Frank Cleeren

Partner | KPMG Law Belgium

I have always loved working for and with people and listening to their needs. Avoiding or solving business problems through a pragmatic and multidisciplinary approach makes my day.

How can I help

I negotiate, draft contracts and litigate in all commercial and corporate matters, such as acquisitions, restructurings, shareholders’ agreements, intellectual property and all other business related matters.

More about me

With a combination of interests, energy and versatility, I try to move people and plans into a positive direction. I love my family and I am passionate about triathlons, the piano and literature.

Areas of Expertise

Education and qualifications

  • Master of Law, KU Leuven, 1993
  • Georg-August-Universität, Gottingen, 1992
  • FUNDP, Namur, 1990
  • Certified mediator in commercial matters
  • Member of corporate & professional organizations
  • Several publications/seminars in my field of expertise

Latest news

March 2024 Indexation

Publication in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette

With effect as of 1 March 2024, the costs for publication in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette will be increased.

Foreign direct investment screening (FDIS) in Belgium

As from 1 July 2023.

Foreign Direct Investment Screening (FDIS) in Belgium becomes effective on July 1, 2023. This regime requires non-EU investors to notify and obtain clearance for certain investments in Belgian companies involved in targeted activities.

The Belgian implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/2121

Cross-border conversions, mergers and demergers

Discover the key changes in Belgian legislation regarding cross-border conversions, mergers, and demergers. Learn how Directive (EU) 2019/2121 influenced the implementation, bringing Belgian law in line with harmonized rules.

Belgian implementation of the ruling of the European Court of Justice on public access to UBO register

The Belgian UBO register was established by the Belgian Anti-Money Laundering Act.

The UBO register is a centralized database used to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and related criminal activities by tracking the natural persons who ultimately control companies and other legal entities.

The new law on whistleblower protection

Is your organization fully prepared?

On 24 November 2022, the Belgian legislator approved the draft law on the protection of reporters of violations of Union or national law established within a legal entity in the private sector.

European Court of Justice on the UBO-register

The ruling of the Court of Justice

The Belgian Federal Public Service Finance issues a communication announcing a temporary suspension of general public access to UBO information.

Company and Associations Code manual

A practical and thorough guide through the company law landscape.

The corporate team of KPMG Law publishes the 2022 version of the manual on the Belgian Company and Associations Code.

March 2022 Indexation

Publication in the Annexes to the Belgian Official Gazette.

With effect from 1 March 2022, discover the costs for publication in the Annexes of the Belgian Official Gazette, as a result of their annual indexation.

KPMG Law’s new manual on the Belgian Company Code

On 1 January 2020, the new Belgian Company Code entered into force.

The corporate team of K law has used this occasion to write one of the very first manuals on this new piece of legislation, which touches its core business.

Company Code Update

Appeal submitted to the Constitutional Court

Appeal for partial annulment of the law of 23 March 2019 introducing the Companies and Associations Code and containing various provisions.

Is football leaving a (trade)mark on IP?

It’s time to take a moment to reflect on the extent to which football and Intellectual Property (IP) are intertwined

With the 2022 World Cup moving towards its final stages, it’s time to take a moment to reflect on the extent to which football and IP are intertwined.

“Goodbye” to your word mark

The contested decision was upheld, and the mark was declared invalid.

The Benelux Court of Justice ruled on 13 May 2022 that the (word) mark "GOODBYE ” followed by a color was purely descriptive.

Proof of originality in copyright protection

The Court of Appeal of Ghent ruled on a case concerning an alleged infringement of an artist's copyright.

The Court of Appeal reiterated that for the artist to enjoy copyright protection on his work, it is necessary for him to prove that his creations are the expression of his own intellectual creation.

TM registration of packaging

Obligation to register reaffirmed

The Court of Appeal of Ghent ruled on a case concerning allegedly confusing and parasitic copy of packaging.

Fine for mass processing of social media data

In connection with the Benalla affair for political profiling

The Belgian Data Protection Authority (DPA) recently fined an NGO and its researcher for publishing raw and sometimes sensitive data.

Transparency and Consent Framework System not GDPR compliant

Transparency and Consent Framework System not GDPR compliant

The Belgian DPA recently fined an international digital marketing organization for non-compliance with GDPR.

Belgian court rules on approach of collection agencies

Belgian courts are taking a closer look at the modus operandi of companies managing Intellectual Property rights of others

In recent years we have seen a clear rise of companies who manage the Intellectual Property rights of photographers, authors, etc.

How can we help?

Discover our expertises

About us