Höcker Advocaten > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Firm Profile

Höcker Advocaten
APOLLOLAAN 153 1077 AS Amsterdam
PO BOX 74654
1070 BR AMSTERDAM
Netherlands

Netherlands > Industry focus: Media and entertainment Tier 2

Hailed for its ‘high level of knowledge in the field of copyright’, is a go-to firm for brand names within the media and entertainment sector needing advice on IP-related matters. Led by Marijn Kingma, the team is deeply familiar with rights and protections afforded to literary, music and visual-audio industries. Jacqueline Seignette represents both domestic and international clients on copyright negotiations and disputes, while Joep Meddens is skilled at advising on advertising matters. Meddens is also noted for his experience handling complex defamation cases.

Practice head(s):

Marijn Kingma

Other key lawyers:

Jaqueline Seignette; Joep Meddens

Testimonials

‘Marijn Kingma and his team are experts in both media/communication law and entertainment law. The firm is widely recognised for its media and entertainment practice. I highly recommend them for all matters in the field of music law, audio-visual law, TV and new technology.’

‘Marijn Kingma is a force of nature made entirely of conviction and determination. She has an iron will. She’s an excellent jurist and fine analyst. I’m happy to recommend her and her team.’

‘Marijn Kingma is the go-to lawyer for collective rights organisations. She knows everything there is to know in the market. She is intelligent, sharp-witted, thorough and pleasant to work with. Also, Joep Meddens is a thoughtful, strategic and knowledgeable lawyer.’

‘They have a very strong reputation in the media world.’

‘Marijn Kingma is very accessible and responsive. She has great attention to detail and is always several steps ahead. If you are looking for the best, you have to hire Marijn.’

‘Hocker combines a very good intellectual property unit with other highly relevant expertise such as employment law and liability law. This is ideal for clients who have a focus on IP-rights as well as requiring advice on other areas.’

‘They have great capabilities in the field of copyright.’

‘Jacqueline Seignette is an extremely good lawyer.’

Key clients

Buma/Stemra

Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, SIAE Benelux

Mojo Concerts

Ticketmaster

Stichting de Thuiskopie

Ziggo Dome

Stichting LIRA

Motion Picture Association

Stichting Leenrecht

Omnicom/TBWA/DDB

RadioCorp

Stichting BREIN

WPG Uitgevers

Lama Lama

ROSE Stories

Work highlights

  • Advising RadioCorp on the sale of its shares to Mediahuis, in addition to assisting with their application to participate in the auction for national FM radio frequencies.
  • Representing Stichting BREIN in a suit against News-Service Europe regarding unauthorised access to copyrightable work.
  • Representing Buma/Stemra in a lawsuit involving issues regarding distribution licensing tariffs and the efficiency of the Netherlands’ tariff structure for music performance royalties.

Netherlands > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights Tier 3

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.

Practice head(s):

Jacqueline Seignette

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Marijn Kingma is a force of nature, made entirely of conviction and determination. Everything starts with her great quality of listening, she tries to understand the objectives and provide the best service.’

‘The Höcker IP team is highly specialised in all fields of intellectual property. Great knowledge of the subject matter, as well as the market we operate in. Joep Meddens, Jacqueline Seignette and the other members of the team will go all the way for their clients.’

‘Joep Meddens knows how to plead cases in court, but also how to stay out of court if that benefits his client. Very convincing in negotiations. Jacqueline Seignette knows everything there is to know about copyright and related rights, and knows how to use that knowledge for the benefit of her clients.’

‘Marijn Kingma is the go-to lawyer for collective rights organisations, dealing with copyright and neighbouring rights. She knows everything there is to know in the market. Joep Meddens is a thoughtful, strategic and knowledgeable thinker in this field.’

‘Marijn Kingma is a brilliant legal mind. She has the ability to break down complex legal concepts into easily digestible information, which is truly helpful. She is also a great person. I would 100% recommend working with her to anyone.’

‘Höcker has been a reliable firm and we have worked with them for many years now. They know our DNA and can therefore anticipate our wishes and needs.’

‘We work closely with Jacqueline Seignette, who is a valued partner to us. She is trustworthy, reliable, intelligent, knows us and our opponents well, and her advice is always on point.’

Key clients

Buma/Stemra

Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe and SIEE Benelux

Stichting de Thuiskopie

Pythagoras Music Fund

Stichting BREIN

Stichting LIRA

Motion Picture Association

RadioCorp

ROSE Stories

Omnicom

VEVAM

NVPI

Stichting Leenrecht

Nanada Music Publishing

Merk X

Work highlights

  • Advised Buma/Stemra in proceedings against Fresh FM, the former Dutch radio station, and its owner.
  • Acted for RadioCorp in regard to matters involving intellectual property, privacy, and contracts.
  • Represented Stichting BREIN in proceedings against News Service Europe, which offered unauthorised access to copyrighted work.

Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 4

Centred on commercial and corporate litigation, the dispute resolution practice at Höcker Advocaten is led by litigator Marc Wolters, who is known for his strength in corporate disputes, especially concerning the nationalisation of banks. The other primary team member is Jolien van Woudenberg, who is experienced in handling contractual disputes and is frequently appointed by the Enterprise Chamber in relation to mismanagement and director’s liability cases. The two collaborate in representing clients ranging from listed companies to NGOs and semi-public organisations, as well as individuals.

Practice head(s):

Marc Wolters

Other key lawyers:

Jolien van Woudenberg; Diederik van Tuyll

Testimonials

‘Personal approach, fast analysis of the (mostly complex) issues. Easily accessible both by email and telephone.’

‘The team consists of very passionate litigators who are involved in the matter at hand.’

‘I worked with Marc Wolters, who is a very knowledgeable lawyer and a good strategic thinker. It is a pleasure to work with him.’

‘Höcker Advocaten has a very good team with diverse specialists who also can work together very well. If someone is on holiday, we do not have to wait, but a colleague takes over in a very capable way. They are quick and pleasant to work with, and also able to deal with the many strategic questions that we have.’

‘Marc Wolters is an excellent lawyer – a very good strategic thinker, quick and not afraid.’

‘Jolien van Woudenberg is very service oriented and an excellent lawyer with broad skills.’

Key clients

Stichting Urgenda

Recalcico

Stichting GOWP

Omnicom

TCC Global

Stichting de Thuiskopie

European Commission

Swapschade

Sony Interactive Entertainment Benelux

Buma/Stemra

Bondis

Momo

Stichting Brein

Work highlights

  • Representing two bankruptcy trustees in various lawsuits against Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos stemming from corruption.
  • Representing 45 international investors in a case concerning the compensation of bond holders in the amount of €800 million in connection with the 2013 nationalisation of SNS Reaal.
  • Represented Stichting GOWP on behalf of 320 parties in four separate proceedings before the Courts of Appeal in Amsterdam, Arnhem-Leeuwarden and Den Bosch against ABN AMRO Bank, Rabobank, SNS Bank and Van Lanschot Bank.

Netherlands > Employment Tier 5

Höcker Advocaten advises on an array of employment matters, including executive issues, sensitive topics such as discrimination, collective labour agreements, and assisting with employment-related issues in M&As. The team often assists with employment contracts and flexible employment arrangements. Practice head Jasper van Hulst is well versed in representing clients such as publishing companies, law firms, and healthcare providers. Mick Hurks excels in complex negotiations.

Practice head(s):

Jasper van Hulst

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘We have a very good relationship with the team and especially with Mick Hurks. He’s always very responsive and all our dealings have been satisfactory.’

‘The employment team is knowledgeable and always quick to respond.’

‘Mick Hurks is smart and creative.’

‘Their unique qualities are personal attention and genuine commitment, speed and incisiveness.’

‘They perform the work as efficiently as possible, and are focused on the intended goal and outcome. Good communication with other legal advisors who were needed in our case.’

‘Jasper van Hulst is an excellent lawyer – sharp and with a very kind, professional attitude.’

‘Mick Hurks is an excellent, very experienced employment lawyer.’

‘I like working with Jasper van Hulst, as he is friendly, knowledgeable and has a pragmatic, hands-on approach.’

Key clients

House of Sports

Delta Airlines

Nemo Science Museum

Omnicom Group

Dutch Association of Performing Arts

HF Sinclair Corporation

MOJO Concerts

Dutch National Opera & Ballet

Amerborgh International

BNNVARA

Centraal Boekhuis

Smurfit Kappa

Work highlights

  • Advised Sonneborn on several employment law issues, including complex dismissal cases and fraud matters.
  • Advising Jump! Communicatie in connection with a company-wide reorganisation that resulted in the loss of nine positions, including the position of managing director.
  • Acted for Mr. Van de Hurk in several proceedings brought by his employer, Van Kruijsdijk Notarissen, a Netherlands-based notary firm, resulting in a landmark decision of the Court of Appeal regarding wage components and equitable compensation.

Firm overview: Höcker Advocaten is an independent law firm based in Amsterdam. The firm offers practical solutions with a clear understanding of opportunities, possibilities and obstacles in the field of both litigation and transactions. Höcker Advocaten acts for domestic and international multinationals and medium-sized companies. For cross-border matters, the firm can call in lawyers from around the globe through its international networks: Interlex Group, IAEL, Transatlantic Law and Adlaw International.

Main areas of practice
Litigation, mediation and arbitration: Höcker Advocaten has extensive experience in all forms of court litigation and dispute resolution, such as Enterprise Court proceedings and class actions. The lawyers of the litigation team also regularly act as mediators in (delicate) business mediations and act as arbitrators in high profile disputes across a wide range of sectors.
Contact: Marc Wolters
Tel: +3120 577 77 57
Email: wolters@hocker.nl

Corporate and M&A: Höcker’s corporate group advises on all corporate law matters, focusing on (cross-border) M&A, joint ventures and restructurings. The team also advises on the position of directors, shareholders and other company stakeholders.
Contact: Marnix van den Bergh
Tel: +31 20 577 77 54
Email: vandenbergh@hocker.nl

Commercial contracts: The commercial contracts lawyers draft and advise on all types of complex commercial contracts including distribution, agency, franchise and services contracts.
Contact: Marnix van den Bergh
Tel: +31 20 577 77 54
Email: vandenbergh@hocker.nl

Employment: Höcker’s employment group deals with all legal issues that could conceivably arise in employer and employee relations, including workplace contracts, collective bargaining, employment disputes, codeterminations, pension schemes and benefits. The team frequently is involved in large (cross-border) reorganisations.
Contact: Jasper van Hulst
Tel: +31 20 577 77 64
Email: vanhulst@hocker.nl

IP&IT: The IP&IT group provides a full service to a wide range of clients in the entertainment, media and IT industries and is the leading advisor of Dutch music and audio-visual rights collecting societies. Areas of expertise include copyright, trademarks, IP enforcement, data privacy, licensing and distribution, and IT contracts. The team is frequently involved in landmark cases, including litigation before the European Court of Justice. The department also has an ongoing anticounterfeit program for several household name clients.
Contact: Jacqueline Seignette
Tel: +31 20 577 77 56
Email: seignette@hocker.nl

Media and marketing: The media and marketing team has experience in the full range of media and advertising law. The group provides counsel to world leading advertising firms and to several media companies. Work includes the clearing of campaigns and conducting risk assessments of publications before they go to print.
Contact: Joep Meddens
Tel: +31 20 577 77 45
Email: meddens@hocker.nl

Litigation Tort and liability, public interest: Within the Höcker litigation team, there is considerable expertise in exploring, securing and enforcing the duties of care that public bodies or private parties owe towards the general public and the common good. This may involve challenging existing market practices, eg to create market access for new business models (renewable energy, circular economy, electric cars) or raise the level of care (responsible, transparent financial services).
Contact: Marijn Kingma
Tel: +31 20 577 77 77 09
Email: kingma@hocker.nl

Key clients: Dutch National Opera & Ballet, The European commission, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Stichting Brein, Buma Stemra, Omnicom, Stichting Urgenda, RadioCorp, MOJO Concerts, Delta Airlines, Smurfit Kappa, HF Sinclair, TCC Global, Motion Picture Association

Firm contacts
Managing partners:

  • Jasper van Hulst – vanhulst@hocker.nl
  • Jolien van Woudenberg – vanwoudenberg@hocker.nl
  • Joep Meddens – meddens@hocker.nl

Number of partners: 8
Number of lawyers: 17
Languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Department Name Email Telephone
Arbitration, Mediaition Herman Doeleman doeleman@hocker.nl
Arbitration, Mediation, Litigation Tort & Liability, Public Interest and class Actions, managing partner Jolien van Woudenberg vanwoudenberg@hocker.nl
Corporate and M&A, Commercial contracts Paul Jongen jongen@hocker.nl
Corporate and M&A, Commercial contracts Marnix van den Bergh vandenbergh@hocker.nl
Corporate, Litigation Tort & Liability, Public Interest and Class Actions Marc Wolters wolters@hocker.nl
Employment and managing partner Jasper van Hulst vanhulst@hocker.nl
Intellectual Property, Information Technology Jacqueline Seignette seignette@hocker.nl
Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property, Media & Marketing and managing partner Joep Meddens meddens@hocker.nl
Employment Mick Hurks hurks@hocker.nl
Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property, Media & Marketing, Public Interest and Class Actions Marijn Kingma kingma@hocker.nl
Photo Name Position Profile
Marijn (M.E.) Kingma photo Ms Marijn (M.E.) Kingma Partner since 1 January 2019. Practice areas: Intellectual Property, Information Technology, Media…
Jacqueline (J.M.B.) Seignette photo Ms Jacqueline (J.M.B.) Seignette Partner at Höcker Advocaten. Practice areas: Intellectual Property, Information Technology, Data Protection,…
Marnix (M.J.E.) van den Bergh photo Mr Marnix (M.J.E.) van den Bergh Partner. Practice areas: international corporate and M&A, international commercial contracts, and litigation…
Number of lawyers : 17
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Spanish
Adlaw International
The Interlex Group
Transatlantic Law International
International Association of Entertainment Lawyers (IAEL)
Contact : Jasper van Hulst, managing partner (vanhulst@hocker.nl)
Contact : Jolien van Woudenberg, managing partner (vanwoudenberg@hocker.nl)
Contact : Joep Meddens, managing partner (meddens@hocker.nl)