With offices in the Hague and Amsterdam, the multi-disciplinary team at Bird & Bird is well-versed in handling both contentious and non-contentious media-related matters. The team also provides comprehensive support on advertising, broadcasting, content distribution, sponsorship, gambling, privacy concerns, and platform liability issues. Olaf Trojan is versed in internet-related matters, and co-heads the practice with Paul Waszink, who advises gambling and gaming providers on regulatory and civil law. Competition and public procurement law specialist Janneke Kohlen advises on horizontal cooperation and distribution agreements.
Industry focus: Media and entertainment in Netherlands
Bird & Bird
Praxisleiter:
Olaf Trojan; Paul Waszink
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Quirijn Mohr
Referenzen
‘This firm is a good expert in the media law area. With them, the cooperation was very smooth. Furthermore, they are always available and can adapt to prompt client needs.’
‘I am working closely with Paul Waszink and Quirijn Mohr. They are reliable, prompt, and provide a high level of service in the field of media law.’
‘What we truly value in our collaboration is the emphasis on accuracy. Their explanations are clear, using simple and understandable language.’
Kernmandanten
DPG Media
NPO
NOS
Skyscanner
SDU
Odido
NLPO
WeTransfer
Videoslots
Viaplay
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted Viaplay NL with regulatory matters.
- Assisted Trustpilot with several requests for an injunctive relief order aimed at the disclosure of Trustpilot’s customer information.
- Represented the AD, the largest newspaper in The Netherlands, and some of DPG Media’s regional titles in several defamation cases.
Brinkhof
Brinkhof holds a prominent position in the media, broadcasting, internet, and telecommunications industries, serving a diverse range of leading international broadcasters, telecom providers, and online tech firms. The team excels in cross-border compliance and litigation projects, with standout expertise in internet and information law. Remy Chavannes, Dorien Verhulst, Anke Strijbos and Quinten Kroes jointly lead the practice, and Chavannes is a key port of call for both media and technology companie on EU and Dutch digital regulations. Verhulst has a wealth of knowledge in media, telecoms and copyright law, Strijbos oversees significant media and platform regulation cases, and Kroes is a key contact for publishers, radio and television broadcasters, and media distributors.
Praxisleiter:
Remy Chavannes; Dorien Verhulst; Anke Strijbos; Quinten Kroes
Referenzen
‘Talented, proactive, efficient, and knowledgeable.’
‘Amazing knowledge and understanding of clients’ needs.’
‘The lawyers at Brinkhof handling this case are extremely skilled on this subject.’
Kernmandanten
Association of Dutch Commercial Radio broadcasters
Disney
Nieuwsuur
FD Mediagroep
OpenAI
X
RTL Group
RTL Nederland
Sky Radio
Radio Veronica
Talpa Radio
Odido
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a wide range of intermediary service providers, including several Very Large Online Platforms, on compliance with and enforcement of the Digital Services Act.
- Advised generative AI pioneer OpenAI on a range of issues, including copyright, intermediary liability, and the evolving landscape of AI regulation.
- Represented the Association of Dutch Commercial Radio Broadcasters in high-stakes performing-rights rate-setting litigation against collective management organisation Sena.
Kennedy Van der Laan
Kennedy Van der Laan provides comprehensive legal support to a diverse range of clients in the media and entertainment sector, including production companies, streaming services, broadcasters, and social media platforms. The team handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, with expertise covering defamation law, platform cases, environmental issues, copyright litigation, and regulatory compliance. Jens Van den Brink, head of the practice, specialises in media litigation and provides counsel on a broad spectrum of issues, with a particular focus on free speech, copyright, and digital matters. Other key members include Joran Spauwen, a specialist in content and technology, and Lotte Oranje, who is frequently sought by clients for advice on press publications and online content.
Praxisleiter:
Jens van den Brink
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Joran Spauwen; Lotte Oranje
Referenzen
‘Kennedy Van der Laan provide great and very quick support.’
‘I have valued their speed and collaborative nature, especially when we provide them with difficult requests.’
‘The team did their best to answer our questions asap. They met our requests and were honest and fair in their answers.’
Kernmandanten
Meta
VodafoneZiggo
Disney
DPG Media
Mediahuis
BNNVARA
Bellingcat
PowNed
NOS
CCCP
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented BNNVARA in defamation suits before the Court of Appeal of The Hague.
- Represented the Freedom of Information Coalition in litigation before the European Court against the EU Council over disproportionate EU sanctions aimed at Russian state-owned media.
- Represented Disney in negotiations and major copyright litigation concerning the rates charged for the Disney+ streaming service by collective rights organisation Buma-Stemra.
AC&R
Praised for its ‘practical approach’, AC&R‘s key strengths lie in defamation proceedings, reputation management, copyright, and advertising litigation. Laura Broers is a key port of call for public broadcasters, producers, and daily newspapers, while Anne Bekema is a litigation specialist focusing on copyright law, defamation, and freedom of speech matters. Arnout Groen provides expert advice on copyright, product design, trademark, tradename, and media issues.
Praxisleiter:
Laura Broers; Anne Bekema; Arnout Groen
Referenzen
‘A nice complementary team with a lot of knowledge and a practical approach.’
‘They are accessible, knowledgeable, and approachable.’
‘The knowledge of the firm is extensive.’
Kernmandanten
Apple
Microsoft
Nike
McDonald’s
SAG-AFTRA
ITV
VPRO
NOS
NPO
Mediahuis Nederland
Mediahuis Regionaal
Vincent TV
Banijay Benelux
Endemol Shine
MPAA
EO
Box to Box Films
Anne Frank Foundation
CoBo Fund
See Tickets
AMDB
Paradiso
Night Train Media
Augenschein Film
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented VPRO, NOS, Mediahuis Nederland, and Mediahuis Regionaal on cases that involve press freedom.
- Represented TV producers ITV, IDTV, Vincent TV and Banijay on matters relating to format protection and media disputes.
- Represented Apple in litigation brought by Disney against Buma/Stemra.
Boekx Advocaten
Praised for its 'specialised knowledge in media law', Boekx Advocaten is well-versed in film production and online publishing. Matthijs Kaaks steers the practice and has extensive experience handling investigative journalism and defamation matters for both private individuals and corporate clients. Otto Volgenant focuses on source protection, data protection, and freedom of speech matters.
Praxisleiter:
Matthijs Kaaks
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Otto Volgenant
Referenzen
‘The firm stands out for its specialised knowledge in media law.’
‘The firm’s attorneys are always open to consultation, questions, and feedback. Working together is pleasant and easy-going. The attorneys are very committed and have a good knowledge of cases.’
‘Otto Volgenant is a very approachable, knowledgeable, and articulate lawyer.’
Kernmandanten
Dutch Association of Journalists
Omroep Max
Follow The Money
Albert Verlinde Entertainment
Youth Protection
Offlimits Foundation
Stop Online Shaming Foundation
Mediawan Skyhigh
Tuvalu Media
Sumo Sushi
Jehovah’s Witnesses
WNL
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Jort Kelder in a case against Google about Bitcoin scam advertisements published via Google’s ad network, which used his name and likeness.
- Represented Offlimits Foundation in a collective case against an adult content website.
bureau Brandeis
bureau Brandeis‘ team has extensive experience in the digital and media sectors, advising on digital copyrights, entertainment law, and publishing matters. The group also has specialised expertise in advising both public and commercial broadcasters on regulatory issues, often covering the internet, digital business, and publishing industries. Practice head Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm brings commendable specialism in handling defamation and intermediary liability cases, while co-head Machteld Robichon focuses on media, broadcasting, and gaming regulations. Anna Sträter is recommended for licensing processes and enforcement proceedings.
Praxisleiter:
Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm; Machteld Robichon
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Anna Sträter
Referenzen
‘They work very well together and the absence of a team member is always flawlessly picked up by other members of a team.’
‘Their legal skills are very good.’
‘This practice possesses a deep understanding of media and telecommunications law. The team is hands-on, highly approachable, and fun to work with.’
Kernmandanten
Netflix
KPN/XS4ALL
Sanoma
Dutch Publishers Association
Talpa Radio
Hearst Magazines Netherlands B.V
AMS-IX
Public broadcasters AT5
Public broadcaster NH Nieuws
VBK Uitgeversgroep B.V
Dutch Association for Educational Media
Close
Bitbird
Bunq
Betcity
Screenforce
Pathé
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Talpa Radio on various strategic legal appeal procedures involving the award of FM and DAB+ frequency licenses.
- Advised Netflix on all media, technology, privacy, and copyright issues.
Höcker Advocaten
Highly regarded for its expertise in the media and entertainment sectors, Höcker Advocaten is versed in defamation and infringement matters. Marijn Kingma is an expert in copyright across the literary, music, and visual-audio industries, while Joep Meddens is adept at advertising matters.
Praxisleiter:
Marijn Kingma
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Joep Meddens
Referenzen
‘They are a very qualified niche firm, widely recognised for its performance in media and entertainment practice, and I am pleased to highly recommend them.’
‘Marijn Kingma is a force of nature, made entirely of conviction and determination. Everything starts with a great quality of listening. She tries to understand the objectives and the feeling to accompany them by putting at the service the best means.’
‘The lawyers are strong in all fields and know the market.’
Kernmandanten
Buma/Stemra
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe,
Mojo Concerts
Pythagoras Music Fund
Ticketmaster
Stichting de Thuiskopie
Ziggo Dome
Motion Picture Association
NVPI
Nanada Music Publishing
Omnicom
TBWA
DDB
Mediahuis Radio
Stichting BREIN
Dutch Association of Performing Arts
ROSE Stories
NEMO Science Museum
Johan Cruijff Arena
International Theater Amsterdam
Dutch National Opera & Ballet
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Mediahuis Radio on matters involving intellectual property, privacy, and contracts.
- Represented Stichting de Thuiskopie on a high-value, precedent-setting dispute relating to private copying levies.
- Represented Buma/Stemra in a lawsuit involving allegations that it is acting unlawfully by failing to restrain bars from utilising the Spotify music platform.
Leeway
Leeway is a strong choice for copyright protection, sponsorship agreements, advertising, and contractual agreements for media and entertainment clients. Marga Verwoert has significant experience advising media companies and fashion brands on IP and media-driven M&A. Michiel Odink is a key point of contact for clients from the technology and retail sectors for both contentious and non-contentious matters.
Praxisleiter:
Marga Verwoert; Michiel Odink
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Eric Keyzer; Nini Blom
Referenzen
‘Friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable.’
‘Leeway’s team is very responsive and solution-oriented.’
‘Marga Verwoert is a smart and fast problem solver, and Michiel Odink is a beacon of trust when things get difficult. Eric Keyzer is one of the most experienced media and entertainment lawyers and a great dealmaker in high-stakes international transactions. Nini Blom is often involved, and I know her as an ambitious, hardworking associate who is also making her way to the top, very visible in the music industry.’
Kernmandanten
Armada Music
Cloud 9
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc
Pathé Thuis
Sony Music Entertainment
PXR Media
Q-Music
Chet Baker Estate
Lukassen Producties
Sony Music Publishing
Rooftop Studios
Warner Music Group
Joy Tomassen
Wonderkind
TheAnyThing
Wieden+Kennedy
Highlight-Mandate
- Assisted Armada Music with its acquisition of Amsterdam-based music publisher, Cloud 9Music.
- Represented Warner Bros., Turner Entertainment, and Hanna-Barbera in trademark prosecution.
- Represented Wonderkind in an infringement matter against Wunderkind, a major US company that provides performance marketing solutions.
Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV
Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV frequently represents musicians, composers, and authors in IP matters before the Dutch Supreme Court. Civil media law specialist Jordi Bierens is experienced in defamation, press freedom, and advertising law, and co-heads the practice with Arnoud Boorsma, who regularly works with clients from the telecoms, public, and commercial media sectors on regulatory matters. Sikke Kingma is another key team member.
Praxisleiter:
Jordi Bierens; Arnoud Boorsma
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sikke Kingma
Referenzen
‘A large specialised team, with experience in administrative courts.’
‘Arnoud Boorsma hold extensive knowledge. He is an excellent lawyer.’
‘The practice stands out for their thorough market knowledge.’
Kernmandanten
Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst
State of the Netherlands – Ministry of Economic Affairs
Consumentenbond
Data Privacy Foundation
Sena
State of the Netherlands – Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
CBR
Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure
Dutch Telecommunications Authority
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure in all proceedings surrounding the Dutch national radio auction and nationwide FM frequency licences.
- Represented Consumentenbond in summary proceedings revolving around several critical statements published about travel websites D-Reizen and Prijsvrij.nl.
- Represented Data Privacy Foundation in major class actions against Meta.
Visser Schaap & Kreijger
With experience in film production contract issues, Visser Schaap & Kreijger advises clients on all aspects of sponsorship and product placement, as well as competition matters. Jacqueline Schaap handles IP-related matters, while Dirk Visser is versed in anti-piracy mandates within the music and film industries. Paul Kreijger focuses on music industry-related issues, while Patty de Leeuwe specialises in copyright, freedom of speech, internet, and media matters.
Praxisleiter:
Jacqueline Schaap; Dirk Visser
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Patty de Leeuwe; Paul Kreijger
Referenzen
‘Every team member we interacted with was professional and pleasant.’
‘They are very clear, smart, and analytical, never losing the human component.’
‘Jacqueline Schaap is a well-experienced lawyer with a pragmatic approach, and she has an in-depth knowledge of our business, which adds significant value. We can fully rely on her expertise, and she is also very flexible and responsive.’
Kernmandanten
Endemol Shine Nederland
Talpa Network
Universal Music and Universal Media
Stichting BREIN
Singel Uitgeverijen
DPG Media
NDP Dutch News Media Association
Vangelis estate
Warner Bros. International Television Nederland
Talpa TV
Mediahuis
Videma
Groene Amsterdammer
SimpelZodiak
Amstelfilm
Fiep Westendorp Foundation
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Mediahuis in complaint proceedings with the Netherlands Press Council.
- Represented Signal Stream in a conflict about the streaming of a documentary.
- Represented Endemol Shine in conflicts about the broadcasting of a programme on crime reporting.
CMS
CMS is geared to advise clients on a range of transactional, advisory, and contentious matters surrounding broadcasting, technology, and sports. Rogier de Vrey, who has extensive knowledge of media and music licensing, heads the TMT practice.
Praxisleiter:
Rogier de Vrey
Referenzen
‘I am consistently impressed by the level of service and expertise. The team is very responsive and provides clear, actionable advice. It also demonstrates good industry knowledge.’
‘Rogier de Vrey is pleasant to work with, has strong market knowledge, and consistently tailors his advice to our specific business needs.’
Kernmandanten
Paramount / Viacom
Comcast
Warner Bros Discovery
RTB House
Global Media & Entertainment B.V
Roku
Sony
Atari
Capcom
A+E Networks
HP
Create Music Group
Canal Plus
Bynder
Diageo
Chanel
Frontiers Media
TikTok / ByteDance
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Paramount/Viacom International Media Networks Netherlands on a variety of matters, including media law, contract law, privacy law, and music licensing.
- Advised A+E Networks, a joint venture between Hearst Communications and the Walt Disney Company, on preparations for the launch of its ad-supported TV channels.
- Advised Atari on its planned acquisition of Ronimo games.
Hoogenraad & Haak
A boutique law firm with a strong focus on advertising law and litigation, Hoogenraad & Haak advises its portfolio of clients on music and licensing, media law, rights of publicity, and defamation matters. Daniël Haije, who is well-versed in assisting clients with advertising and trademark infringement as well as the protection of IP rights, co-heads the practice with Ebba Hoogenraad, who covers all aspects of advertising law, including contracts, advertising campaigns, and sustainability claims. Lisa Peek is also recommended.
Praxisleiter:
Daniël Haije; Ebba Hoogenraad
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lisa Peek
Referenzen
‘Very experienced in different aspects, hands-on, and available.’
‘Hoogenraad & Haak’s advertising team is highly knowledgeable, experienced, and pragmatic. The lawyers are easy to reach, easy to work with and committed to giving us the best legal advice.’
‘Daniël Haije stands out for his accessibility, profound and resourceful approach to legal matters. He understands the business needs, making him an excellent advisor to navigate us through the complex landscape of advertising law.’
Kernmandanten
Heineken
Lidl
Ahold Delhaize
Samsung
KLM
Suitsupply
NZO (Dutch Dairy Organisation)
Coca-Cola
Unilever
L’Oréal
Kenniscentrum Suiker & Voeding (now: Cosun Nutrition Centre)
Katjes
Koninklijke Vereniging Homeopathie
FrieslandCampina
Gezondheid aan Huis
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented KLM on the world’s first greenwashing case against an airline.
- Represented the Dutch Dairy Organization in summary proceedings regarding the name of Upfield’s ‘Roombeter’ product.
- Represented Gezondheid aan Huis in proceedings against the Dutch Minister of Medical Care regarding fines wrongfully based on the Medicines Act instead of food legislation.
HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER
HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER‘s team has an excellent track record in assisting clients from the media and entertainment industries with cross-border litigation and copyright violations. The head of the practice, Joris van Manen, focuses on prominent brand infringement cases, while Laura Fresco specialises in advertising and media law.
Praxisleiter:
Joris van Manen
Kernmandanten
John Lennon Estate
Jimi Hendrix Estate
MC&F Broadcasting
Bluenote (Bensusan)
Sony Entertainment
Carl Zeiss
Procter & Gamble
Samsung
Bolton Adhesives
Vemedia
MPA
Rabobank
Concord Music
BREIN
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised clients on AI.
Van Kaam IP & Media
Van Kaam IP & Media is a key port of call for musicians, radio stations, publishers, and television producers on freedom of speech, defamation, and privacy issues. Founding partner Bertil van Kaam regularly acts for television, film production, and broadcasting companies, while Jurian Van Groenendaal handles unlawful publication issues.
Praxisleiter:
Bertil van Kaam
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jurian van Groenendaal; Jacintha van Dorp
Referenzen
‘The team is smart and agile, very well tuned into the client, and hands-on. The team is closely involved in each other’s cases, so that adds a lot of value.’
‘Bertil van Kaam is really smart, hardworking, creative, and very reliable. Jacintha van Dorp is smart, keen, and trustworthy.’
‘A truly professional firm that keeps up promises and has profound legal expertise.’
Kernmandanten
RTL Nederland
Fremantle Productions B.V
AVROTROS
Dutch FilmWorks
Night of Comedy
Villain Studios
Graniet Import Benelux B.V
Lusus media
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented AVROTROS in preliminary injunction proceedings against X and his digital advertising platform, who claimed that AVROTROS acted unlawfully before the Arnhem-Leeuwarden Court of Appeal.
- Represented Royce de Vries in preliminary proceedings before the District Court Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Court of Appeal against AD (DPG Media).
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Greenberg Traurig LLP excels in handling a broad spectrum of IP-related matters, including copyright, patent, and trademark infringements. An experienced litigator, Radboud Ribbert oversees the team, offering strategic counsel on defamation claims and protecting IP rights.
Praxisleiter:
Radboud Ribbert
Referenzen
‘A great team, which provides great solutions.’
‘Radboud Ribbert stands out for his careful, precise approach.’
Kernmandanten
Buildings Living B.V
Stichting Nederlandse Top 40
Buildings Group B.V
Eric Kuster
VAAAM A.G
Lineweight, LLC and Crye Precision, LLC
Cheetah Mobile, Inc and Cheetah Mobile America, Inc
JLO HOLDING COMPANY, LLC
Killer Queen, LLC
Al Srad Ltd
Over Easy B.V
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Lineweight LLC and Crye Precision LLC in their lawsuit against copyright infringers.
- Represented Dutch company Buildings Living BV and the famous interior designer Eric Kuster in their lawsuit against the paint production company, PPG.
- Represented the Dutch society Stichting Nederlandse Top 40 in trademark infringement litigation.
Houthoff
Under the leadership of Thomas de Weerd, the experienced team at Houthoff specialises in IP, broadcasting, and regulatory law. Thijs van Aerde departed in 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Thomas de Weerd
Kernmandanten
Spinnin’ Records
Buma Stemra
Hearst Netherlands
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Buma Stemra, the Dutch collecting society for composers and music publishers, in litigation before the Amsterdam District Court against The Walt Disney Company (Benelux) BV.
- Represented Spinnin’ Records in copyright contracting litigation before the Supreme Court against one of the world’s most popular DJs, Martin Garrix.
- Represented AVROTROS, a major Dutch broadcaster, in a Supreme Court case against Magnetic Fields Research Medical Centre.
Leopold Meijnen Oosterbaan
Praised for its ‘specialist expertise’, Leopold Meijnen Oosterbaan is highly regarded for its expertise in the video games sector. Olivier Oosterbaan co-heads the practice with Maarten Leopold and Quirijn Meijnen. Oosterbaan is skilled at IP and regulatory matters, while Leopold is a key contact for contracts and agreements in the music and events sectors. Meijnen is a litigation specialist with extensive experience in handling copyright and trademark disputes, media issues, as well as licensing agreements.
Praxisleiter:
Olivier Oosterbaan; Maarten Leopold; Quirijn Meijnen
Referenzen
‘It is a great pleasure to work with the people at Leopold Meijnen Oosterbaan as they have an in-depth understanding of the matters we deal with. This makes working with them highly efficient and extremely valuable.’
‘They are very experienced.’
‘Olivier Oosterbaan has great knowledge of the games industry.’
Kernmandanten
Azerion
OutSystems
Codeglue
Vlambeer
2Awesome Studios
Gamious
Paladin Studios
Soedesco Publishing
Stitch Heads
Rayn
Adswag
Herman Brood estate
Jenny Boot
Victron Energy
DJ Monitor
Downtown Publishing
Sony Music Publishing
MassiveMusic
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Rayn on the implementation of AI into their core product.
- Represented Victron Energy B.V. in opposition proceedings against EU trademark applications Bluepac and BigBlue.
- Advised Azerion on the further roll-out of its DSA compliance program.