Future of Alternative proteins

Patents
29 January 2025

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Food and nutrition, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, renewable energy, hydrogen, circular chemistry, bio-based materials, litigation, TTO, opposition and appeal

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Is described by clients and colleagues as enthusiastic, organised, friendly, analytical and dedicated. Vera op den Brouw-Sprakel works as a Dutch and European patent attorney in the chemistry field, at AOMB. She does her job with great enthusiasm. Over the years, Vera has established intensive collaboration with medium and large companies in the chemical sector.

Building a strong collaboration is Vera's number one priority. By working together closely with the client as well as with her colleagues, she is capable of offering her clients the best possible IP-solution for various issues. In addition to various chemical expertise, Vera also has knowledge of feed and animal health and material chemistry.

Vera considers it important that her clients feel they are in good hands. An ambition that she succeeds in with great determination. Her organisational talents and thoughtfulness ensure that also colleagues can easily find her whenever they need advice or guidance. Vera enjoys bringing out the best in people.

Vera is a mother of two and furthermore has a passion for healthy cooking and maintaining her vegetable garden.

Vera attended and passed the Industrial Property Patents Course organized by the University Politecnico di Milano on the Unitary Patent and the Unified Patent Court. Vera was the only attendant from the Netherlands and in total only the second from the Netherlands.

Vera is member of the EPLIT. EPLIT is the European Patent Litigators for Europe Patent Attorneys.

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Doctoral research in the field of chemistry

Radboud University of Nijmegen 2002

Chemistry

Radboud University of Nijmegen 1998

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Extensive experience at AOMB with drawing up and granting of patent applications, oral proceedings for EPO during granting procedure, opposition and appeal procedures, FTO analyses, Third Party observations, Dutch lawsuits on infringement and nullification

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Dutch Institute of Patent attorneys

Member

VEI, AIPPI, EPI and EPLIT

Member

Internally responsible for education and training

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Vera op den Brouw-Sprakel

European Patent Attorney | Partner | UPC Representative

With meat production expected to surge by 50% by 2050, innovations in plant-based proteins, cultivated meat, and next-gen fermentation are crucial. These advancements reduce environmental impact, lower zoonotic disease risks, and make food production more resource-efficient.

One shift in the alternative protein space is the sharp decline in patent publications for plant-based meats, down 50% in the last reported year compared to the year before. This might signal the end of the first wave of innovation.

Experts anticipate a second wave in the coming years, fueled by advancements in taste, texture, and nutritional profiles. This next phase could redefine the market and further solidify plant-based proteins as a cornerstone of sustainable food systems.

Feeding a growing global population sustainably is one of the biggest challenges of our time. The The Good Food Institute’s research grant program addresses this by supporting innovative projects in alternative proteins. GFI will open applications for new research grants this spring.

It’s exciting to see such initiatives empowering changemakers to build a more sustainable future for our food system.