CJEU Ruling Denies Forfeiture of Trade Mark Rights through Inactivity and Underscores the Importance of Timely Trade Mark Registration
In a judgment of 1 August 2025 in the case of Lunapark Scandinavia Oy Ltd vs. Hardeco Finland Oy (C-452/24), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) clarified the scope of national procedural autonomy in the enforcement of intellectual property rights. The judgment confirms that national rules must not undermine the objective pursued […]
Court of Justice of the EU rules on jurisdiction in cross-border IP disputes (BSH v Electrolux (C-339/22))
In its landmark judgement of 25 February 2025, the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) clarifies the rules on jurisdiction in cross-border IP disputes in which both infringement and validity issues are raised. The CJEU rules that courts of Member States where the defendant is domiciled and before which an infringement action covering several […]
Simont Braun promotes home-grown talent
BRUSSELS, January 6, 2025 – Simont Braun is pleased to announce the promotion of Fanny Laune and Thomas Derval to Partner, and Alexia Faes to Counsel, recognising their valuable contributions and professional development within the firm. Partner promotions Fanny Laune and Thomas Derval have been promoted to Partner, effective as per 1 January 2025. Their […]
Simont Braun welcomes Alexis Ceuterick as partner, strengthening expertise in People Law
Simont Braun is pleased to announce the appointment of Alexis Ceuterick as a partner, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to delivering innovative legal solutions tailored to clients’ evolving needs. Alexis will lead the People Law practice, expanding the firm’s capabilities in employment law, workplace compliance, and social security matters. Alexis Ceuterick brings a wealth of experience […]
Simont Braun Welcomes Maïka Bernaerts as counsel, Enhancing Corporate M&A Expertise
BRUSSELS, September 1st, 2024 – Simont Braun, a leading Belgian independent law firm based in Brussels, is pleased to announce the arrival of Maïka Bernaerts as counsel in the Corporate M&A department. With her experience in corporate M&A, in addition to in-depth expertise in contract law and commercial law, Maïka will further strengthen Simont Braun’s […]
Simont Braun assists Naxnova with the acquisition of a 74% majority stake in Quad Industries
Simont Braun successfully assisted Naxnova with its acquisition of a 74% majority stake in the Belgian-based Quad Industries, marking its first expansion to Europe and strengthening its product offering for the automotive industry. Naxnova (previously Classic Stripes) is part of Astarc Group and a leader in new generation solutions for global OEMs in the automotive, […]
L’introduction d’un pourvoi en cassation complémentaire pour violation d’une disposition légale rétroactive
La loi du 19 décembre 2023 portant dispositions diverses en matière civile et judiciaire a introduit un nouvel article 1094/2 dans le Code judiciaire (M.B., 27 décembre 2023). Cette disposition, entrée en vigueur le 6 janvier 2024, apporte une nouveauté intéressante à la procédure applicable devant la Cour de cassation. En effet, cette disposition permet […]
Central Register of Director Bans
With the law of 4 May 2023, which entered into force on 1 August 2023 (the “Law”), the Belgian legislator provided a legal framework for the creation of a central register of director bans (“Centraal Register van Bestuursverboden” / “Registre central des interdictions de gérer”). The Law transposes Directive (EU) 2019/1151 amending Directive (EU) 2017/1132 […]
L’instauration des chambres de règlement amiable dans les juridictions civiles et commerciales
Le coût d’une procédure et l’arriéré judiciaire particulièrement important devant de nombreuses juridictions en Belgique, ont amené le législateur, depuis plusieurs années, à encourager et favoriser le recours aux modes alternatifs de règlement des litiges. Ainsi, la loi du 18 juin 2018 a notamment autorisé le juge à imposer une médiation aux parties (sauf si […]
Updated guidelines on Belgian FDI Screening
The Cooperation Agreement of 30 November 2022 establishing a foreign direct investment screening mechanism (‘FDI Regulation’) entered into force on 1 July 2023. Prior to its effective date, on 30 June 2023, the Interfederal Screening Commission (‘ISC’) published initial guidelines in the form of a Q&A on the application of the FDI Regulation. After gaining […]
Instant payments in euro soon to be free throughout Europe!
On 19 March 2024, the Regulation (EU) 2024/886 of 13 March 2024 as regards instant credit transfers in euro (the “Instant Payment Regulation”) was published in the Official Journal. This Regulation will allow anyone to make instant credit transfers in euros from one payment account to another payment account within the European Union (“EU”). Some […]
EU Trademarks “Oxygeneo” and “Tripollar” invalidated by Brussels Enterprise Court
Brussels Enterprise Court denies copyright protection for cosmetic device and graphical user interface, and invalidates EU trademarks “Oxygeneo” and “Tripollar”. | IN BRIEF By a judgment of 5 May 2023, the Brussels Enterprise Court dismissed a claim brought by Israeli company Pollogen Ltd. against Belgian companies LA Poppe BV and i-Learning VZW for alleged […]