Connecting Ideas and Practice: Pan-European Conference and EPO Visit

This autumn, The Hague will bring together two complementary events that place intellectual property (IP) at the centre of Europe’s innovation landscape. The LES Benelux Pan-European Conference 2025 (29–30 September) and the exclusive local EPO visit (1 October) are set to connect policy, practice, and community in a rare sequence of discussions and insights.

Exploring the Power of IP

Marking the 50th anniversary of LES Benelux, the Pan-European Conference will gather professionals from across Europe to reflect on the role of IP in driving both sustainable growth and creative achievement. From the arts to high-tech industries, the programme explores how intellectual property strengthens innovation ecosystems.

Among the many voices shaping the conversation is Laura McDonald, CEO of ASTP, who will speak on 29 September in a session titled “Regulation Update from the EU: Requirements for the Horizon Europe Grant Program on the Horizon Affecting Licensing.” The session will bring together experts to offer participants practical clarity on how evolving regulations affect collaboration and commercialisation.

Explore the full programme here.

A Step Inside the EPO

The conference will be followed by a special opportunity to visit the European Patent Office in The Hague. Organised jointly by LES and ASTP, this event will allow members to explore the patent examination process, experience the EPO’s advanced tools, and engage in a conversation on IP management for positive social impact. Speakers from the EPO, LES, and ASTP will guide the discussion.

Participation in the EPO visit is free for LES conference attendees (registration required). LES or ASTP members not attending the main conference may also join for €195, which includes entry to the Conference Farewell Party on 30 September.

Find full details and registration information here.

Linking Policy with Practice

Together, the Pan-European Conference and the EPO visit offer participants a rare chance to move seamlessly from high-level discussion to a closer look at patent examination in practice. By combining perspectives from LES, the EPO, and ASTP, the programme provides a well-rounded view of current developments in intellectual property and their practical implications for the knowledge-transfer community.