Charles-Philippe vicomte de Patin (Ypres, 19 April 1687 – Ghent, 17 July 1773), was a prominent figure in Austrian Belgium during the Age of Enlightenment. Born on April 19, 1687, in Ypres, he gained recognition as a Flemish writer, poet, magistrate, and legal and fiscal expert. His notable contributions include the publication of "Mare Liberum ex jure naturae, gentium & civili assertum, vindicatum, redevivum" in 1726. Additionally, he served as the President of the Council of Flanders from 1742 until his passing on July 17, 1773, in Ghent. On April 10, 1715, he entered into matrimony with Therese Waltrude du Bois, the daughter of François du Bois and Catherine Devos, in Ghent. His most notable work is Mare liberum ex jure naturae, gentium & civili assertum, vindicatum, redevivum Charles Philippe burghgrave de Patin Charles Philippe vicomte de Patin Carolus Philippus Pattyn Iprensis Patin van Ieper Charles-Philippe de Pattyn Karel Filips Pattijn M. Pattyn Charles-Philippe de Patin is a descendant of a long-standing aristocratic lineage, which has been characterized by G. Van Hoorebeke as possessing a "noble of race" status. The family's origins can be traced back to the 13th century, specifically to the castle of Selles in Cambrai, France. Additionally, the family has more recent ancestral ties to Geluwe, Menin, Dadizele, and Ypres during the 17th century. The mother of Charles-Philippe de Patin was Catherine Therese de Smet, born in Ypres in 1663. His father was Pierre de Patin (Dadizele, 1660 – Bixschoote 1735), who held the titles of Lord of Langemarck, Shaepweide, Ter Beke, Burgcautere, and Nonneland. Pierre de Patin held the position of bailiff of the barony of Guysen and was a clerk at Geluwe near Ypres. Additionally, he served as a deputy magistrate for the noblemen and vassals at the Chamber and Lordship of Ypres, fulfilling various roles as an alderman and representative of the government. In 1699, he was appointed as a council member of the city of Ypres, and in 1705, he assumed the responsibility of distributing bourgeoisie rights for the city.