closely with an in-house team, perhaps on a global rebranding or a product protection strategy, and then seeing the plan come together perfectly. Often, he notes, the most satisfying results receive the least attention – when, for example, it becomes clear that a mark has been successfully protected in twenty jurisdictions or a new product launch has been a complete success.
Michiel began his career at V.O. Patents & Trademarks, one of Europe’s largest firms of IP attorneys, where he rose to be Head of the Trademarks & Designs Section. In 2016 he left to become a partner at Turnstone, a successful IP agency focused on trademarks and designs. He serves on a number of committees, including INTA’s Harmonization of Trademark Law and Practice Committee, the AIPPI Designs Committee and the BMM Legal Committee, and is ranked as a leading individual by Managing Intellectual Property, the World Trademark Review and Who’s Who Legal.
“A familiar face on the Benelux trademark scene, Michiel Haegens foresees potential risks and devises effective countermeasures. He thinks outside the box and efficiently protects clients’ rights through his local and international know-how.”
“Michiel Haegens is among the best IP professionals anywhere”
“Michiel Haegens has a truly modern way of working: he thinks about the big picture and really knows how to achieve international protection.”
“Michiel Haegens consistently receives high praise from colleagues, customers and international associates for his outstanding prosecution talents. Haegens is committed and precise in his work, making him a fine choice for those in need of meticulously drafted applications.”
