The cohort at Bird & Bird is recognised for its capabilities advising on the gamut of patent matters in complex and often cross-jurisdictional contexts and is well-regarded for its ‘combination of drive, quality and focus’. In addition to handling complex patent litigation matters, which make up a large portion of its workload, the team handles a range of advisory work. Therein, the team frequently represents well-known clients across the array of industry sectors in such disputes as licence expiries, injunctions and infringements, before both the Dutch courts and the UPC. Manon Rieger-Jansen helms the offering. Key practitioners include Marc van Wijngaarden who has expertise in the life sciences and chemical industry sectors and is experienced handling UPC cases, as well as ‘great’ practitioners Tjibbe Douma and Peter van Gemert, who harness tech specialisms. Carlos Van Staveren has noteworthy experience before the EPO and UPC.

The group at Brinkhof is well-placed to handle the remit of complex and high-value matters for its portfolio of well-known clients in both domestic and international contexts. It is noted that the team’s ‘desire to win is exceptional’. Its workload involves acting for clients in complex and high-stakes patent litigation work before both the UPC and the Dutch courts. Richard Ebbink handles disputes ranging from those regarding infringement and validity, to those involving patent enforcement; Mark van Gardingen is experienced acting for high-profile clients in the variety of disputes; and Daan de Lange has expertise in life sciences and FRAND-related litigation cases in particular. The three oversee the practice alongside Koen Bijvank who ‘deserves all the accolades that he receives’, Jan Pot who has particular aptitude handling tech-related litigation, and Rien Broekstra who has experience acting before the UPC and the Dutch courts. Paul Marcelis is a key contact.

The team at IP boutique HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER is considered ‘the go-to shop for every IP case’ by clients and is well-versed in handling the plethora of complex patent litigation matters before the UPC, European and Dutch courts. Such work is frequently high-value and cross-jurisdictional in nature. Theo Blomme is experienced defending some of the team’s best known clients in national and international disputes. Willem Hoyng, described as ‘the founding father of IP litigation in the Netherlands’, has noteworthy capabilities representing both Dutch and foreign multinationals. Frank Eijsvogels is also a name to note for his Supreme Court capabilities and specialism in anti-piracy matters, as is Peter van Schijndel, whose sector specialisms include medical devices, pharma and biotech. ‘Star’ team lead Bart van den Broek has expertise handling patent disputes in the electronics, telecoms, IT tech and pharma industries in particular.

The team at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is well-regarded for its capabilities handling prominent patent litigation cases of ultra-high-value for its clients, particularly those in the pharma and consumer healthcare industry sectors. Advising on patent-related aspects of significant corporate transactions is also an area of experience of the team. Rutger Kleemans helms the group and is described by clients as a ‘killer patent lawyer’ with experience acting before domestic and pan-European courts, including the UPC. Jelle Drok handles mass patent claims, ‘clever lawyer with a helicopter perspective’ Ruben Laddé became counsel in May 2024 and Allard van Duijn is also a key contact.

Hogan Lovells International LLP‘s group is well-placed to advise its roster of well-known clients on the remit of complex patent litigation matters. Ruud van der Velden has a focus on high-tech and life sciences-related contentious patent matters and co-leads the practice alongside Gertjan Kuipers who has expertise breaking patent boundaries for clients entering new markets. Patent litigator Rik Zagers has experience handling cross-border matters before the EPO, UPC and the Dutch courts, while Dirk-Jan Ridderinkhof has expertise across trade secret and patent disputes.

The ‘star patent litigation team’ at Simmons & Simmons is well-placed to assist its portfolio of clients on patent matters relating to tech and life sciences in particular. Complex patent disputes, including FRAND matters, form a significant portion of the team’s workload. It is also equipped to handle patent prosecution matters and the management of portfolios. The team is noted for its capabilities handling ‘highly demanding and complex UPC cases’. ‘Senior star litigator with an incredible track record’ Bas Berghuis van Woortman oversees the group and is specialised in patents and tech, as are key contacts Johan Renes and Oscar Lamme.

The ‘highly intelligent’ practice at Taylor Wessing is well-regarded for its experience handling patent matters for renowned clients across sectors ranging from consumer and retail, tech and life sciences to media and communications. Handling high-value injunctions before the UPC is also an area of expertise. Wim Maas oversees the Benelux team and has expertise in IP seizures as well as the remit of contentious and non-contentious litigation; Charlotte Garnitsch has a patent disputes focus; and Margot van Gerwen offers related regulatory advice. The ‘excellent’ Eelco Bergsma is also a key contact.

The practice at A&O Shearman is well-equipped to advise on the array of patent matters, including portfolio management. Frits Gerritzen helms the group and has particular expertise in patent litigation cases regarding enforcement, the validity of patents, and matters involving patent licensing. Both Gerritzen and Marleen van Putten, who is particularly experienced assisting with non-contentious and transaction-related patent cases, are described by clients as ‘razor sharp’. Sophie van Asten is also a key name to note with cross-border tech and life sciences expertise.

BarentsKrans‘ group is a ‘well-oiled machine’, well-placed to assist its list of clients on the gamut of patent matters across industry sectors including life sciences, pharma, tech, and mechanical engineering in particular. Advising clients on litigation strategy and in preparation for court proceedings regarding infringement and invalidity forms a large part of the team’s workload. The team is also equipped to assist in the day-to-day management of IP portfolios. Jaap Bremer heads up the group, a key member of which is Jarieke Timmerman.

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek’s practice is well-equipped to advise on the array of patent proceedings. ‘Go-to Supreme Court attorney in IP cases’ Tobias Cohen Jehoram is experienced representing clients in contentious IP matters. ‘Exceptional patent litigator’ Anne Marie Verschuur has expertise handling tech-related patents work in particular, and acts for clients before the UPC in invalidity and infringement matters including FRAND cases. The pair co-lead the offering. Tech-related patent disputes are also the specialism of Bertrand ter Woort.

The group at CMS is headed up by experienced IP litigator Rogier de Vrey, who is experienced handling international trademark and patent matters, particularly in relation to life sciences, media, and sports. Advising on the enforcement and protection of patents are key areas of focus for the team, in which Yasar Çelebi is a key contact.

The practice at DLA Piper is well-regarded for its abilities advising the range of clients, spanning sectors from IT and tech to energy and offshore, in patent litigation matters. Patent litigator Paul Reeskamp has experience handling domestic and cross-border cases and heads up the offering alongside Alexander Tsoutsanis, who is ‘prepared to roll up his sleeves’ to assist clients.

Houthoff‘s practice is well-equipped to assist its clients with complex IP litigation. At the helm is Thomas de Weerd who has capabilities handling the remit of IP matters from trade secrets to non-contentious licensing and transactional matters, especially in outsourcing, data protection, and IT contexts. Agritech specialist Fleur Tuinzing-Westerhuis is considered a ‘preeminent expert’ in litigation by clients. Thijs van Aerde departed in 2024.

La Gro‘s group is well-equipped to handle the broad range of intricate patent issues, including acting for its sector-spanning clients in infringement and invalidity proceedings before the UPC and the Dutch courts. Benjamin Niemeijer heads up the practice alongside Marleen van den Horst; both team leads harness standout expertise in pharma and life sciences-related matters in particular. ‘Exceptional lawyer’ Iris Arts is also a noteworthy name.

Oxon IP‘s team is helmed by Leythem Wall who has noteworthy expertise handling EPO opposition and appeal matters in relation to patent litigation. The team handles matters across the remit of industry sectors, with a large proportion being for consumer products clients. Many matters handled by the team are millions of euros in value, and span various jurisdictions.