NLO

About NLO

NLO is a long-established intellectual property firm founded in 1888 and based in the Netherlands. It advises clients on patents, trademarks and designs, helping them protect inventions, brands and product appearance so they can strengthen their market position and grow.

The firm serves a broad range of clients, including companies, startups, universities, research institutions and in-house IP teams. Its work spans technical and commercial IP strategy, from filing and defending rights to portfolio management and related formalities support.

Core Values

• Personal advice: NLO emphasizes a tailored, client-first approach in which advisors adapt communication, reporting and teamwork to each client’s needs. The firm presents this as a long-term relationship built on understanding what the client needs to move forward.
• Quality: The firm highlights skilled attorneys, trained translators, certified formalities officers and double quality checks. It also stresses careful handling of legal and technical work to support accurate, dependable IP protection.
• Operational excellence: NLO’s IP services are built around simplified procedures, clear communication, transparent cost calculations and efficient workflows. The goal is to make IP administration easier and more predictable for clients.
• Cost control: The firm explicitly frames efficient internal processes as a way to help clients save costs. This is especially visible in its validation, renewal and recordal services.
• Social responsibility: Through NLO Acts, the firm encourages staff to contribute to local communities and supports initiatives focused on people, equal opportunities and future generations.

Unique Aspects

• More than 135 years of history: NLO was founded in 1888 and says it has been fortifying inventions, trademarks and designs for over 135 years. That long history is part of how it positions itself as a stable, experienced advisor.
• International IP network with Ipsilon: NLO says it has joined forces with Ipsilon, a Paris-headquartered full-service IP firm, creating a group of more than 400 professionals across Europe. This expands its reach across technical domains and IP rights, including contracts, enforcement and valuation.
• Four Dutch offices: The firm operates from Amsterdam, The Hague, Ede and Eindhoven, giving it a geographically distributed presence in the Netherlands. Its office locations are aligned with key innovation and business regions.
• Dedicated IP formalities capability: NLO’s IP Services team includes certified formalities officers and an in-house validation department, allowing it to handle validations, annuities, renewals and recordals on-site.
• Sector-focused expertise: The firm organizes its work around sectors such as chemistry, biotech, physics and engineering, and telecom/software. This signals a technical specialization that supports clients in innovation-heavy industries.