In this session the benefits of a well-designed patent portfolio for the purpose of making new medicine available for patients, is discussed. Speakers with knowledge and expertise in establishing and running a successful patent strategy are gathered for providing a meaningful series of short presentations and for opening a fruitful discussion with the audience. Insights from a large world-wide operating pharma company are shared by Eva van Wanrooij (VP regional IP, Johnson & Johnson); Vincent van der Wel (CEO, Orfenix) will shed light on the relevance of strong IP for a drug repurposing company; Katja Apelt (IP advisor, Netherlands Patent Office) will give an update on tools, resources and financial support, available for aiding innovative researchers and companies in their journey to a future proof patent-backed market authorization and beyond; Lema Meiwand (Investment Analyst, OostNL) shares insights on intellectual property and Freedom to Operate from an investment perspective; Jaap Mannaerts (patent attorney pharma & life sciences, NLO) will highlight patenting strategy details typical for the drug development field. After the introductory presentations, the line-up of excellent speakers will open the floor for taking questions and contributing to the discussion on best practice, chaired by Barend Bouma (patent attorney pharma & life sciences, NLO).