London, 12 May 2015 – Novagraaf announced today that leading intellectual property (IP) professional Eric Siecker had joined its UK operations as Managing Director, Patents. Formerly, Corporate Counsel at the Caterpillar Inc group of companies, Siecker brings considerable experience in all aspects of IP law and practice to the Novagraaf team, with a particular focus on patents, know-how, confidential information, IP agreements and design rights.
Eric Siecker joins Novagraaf after 15 years at Caterpillar Inc, where he was previously Corporate Counsel and head of IP for Europe, Africa, Middle East & CIS. His appointment supports and strengthens Novagraaf’s strategic ambitions, as CEO Lutgarde Liezenberg explains:
“Our clients need the support of an IP consultancy that understands their business drivers and is able to tailor advice accordingly. Eric’s background in-house at Caterpillar enables him to fulfil that brief. His experience ensures that he brings a commercial and interactive focus to his work with businesses of all sizes, helping them to create business value through effective global patent and IP management.”
Commenting on his appointment, Eric adds: “I am delighted to be taking over leadership of Novagraaf’s UK patent practice. My experience client-side at an industry-leading global corporation gives me crucial insight into the needs and concerns of modern businesses, and their IP and legal departments. I look forward to working with clients to maximise the potential of their IP assets and to contribute to the further development of Novagraaf patent practice in the international market.”
About Eric Siecker Eric is a registered European Patent Attorney, a UK Chartered Patent Attorney and a registered Trademark Attorney (UK). He holds a Master of Science in Agricultural Machinery Engineering & Manufacturing from Cranfield University, and in IP Law & Management from Queen Mary, University of London.
Eric is experienced across a broad range of technologies and has particularly deep technological expertise in all aspects related to construction and agricultural machinery, mining equipment, marine propulsion, diesel and gas engines and associated power systems. In addition, he has extensive experience in all aspects of patent management and practice, such as: proactive management of complex IP portfolios around high value products; IP strategy; large-scale patent clearance projects; freedom-to-operate and validity opinions; IP agreements; and EP opposition and appeal proceedings. He is also experienced in performing due diligence evaluations to support M&A and licensing opportunities.
Eric joined Novagraaf in April 2015, and leads the Novagraaf Patent Business in the UK.
