Rutger Valkonet

European patent attorney | Partner

When Rutger Valkonet joined AOMB in 2000, he was the only physicist among the patent attorneys. “The more complex inventions—those involving radiation physics, implants, or optics—came my way. It was only later, as the firm grew, that we established a high-tech team to handle these more complex matters. If you ask me which cases I find most interesting, I’d say I have a particular affinity for inventions in the medical field, as they always have a social impact. But inventions closer to home, like specific kitchen appliances, also continue to fascinate me.”

Rutger is well-versed in the cultural differences between European and Asian business practices. He has a passion for history and context, and he likes to research a country before visiting. Ask him why people in Korea eat with silver chopsticks, and he’ll share fascinating facts and anecdotes. “I’ve always had a broad interest in history and travel. I find it interesting to create business where cultural differences are involved. Americans and Dutch people have different approaches to business and personal contact compared to people from Asia. I find it intriguing to successfully build personal and business connections despite these differences.”

It’s not surprising, then, that Rutger represents the Dutch shareholders at the Polish office in which AOMB holds a stake. “Poland’s European history differs from that of the Netherlands. I find it fascinating to see how Polish innovation has evolved over the years and how we have built a strong patent firm with our Polish colleagues.”

Like his colleague René Raggers, Rutger has been recognized in the annual IAM Patent 1000 – World’s Leading Patent Practitioners. The organization writes about him: "An extremely experienced practitioner and a reliable and candid advisor who excels at guiding startups and SMEs through the prosecution process, while maintaining a healthy balance between profit and risk."

In his free time, besides reading historical books, Rutger enjoys beekeeping. “I find bees immensely interesting, especially how bee colonies organize themselves and how they can be guided. Pollinators are the insects responsible for eighty percent of our food supply. In the office, I am also very involved in shaping our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy.”