Bird & Bird‘s soft IP team is lauded for ‘finding forward-thinking solutions to complex problems’ in both contentious and advisory trade mark and copyright matters, supporting clients seeking to register new IP and representing both plaintiffs and defendants before the Dutch, Benelux and EU courts in infringement, parallel import and anti-counterfeiting proceedings. Heading the team is ‘outstanding attorney’ Manon Rieger-Jansen, who litigates trade mark, copyright and product design disputes for retailers and luxury brands. Trade mark attorney Daan Wijnnobel frequently appears before the Benelux and EU intellectual property offices to handle refusal, cancellation and opposition matters, while Nina Dorenbosch focuses on matters of product design in the fashion and retail industries. Clemens Molle represents music and gaming clients in copyright disputes.

Providing ‘excellent, succinct advice’, Brinkhof is a popular choice for a range of household names for its expertise in Dutch and EU trade mark and copyright litigation, representing clients involved in infringement and cancellation proceedings, while also supporting clients’ trade mark prosecution and design filing efforts. The team is headed by trade mark litigator Gregor Vos; copyright specialists Remy Chavannes and Dorien Verhulst, who handle a range of matters tied to privacy law, freedom of expression and media law; and Anke Strijbos, partner as of January 2023, who advises on music licensing and intermediary liability. The practice was further augmented by the October 2023 arrival from NautaDutilh of Fleur Folmer, whose practice encompasses trade mark, design and domain name litigation on behalf of clients in such sectors as fashion, electronics and retail. Co-founder Kurt Stöpetie departed the firm in October 2022.

Under the leadership of ‘IP luminary’ and Supreme Court litigator Tobias Cohen Jehoram, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek acts for clients from across a spectrum of industries in multi-jurisdictional soft IP disputes, including infringement and validity proceedings, counterfeiting issues and complex issues tied to copyright levies. Selmer Bergsma litigates contractual IP disputes, in addition to trade secrets matters, with Roos van der Poel taking the lead on transactional matters, advising on IP transfers tied to M&As and assisting on the structuring of IP portfolios. Gertjan Harryvan assists Jehoram with Supreme Court appeals.

Through the utilisation of its network of offices across Europe, HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER is well-placed to coordinate multi-jurisdictional soft IP litigation for well known brands in the electronics, food and beverages, fashion and luxury sectors. Next to contentious work, the group also handles trade mark prosecutions and provides strategic IP advice. Joris van Manen leads the team, specialising in IT-related IP issues, including those concerning peer-to-peer file sharing, ISPs and proxy servers. ‘Excellent litigator’ Laura Fresco handles opposition and invalidity proceedings before the EUIPO. Frank Eijsvogels specialises in customs issues and the drafting of IP agreements.

The ‘highly experienced and approachable team’ at bureau Brandeis specialises in disputes concerning digital copyrights, and frequently appears before Dutch and European courts on issues centred on infringements, questions of platform liability and contractual disagreements. Leadership of the practice is shared between Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, a specialist in matters at the intersection of copyright and intermediary liability, and Hans Bousie, who handles both copyright and competition matters for media and entertainment clients. Syb Terpstra focuses on copyright and trade mark disputes tied to the music industry, while he and Sophie van Everdingen both handle matters of portrait and image rights. Caroline de Vries moved to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy in December 2022.

DLA Piper supports clients with the management of their global IP portfolios, representing them before Dutch and European courts in a spectrum of IP disputes, ranging from infringement claims to revocation actions and anti-piracy work. Leading the team is Niels Mulder, who is noted for coordinating soft IP litigation across multiple jurisdictions, specialising in copyright, brand protection and the devising of anti-counterfeiting strategies. Alexander Tsoutsanis handles the spectrum of soft IP matters, with a client base that encompasses tech, sport, entertainment and life sciences giants. Trade mark attorney Sophie Gauquier-Rutgers advises on the enforcement and ongoing management of IP portfolios, with Rutger Stoop litigating matters concerning product designs and trade names.

Houthoff's ‘innovative and creative’ practice is a strong choice for clients that require specialist Supreme Court litigation support, with Thijs van Aerde handling complex, often cross-border trade mark and copyright disputes, including issues tied to the collection of copyright levies, seizures of infringing goods and IP contract disputes. Led by IT, privacy and IP specialist Thomas de Weerd, the team also includes Nicole Bilderbeek, a Supreme Court litigator who handles software-related IP litigation, in addition to assisting with IP-heavy transactions, licensing and transfer agreements.

The ‘true legal and judicial experts’ at Kennedy Van der Laan divide their focus between the tech, media and entertainment, fashion and luxury sectors, representing clients in major trade mark infringement claims and issues around intermediary liability. The practice is led by Maarten Schut, a specialist in tech and life sciences trade mark disputes; IP, IT and sports-focused Alfred Meijboom; and Joran Spauwen, whose expertise lies in assisting the IP aspects of tech transactions. Reindert van der Zaal represents both domestic and international fashion, luxury and sports brands in trade mark and advertising matters, and co-heads the firm’s anti-counterfeiting program.

Leeway focuses solely on soft IP matters, advises well-known names in the retail and fashion sectors on trade mark prosecutions and litigation across the Benelux region, acting for plaintiffs in infringement disputes and supporting clients facing cancellation and opposition proceedings before Dutch and European courts. The team is led in tandem by the ‘very knowledgeable’ Michiel Odink, a specialist in the retail and digital services sectors, and ‘IP superstar’ Marga Verwoert, who advises fashion brands and celebrities on the protection of their IP portfolios. Jos Klaus is a name to note for online IP infringement, advising on marketing campaigns and matters concerning misleading advertising, with Nini Blom acting for clients in domain name disputes and advising on licensing and distribution agreements.

Described by a client as ‘one of the best IP boutiques in the Netherlands’, Visser Schaap & Kreijger is well versed in assisting clients with the protection and enforcement of their IP rights, acting for well-known media and publishing names in copyright infringement and licensing disputes, and in the licensing of IP for merchandising. Leading the team is Jacqueline Schaap, a specialist in copyright and defamation litigation, and Dirk Visser, who has extensive experience in anti-piracy matters tied to the film and music industries and collecting societies. Paul Kreijger is noted for his expertise in competition-related IP matters. Patty de Leeuwe focuses on platform liability and anti-piracy measures.

AKD acts for clients based in the Netherlands and further afield in trade mark and copyright infringements, appearing before the Dutch and Benelux courts, in addition to arbitration proceedings. Furthermore, the firm also assists clients with trade mark prosecutions and advises on the IP aspects of corporate transactions. The team is led by copyright and database rights specialist Martin Hemmer and includes Huib Berendschot, who specialises in litigating parallel import and counterfeiting issues. Roderick Chalmers Hoynck van Papendrecht advises on licensing and distribution agreements, and takes on infringement cases. Bram Woltering handles cases of parallel trade and transit.

Baker McKenzie's Dutch IP team works closely with the firm’s offices around Europe to handle pan-European trade mark prosecution and management strategies for numerous household names, while also taking instructions on infringement disputes. Leading the team are Benjamin van Kessel, who handles both contentious and advisory matters, including IP transactions and portfolio restructuring, and Steffen Hagen, whose focus is predominantly on soft IP infringement cases and brand enforcement matters. Trade mark attorney Ischa Gobius du Sart takes the lead on strategic trade mark and design issues, also handling opposition proceedings and advising on the management of IP portfolios.

With a practice that covers trade mark and copyright litigation in addition to advisory work, Boekx Advocaten is sought out by the retail (including e-commerce) and design sectors, and is also noted for its specialisation in plant variety law. The practice is led by ‘brilliant lawyer’ Diederik Stols, who advises sports apparel, consumer goods and entertainment clients on the spectrum of soft IP matters. Hidde Koenraad, described by one client as an ‘excellent attorney,’ handles both IP disputes and advises on the management of portfolios for automotive, life sciences and plant breeding sector clients.

The ‘true experts in trade mark and copyright law’ at Hoogenraad & Haak advise clients at the confluence of three key areas, namely soft IP, advertising and food law, where they tackle critical litigation concerning alleged infringements and assist with the ongoing protection of existing trade mark portfolios. Cross-border trade mark, copyright and design litigation is the domain of practice head Maarten Haak, who also handles unfair competition disputes. Daniël Haije advises on the licensing of IP rights, and also supports noted retail and food and beverage clients in infringement proceedings. Moïra Truijens represents clients across the spectrum of contentious soft IP and patent proceedings.

Höcker Advocaten is the firm of choice for a number of the Netherlands’ collecting societies, providing them with advice on complex copyright issues tied to music and entertainment. Practice head Jacqueline Seignette frequently takes on copyright litigation, advising on infringement proceedings and collective rights management. Marijn Kingma is noted for her expertise in matters that touch on both copyright and privacy law, while Joep Meddens handles IP-heavy transactions.

NautaDutilh acts for clients facing pan-Benelux IP challenges, tackling trade mark and copyright infringement disputes and also assisting with counterfeiting prevention and customs seizures. The ‘pragmatic and proactive’ Jeroen Boelens has stepped into the role of practice head following Anne Marie Verschuur's July 2023 departure, covering multi-jurisdictional trade mark disputes and non-contentious matters, including IP licensing and due diligence. Charles Gielen acts for plaintiffs and defendants in trade mark infringement proceedings, with Liselotte Bekke advising at the intersection of IP and advertising law. Richard van Oerle retired in February 2023, and October 2023 saw Fleur Folmer depart the firm.

Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV is frequently instructed by Dutch public bodies, including government ministries and city authorities, in Supreme Court appeals concerning trade mark and copyright disputes. The practice, which is led by Supreme Court litigator and ‘absolute expert on copyright law’ Sikke Kingma, also handles IP disputes on behalf of private sector clients. Jordi Bierens' practice encompasses both IP litigation and non-contentious advice.

Ploum coordinates multi-jurisdictional anti-counterfeiting and parallel import efforts for automotive, luxury goods, and food and beverage clients, while operating in close connection with the firm’s IT team to handle tech-related copyright and database rights matters. Jointly leading the team are Willem Leppink, an expert in trade mark and copyright infringement disputes, and Sabin Tigu, who handles domain name disputes and parallel import matters. Paul Trapman advises on privacy law and handles trade mark and copyright litigation.

Taylor Wessing's integrated Benelux IP team is skilled in the handling of cross-border IP matters, including multi-jurisdictional filing strategies and soft IP litigation and WIPO arbitrations. Leading the firm’s soft IP practice in both the Netherlands and Belgium are the ‘reliable and innovative’ Maarten Rijks, who representc clients in the full range of soft IP disputes, and Wim Maas, who also heads the firm’s litigation and investigations team. Margot van Gerwen assists with the protection of product designs and also advises on matters of media and e-commerce law.

With a particular focus on the film, TV and theatre sectors, Van Kaam IP & Media advises clients on the protection of their copyright and trade mark portfolios, taking on cross-border infringement disputes, in addition to  supporting clients with the drafting and negotiating of IP contracts. The practice is led by Bertil van Kaam, who represents entertainment industry clients in court and provides expertise in licensing deals. Jacintha van Dorp focuses on copyright and trade mark cases tied to online platforms. Remco Klöters, a specialist in EUIPO and BOIP opposition and invalidity proceedings, left in January 2024.

BarentsKrans represents clients in multi-jurisdictional copyright and trade mark disputes, assisting with infringement and counterfeiting matters, in addition to providing non-contentious and transactional IP advice. ‘Top-notch IP lawyer’ Jaap Bremer heads the practice, with a focus on the food and beverages, telecoms and retail sectors, frequently appearing before the Dutch courts and EUIPO on their behalf. Jan Jacobi joined the practice from an in-house role in August 2023, specialising in contentious IP matters in the fashion and fast-moving consumer good sectors. Marleen van den Horst moved to La Gro in February 2023.

Seen by clients as a ‘highly professional and innovative IP partner’, Dentons handles trade mark and copyright disputes before the Dutch courts and EUIPO, and is also noted for its work on anti-counterfeiting class action lawsuits. Practice head Alexander Odle covers both trade mark and design litigation, and he also offers strategic IP advice, in addition to transactional support. Alexander van Laaren heads the firm’s trade mark prosecution work in addition to handling administrative IP matters. Tom Brohm specialises in anti-counterfeiting actions. Nathalie van der Zande departed the firm in February 2024.

Eversheds Sutherland advises clients on the spectrum of trade mark and design issues, from initial prosecution to licensing deals, cross-border infringement and opposition disputes. Thera Adam is the firm’s global co-head of IP, with a practice centred on trade mark and design right litigation. Olaf van Haperen handles matters at the intersection of IP and IT law, with particular expertise in acting for fast-moving consumer goods and healthcare clients. The October 2022 arrival of Alexandra van Lier from Kennedy Van der Laan saw the practice expand its soft IP litigation capacity, in addition to adding expertise in brand strategy.

Under the leadership of ‘very experienced IP lawyer’ Radboud Ribbert, Greenberg Traurig LLP has become the destination of choice for celebrities looking to manage and protect their copyright and trade mark portfolios. Wouter van Wengen's practice covers both the entertainment and tech sectors, and his admission to the New York bar allows him to effectively service intercontinental IP disputes and transactions.

Hogan Lovells International LLP takes instructions on the full spectrum of soft IP matters, including international trade mark and copyright infringement disputes, and also supports clients with a dedicated trade mark prosecution practice. Samantha Brinkhuis leads the practice, with considerable experience in trade mark, copyright and designs disputes, and ancillary expertise in media and advertising law. Giannina Leander and Babette Dol both maintain broad practices, with consumer, retail, fashion and tech clients coming to them for both contentious and transactional IP advice.

Holla legal & tax provides an all-encompassing soft IP practice, representing clients in trade mark, trade name and copyright infringement proceedings, with additional expertise in licensing, franchising and R&D agreements. The practice is led by Luuk Jonker, who advises clients across a wide range of sectors on infringement matters; Robbert Sjoerdsma, who handles soft IP litigation before the Dutch courts and EUIPO; and Kim de Bonth, a specialist in cross-border IP disputes and matters of slavish imitation.

LXA Attorneys adopts an ‘aggressive but effective approach’ to anti-counterfeiting proceedings, assisting notable fashion labels with disputes concerning fake products, and also representing a variety of clients in trade mark and copyright infringement disputes. Thomas Berendsen heads the practice, handling IP disputes for start-ups and fintech clients, with anti-counterfeiting and trade mark advice being the central facets of Gie van den Broek's practice. Fleur Boom and Iris van der Wal are further names to note for contentious soft IP matters.

Simmons & Simmons' ‘brilliant IP team’ enjoys a strong following in the food and beverages sector, with wines and spirits clients entrusting the firm with complex cross-border trade mark infringement and ownership disputes. The ‘world class’ Paul Tjiam spearheads the firm’s IP efforts, acting across the spectrum of soft IP rights and representing a number of well-known NGOs, in addition to corporate clients. He is ably supported by Edwin van der Velde and Daisy Termeulen, both of whom tackle a range of IP disputes.

The IP team at Van Rappard Minneboo Klingenberg brings ‘outstanding knowledge’ of trade mark and copyright law to the table for its clients, while also advising on matters at the intersection of soft IP and IT, and associated contractual matters. Helmer Klingenberg is the key contact for all manner of IP-related contracts, with additional experience in tackling complex IP litigation, and acting on trade mark and copyright disputes, alongside Godert van Rappard, a first port of call for many collective rights organisations. Roald Minneboo specialises in online copyright matters.

Windt Le Grand Leeuwenburgh's ‘creative and hands-on team’ handles the full spectrum of soft IP disputes before the Dutch, Benelux and EU courts, covering issues of copyright, trade mark and design infringement, in addition to advising on matters pertaining to parallel imports. Practice head Timme Geerlof is sought after for his litigation experience, and also assists with the drafting of commercial contracts. Gerard van der Wal has extensive experience pleading cases before the ECJ, acting for luxury, pharmaceutical and agriculture clients, while ‘legal eagle’ Shaharzaad Said maintains a litigious practice, in addition to advising on the drafting of IP agreements.

BINGH Advocaten is noted for its advice to both cultural institutions and corporate clients, providing representation where IP rights have been infringed, and assisting with licensing contracts. Lars Bakers is the key contact within the IP team, focusing on trade mark and copyright litigation, with experience pleading cases before the national courts and the ECJ. He is also well versed in the management and exploitation of IP portfolios.

CMS works alongside other practices to advise clients on multi-jurisdictional trade mark and copyright infringement disputes, while also working with the firm’s corporate teams to handle the IP aspects of transactions. Practice head Rogier de Vrey represents sports, media and life sciences clients in trade mark disputes, while also acting as a WIPO arbitrator. Marcoline van der Dussen specialises in copyright and advertising litigation, focusing on the consumer goods field, with Yasar Çelebi focusing on tech and communications-related IP matters.

The ‘hands-on’ Good Law B.V. team specialises in assisting the fashion and food and beverages sectors with the protection of their brand portfolios, tackling trade mark disputes and advising on anti-counterfeiting measures. These are areas of focus for Carja Mastenbroek, who handles soft IP disputes on behalf of fashion and luxury clients. Sander Verbeek focuses on the retail sector, which he advises on the optimisation of IP portfolios in addition to representing clients in disputes.

Louwers IP Technology Advocaten‘s ‘down-to-earth and practical’ team handles a range of non-contentious matters, including negotiating and drafting IP licenses and R&D agreements, while also appearing for clients before the courts in infringement of trade mark, copyright and trade secret cases. Founding partner Ernst-Jan Louwers is noted for his expertise in tech-related IP matters, covering disputes focused on copyrights, trade marks and database rights, and is further specialised in issues pertaining to plant breeders’ rights. Nathalie van der Zande joined the firm from Dentons in February 2024, with a practice encompassing the enforcement of trade marks and the crafting of IP protection strategies.