"The inventor has the information, you know the rules. Together we look for the right balance"
Menno Hollander studied industrial design at Delft University of Technology and joined EP&C as a patent attorney in 2007. Prior to that he worked as a patent attorney in Groningen. Besides his professional career, Menno is athletically active and in particular enjoys running. He participates in trail runs and is a keen mountain hiker. On top of that he likes to try other sports such as golf, swimming and strength training. He also has a keen interest in sports accessories and gadgets ranging from special clothing (compression socks, shoes with plates), and electronics (sports watches, heart rate monitors, headphones) to massage guns, and suchlike. It's amazing to see what kind of things are being invented and patented in the field of sport.
His passion for sport enables him to challenge himself both physically and mentally. Just like when protecting innovative ideas, sport is about perseverance, determination and finding the right balance. According to Menno "Sport teaches you to push boundaries, overcome obstacles and to always remain focused on your goal".
He applies the same passion he has to sport to his work. The dedication and perseverance needed to run a half-marathon or climb a mountain are the same qualities he uses when analysing and protecting ideas. Menno is dedicated, analytical and a true perseverer. He likes to look at things from various angles. "On the one hand, as a patent attorney, you look at the essence of an idea. What makes it unique? What can we protect? On the other hand, you have to maintain an overview at the process level to achieve the best possible patent. For this, it is important to ask the inventor extensive questions. They have the information; you know the rules. Together we look for the right balance."
For Menno, both sport and his work are a constant source of inspiration. The dynamism, perseverance and drive he puts into his sports are at the heart of his approach as a patent attorney. The ability to persevere during a long trail run and keep the end goal in mind reflects his ability to think strategically and guide clients through the complex world of patents.
