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On this year’s World IP Day, Themed “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”, we celebrate how creativity and innovation, backed by IP rights, keep the world of sports thriving, dynamic and accessible for everyone, everywhere. Sport today is deeply connected to intellectual property. From trademarks protecting team identities and sponsorships, to image rights governing the commercial use of athletes, and patents driving innovation in equipment and performance technology. IP plays a central role at every level of the industry.

In this post, we look at how the worlds of sport and intellectual property intersect, not only in the industries we support, but also in the mindset we bring to our work. The same focus on performance, resilience and innovation that defines sport is equally essential in navigating today’s IP landscape. Read the personal stories of our team members Alba Folgueiras González, Erik Lumens, Frank Eijsvogels and Tim Robrechts below.

Dr. Alba Folgueiras González - Associate, Patent Attorney

What sports do you practice, and how did you get into them? 

I’ve played handball my whole life, but I stopped last year to fully focus on endurance sports. These days, I mainly run, cycle, and occasionally take part in HYROX or trail races. 

About three years ago, when I moved to Amsterdam, I didn’t know many people outside of work. I came across a run club with a big expat community called Bambas and started joining their runs. I never expected it to become such an important part of my life, but over time I built really close friendships through it. Now, I can’t imagine my weekly routine in Amsterdam without that community.

Running itself started quite organically alongside handball, but becoming part of Bambas made me more consistent and helped me fall in love with the sport. Cycling followed a similar path, more on and off at first, but through different cycling communities in Amsterdam it’s grown into something bigger. Recently, together with Bambas, we’ve also started a women’s cycling club, which has been very special to be part of.

What do you enjoy most about these sports?

It’s really the sense of community and shared experience.

There’s something powerful about doing something challenging together, whether it’s pushing through a tough session or just showing up for an easy 6km park loop. Those simple moments, like chatting during a run or grabbing coffee afterward, create a routine you actually look forward to.

On days when motivation is low, that community makes a big difference. It helps you show up, even when you don’t feel like it, and turns something individual into something shared.

What makes running and cycling special to you?

There’s a simplicity to it that I really appreciate, it’s just you and your legs. But at the same time, it doesn’t feel lonely.

You’re working on your own goals and consistency, but surrounded by people doing the same. That balance between individual focus and collective energy is what makes it so special. It’s also something very easy to share with others, including colleagues.

Is it more of an individual or team sport for you?

It’s a mix of both. Running and cycling require individual consistency, but that consistency is much easier to maintain when you’re surrounded by inspiring people. The community keeps you accountable and motivated.

Have you contributed to any sports events?

Being part of Bambas means being involved beyond just training. We organize community runs several times a week and collaborate on events around races.

One highlight was Amsterdam Marathon Weekend last year, where more than 300 people joined our shake-out run the day before the race, along with other activities like talks and a cheer zone. Seeing that many people come together through sport was really special.

Have you taken part in any events or achievements you’re proud of?

I wouldn’t necessarily call them achievements, but it’s been amazing to see how things have evolved. I ran my first marathon in 2023, and now I’m training for my fifth, getting faster while enjoying the process more.

A lot of these moments started spontaneously, signing up for that first race or joining a group session, and ended up shaping a big part of my life.

Some highlights more related to being part of HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER include running marathons in Rome and Berlin together with my colleague Erik Lumens. Berlin in particular stands out: I spent most of the race running alone, but with about 5km to go, I spotted Erik among the thousands of runners and we managed to finish together, which made it really special.

I also ran the Verbier Marathon, a challenging 43 kilometer mountain race with about 3000 meters of elevation gain, with my colleague Peter van Schijndel, with support from Laura Fresco. That was a completely different experience, more about endurance and the environment, but just as memorable.

Closer to home, every year we run the Dam tot Damloop with colleagues from the office. It’s a 16km race from Amsterdam to Zaandam, and what makes it special is that everyone joins at their own pace. You cross the finish line and celebrate together afterward, which really captures what sport, and especially running, can bring to a group.

Crossing any finish line is always memorable, whether it’s a personal best or simply sharing the moment with others. But for me, it’s less about race day itself and more about everything leading up to it: the routine, the shared moments, and the person you become along the way.

What does your typical training week look like? I’m active almost every day. A typical week includes around five runs, one or two bike rides, plus some gym or Pilates sessions. It’s become part of my routine, something that structures my week and gives me energy rather than taking it away.

What does sport give you outside of work? It gives me balance, energy, and a strong social connection.

Having something to look forward to, like a run or ride with friends, changes how you approach your day. It creates a routine that goes beyond work and gives you a sense of structure and enjoyment, even in busy periods.

What’s the most challenging part? Consistency. Some days are tough, especially with a full-time job. It’s not always easy to go out when it’s dark, raining, or when you’re tired. But those are often the days that matter most. Sticking to your routine, even then, is what really builds progress.

What’s something people might not expect about running? At the beginning, it can be quite humbling, it’s not always enjoyable right away. But once you push through that initial discomfort, and learn to stay with the harder moments, something shifts. What once felt tough starts to feel almost effortless, even enjoyable. That’s when it becomes really rewarding, you realize how much you can grow, both physically and mentally.

And every now and then, you hit that moment where everything just clicks, the pace, the breath, the mindset. Runners call it the “runner’s high.”

People often think running is something you do alone, or that it can be a bit boring. I’d encourage anyone who feels that way to try joining a run with friends, a community session from a local run club, or even a lunch run with colleagues. The feeling changes instantly.

Thoughts on the connection between IP and the sports you practice? Sometimes I like to think about how much technology has shaped sports, especially in areas like running and cycling.

For example, it's hard to imagine standing on the start line of a marathon today without carbon-plated shoes. The development in running footwear alone over the past decade has been incredible. If you look back at the shoes that were winning major marathons years ago, the difference is almost hard to believe. 

The same goes for clothing, heart rate monitors, GPS watches, everything around running is constantly evolving. And behind all of that, there are strong and fascinating IP portfolios driving innovation forward.

It's very similar in cycling. The super-light carbon bikes with electronic shifting and disc brakes that we ride today are worlds apart from the bikes that were winning the Tour de France 20 years ago. Helmets, clothing, shoes, power meters, every detail has been refined.

What's interesting is that all of this innovation is not happening in isolation. It's driven by research, but also by the needs and curiosity of the sports community itself. People are always looking for ways to improve, to go a bit faster, to feel a bit better, and IP plays a key role in making that progress possible.

Erik Lumens - Senior Associate, Patent Attorney

Which sport(s) do you practice?

I started to run as a kid, running with my dad in the forest close to our house. Running was never my main sport though. I always preferred the dynamics and the team aspect of basketball. As I moved for university to Utrecht and then to Amsterdam for work, it was difficult to find a new team. From that moment on, I focused solely on running.

What do you enjoy most about it?

I do not find running monotonous or solitary. Well, probably it is monotonous and solitary, but those are the qualities from which meditation can spring. When running, thoughts come and go like wind passing through a sieve, nothing really lingers. You focus on your breathing, on small aches that come and go, on the surroundings. It’s calming. 

Any achievement(s) you want to share?

For many years, I organized the Dam to Dam run at work, a race of 16 km in the Netherlands for business teams from Amsterdam to Zaandam. We organized weekly training sessions and ran the race collectively. People from the other offices joined as well, it was always a highlight. Last year, with a friend of mine I ran what we called “the real Dam to Dam,” a self-organized run from Rotterdam to Amsterdam over 76 km.

How do you combine this sport with work?

Running is easy to fit into a busy schedule. It has a way of clearing your head. Longer distances also teach a certain mindset: moments of discomfort alternate with moments of ease, but you keep going forward. One must imagine Sisyphus happy. 

Frank Eijsvogels - Partner

 Which sport(s) do you practice?

CrossFit

When do you usually practice it?

In the evenings and during the weekends. 

How did you start with this sport?

Before I started doing CrossFit, I liked (trail) running a lot. Every Sunday I did a run with a great group of people, every time on a different location. It was great but took me too much time. I subsequently started doing punching bag training in a gym which also offers CrossFit. I did not know what CrossFit was. When I saw what kind of training CrossFit is and learned about the CrossFit games, I started doing CrossFit.

What do you enjoy most about it?

Learning new skills and getting the best out of yourself in a community with like-minded people, who inspire each other.

Any achievement(s) you want to share?

As a child I was never able to climb a rope. When I finally succeeded in climbing a rope during CrossFit training, I wanted to take this to the next level and learn how to do a legless rope climb. I trained for 1.5 years and did my first one in April 2025 at the age of 57.

Any contribution to certain sport events

I have participated a few times in the Nationals, a national CrossFit competition, and in the CrossFit Open, a worldwide CrossFit competition. 

What’s so special about it?

Learning new things that you have never thought you would ever do, with like-minded people who motivate you to train and become better.

What do most people not know about it?

I do not know but would like to mention that CrossFit is inclusive. It is a sport for everyone, and you are never too old to start with something new. 

What does this sport give you outside of work? (e.g. energy, focus, balance, social aspect)

CrossFit is great to clear my mind, focus on learning new skills. I am fit and stronger than I have ever been. The community is important for me for motivation and the social aspect. 

What’s the most challenging part of it?

For several gymnastic skills you need good mobility, which is tough for a guy like me who has worked for more than 30 years behind a desk. I regularly do mobility exercises, also go to yoga lessons and it has improved already a lot. Quite a lot of exercises are very challenging for me, but when you keep on trying and training you can achieve a lot.

Do you prefer the individual or team aspect? Why?

I am one of the older members of the CrossFit box and most of the times will not be the fastest when we perform a WOD (the Workout Of the Day). However, people who have finished will cheer on me to motivate me to finish. That is really great. We also do so-called buddy WODs whereby you work in a team. I like both aspects.

Do you have a memorable moment related to this sport?

When I am abroad for work or holiday, I always try to find time to visit a local CrossFit box and join a class.

Thoughts on the connection between your sport and your work(life)?

Endurance and consistency is key to learning new skills in CrossFit, qualities which can also help you to achieve good results as an IP litigator. 

Tim Robrechts - Counsel

I have been gravel biking and bikepacking for several years. It’s a great way for me to get outdoors and disconnect. Longer rides often present challenges that require careful preparation, adaptability, and patience, skills that are highly relevant in my professional work. My interest in cycling started early, travelling with my parents and siblings. During the pandemic, I picked it up again with my wife and our two sons. We began with short bikepacking trips, when my youngest was just three years old (proudly carrying his teddy bear and toothbrush!). Our daily distance back in the days was around 20-30 kilometers. A few years on, we now comfortably ride daily trips of 70-100 kilometers. Our journeys have gradually become more ambitious. A few summers ago, we cycled from Mechelen to Paris to attend the Olympic Games, and last year we travelled from Maastricht to Basel. Next up is Berlin-Copenhagen!

What I value most is being outdoors and stepping away from the daily routine. For me, it’s not about speed, distance, or equipment, but about being present. On your bike, you are forced to focus and be in the moment, without screens or distractions. Whether riding alone, with my partner, friends, or family, there is a unique sense of enjoyment in simply being underway. Longer rides – especially with children – inevitably come with challenges. Weather, terrain, and occasional mechanical issues require preparation, adaptability, and patience. Beyond the physical aspect, there is also a mental dimension: dealing with discomfort, monotony, and at times slow progress. In that sense, there are clear parallels with a professional environment. As in litigation, preparation is essential: thorough route planning and equipment checks help avoid problems along the way. At the same time, not everything can be anticipated, and the ability to adjust to changing circumstances is key. When the finish line is still far off, steady progress and patience become decisive.

Perhaps most importantly, cycling has also taught me that while end goals matter, there is real value in the journey itself.