An is a qualified European Patent Attorney with more than twenty years of expertise in intellectual property, gained in both industry and private practice. Her focus lies in aligning IP operations with business strategies, optimising IP portfolios for cost-efficiency and competitive advantage, building IP budgets, and fostering IP awareness within organisations.

She began her career as a patent engineer at a Belgian IP firm, where she developed expertise in drafting and prosecuting patent applications across a broad range of technologies. This foundation led to a role as in-house IP manager and strategist in the industrial sector. Over approximately fifteen years at two Belgian companies with diverse technology portfolios, she managed all IP-related activities: from drafting and filing patent applications to registering trademarks and designs, developing IP strategy, managing and optimising portfolios, and handling infringement cases in close cooperation with legal departments.

Throughout her career, An has worked with numerous inventors to help them achieve optimal protection for their innovations. Exploring cutting-edge technologies and understanding complex inventions remains a central motivation in her work.

She assists companies in developing comprehensive protection strategies for new products and services, drafting patent applications, and where needed, protecting trademarks and designs. For companies seeking structured IP governance, she provides in-house IP support: strategic portfolio management, IP valuation, decision support, and programmes to strengthen IP awareness across the organisation.

An is an active member of the IE-net expert group for intellectual property, where she coordinates and lectures in the IP management course. She is also a board member and co-founder of the Belgian Patent Information User Group (BEPIUG), which brings together IP professionals in Belgium for networking and experience exchange.