Brinkhof > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Firm Profile
Brinkhof Offices
Grote Bickersstraat 74-78
1013 KS Amsterdam
Netherlands
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Brinkhof > The Legal 500 Rankings
Netherlands > Data privacy and data protection Tier 1
Brinkhof is sought by by high-profile international and domestic clients in the TMT and online platform sectors for assistance in non-contentious and contentious matters and representation in business-critical data mandates. Practice head Quinten Kroes is the main name for data protection-related litigation, such as defending giant tech and social media companies in investigations by the Dutch Data Protection Authority. Associate Manon Oostveen is also active in this field. Remy Chavannes advises clients on matters that intersect data privacy and media law, while Dorien Verhulst is a key contact for lawful interception and works with counsel Anke Strijbos on right to be forgotten GDPR cases.Practice head(s):
Quinten Kroes
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The level of understanding of data protection, telecommunications, related developments, and the overall level of knowledge they have readily available is truly noteworthy.’
‘The team is up to date and upfront in their knowledge and makes the correct assessment between practical solutions and more in-depth visionary advice. The team is young, diverse, easily accessible and flexible.’
‘Quinten Kroes is on top of the latest developments, really thinks with you and goes beyond only the formal legal rules to turn things into practical applicable solutions. He cares about his clients and considers clients’ positions in his advising.’
‘Brinkhof is a law firm that I always recommend to others to work with. Although it may be regarded as fairly small in comparison to other well-known firms, The level of engagement and output of its data privacy and protection and telecoms practices are a high standard.’
‘What makes the individuals at Brinkhof stand out is their personal approach to the working relationship, the level of understanding they have of not only the sector or industry we are in, but also the way we would like to operate as a business. The advice is directly applicable and to the point. Specific mention goes out to Quinten Kroes.’
Key clients
VoetbalTV
DPG Media
T-Mobile
TikTok
Foot Locker
RTL
PwC
Duchenne Parent Project
DLL
Accenture
Work highlights
- Representing VoetbalTV in litigation against the fine imposed by the Dutch DPA regarding the legal basis under the GDPR for its filming and online distribution of amateur football matches.
- Advising Google on various matters including the data protection impact assessment and subsequent negotiations regarding the potential use of Google’s cloud services by government bodies and public sector users.
- Advising DPG Media in its appeal against a large fine imposed by the Dutch DPA for its policy of requiring data subjects to submit a copy of their IDs if they sought access or removal of their personal data.
Netherlands > Industry focus: Information technology Tier 1
Brinkhof’s IT and outsourcing practice advises companies operating in the digital marketplace on numerous transactional mandates, involving outsourcing, tenders and security implementation. The team also advises tech companies on tenders for providing innovative solutions, including SaaS and cybersecurity systems for global companies, such as retailers. Eliane de Vilder is a go-to for clients in the TMT sector in need of advice on software and IT-related commercial contracts. De Vilder is also a key contact for clients when it comes to tech disputes. Outsourcing of critical business functions and licensing forms the bulk of Wieke van Angeren‘s practice; she assists financial institutions and notable TMT sector clients. Teun Burgers' promotion to partner level as of 1st of January 2023 further strengthens the team’s offering in IT contractual matters.Practice head(s):
Eliane de Vilder; Wieke van Angeren
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘I have worked with Brinkhoff on complex requirements for IT advice combining intellectual property (licensing and copyright) and distribution as well as reseller disputes. It is unusual to deal with lawyers who, as individuals, span these complex areas – yet Brinkhof has a team of them.’
‘We have worked with Weike van Angeren and Teun Burgers. They worked together as an extremely effective team. Standouts.’
‘Brinkof has one of the largest and most experienced dedicated IT-contracting practices in the Netherlands.’
‘We always work with Teun Burgers. We initially came to him for our IT-contracting work, but now he is our preferred lawyer for all our complex contracting work which he always brings to a successful closing. Teun is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, time-efficient and overall, very pleasant to work with.’
Key clients
Accenture
Avebe
CarNext
Cenosco
Comcast
Cybersprint
De Lage Landen
DMFCO
ERIKS
Evos
FarmTrace
Friesland Lease
Intertrust
Lynx
Metrological
Nedap
RTL Group
Solynta
Transdev
Xindao
Work highlights
- Assisting CarNext in negotiating the agreement for setting up a fully integrated global auction platform for vehicle remarketing.
- Advising Cybersprint, a major attack-management company, on the sale of its entire issued share capital to LSE-listed Darktrace, a global leader in cyber security.
- Assisting ERIKS, an international industrial engineering and logistics company, in the retender of business-critical global IT operations, representing it in all negotiations with the chosen supplier, Cognizant.
Netherlands > Industry focus: Media and entertainment Tier 1
Brinkhof has a major footprint in the media, broadcast, internet and telecoms sectors, with major international broadcasters, telecoms providers and online technology companies on its client roster. With ground-breaking litigation in internet and information law and an ever-growing number of European and US media and tech clients seeking advice on EU policy and compliance, the firm provides a full spectrum of expertise. Heading the media and entertainment and platform regulation and litigation practices, Remy Chavannes represents broadcasters and publishers, as well as internet platforms and has litigated dozens of cases at the intersection of copyright, freedom of expression, and privacy. TMT specialist, Quinten Kroes, assists radio broadcasters on the various frequency allocations and acts for commercial broadcasters in legal challenges. Dorien Verhulst represents Google in all its litigations. Anke Strijbos, a specialist in data protection and copyright law, is closely involved in significant media and platform-regulation cases.Practice head(s):
Remy Chavannes; Dorien Verhulst
Other key lawyers:
Quinton Kroes; Anke Strijbos; Bart Tromp
Testimonials
‘A very knowledgeable team, especially at partner level. They understand the need for concise and practical advice that is forged on in depth legal knowledge, and they understand the business needs of their clients.’
‘Remy Chavannes is a great communicator with excellent legal and advisory skills. He can navigate complex legal questions as well as internal politics and is a joy to work with.’
‘Brinkhof is a reputable firm with high quality lawyers.’
‘I work with Quinten Kroes and Remy Chavannes who are both knowledgeable and smart.’
Key clients
Association of Dutch Commercial Radio broadcasters
Disney
Nieuwsuur
FD Mediagroep
Meta Platforms
RTL Group
RTL Nederland
Sky Radio
Radio Veronica
T-Mobile
Work highlights
- Represents Google in all of its Dutch litigation, including acting for its video platform YouTube in cutting-edge proceedings concerning the take-down of two videos due to violations of Google’s COVID 19 disinformation policies.
- Representing broadcaster RTL Group in administrative litigation before the Belgian Council of State relating to regulatory jurisdiction over RTL’s language channels targeting the French-speaking Belgian market.
- Acting for the Association of Dutch Commercial Radio Broadcasters in high-stakes performing-rights rate-setting litigation against collective management organisation Sena.
Netherlands > Industry focus: telecoms Tier 1
Brinkhof’s ‘long history of working in telecoms’ is demonstrated by the range of work clients entrust the telecoms team with. Its caseload includes representing satellite providers in major disputes, acting for mobile network providers in patent litigation and disputes concerning the rollout and maintenance of services of fibre connections and digital infrastructure. The firm also handles non-contentious mandates, including advising clients on the construction of fiberglass internet connectivity and compliance with EU regulation and telecoms data protection laws. TMT specialist Quinten Kroes negotiates and drafts key commercial contracts in the telecoms sector; Pepijn van Ginneken focuses on telecoms regulatory matters; Remy Chavannes is sought out for expertise in litigation; and Dorien Verhulst advises on spectrum allocation, pricing and lawful interception and acts for clients in civil claims for damages. Hanneke Kooijman provides additional support.Practice head(s):
Pepijn van Ginneken; Quinten Kroes; Remy Chavannes
Other key lawyers:
Dorien Verhulst; Hanneke Kooijman
Testimonials
‘Brinkhof has a long history of working in Telecoms, which is a huge asset.’
‘Brinkhof and Pepijn van Ginneken, in particular, have great knowledge and insight into Telecoms regulation. In addition, Pepijn is a pleasure to work with: very knowledgeable but still open to input from others. With Pepijn working on your case you know it will be smooth sailing.’
‘Hanneke Kooijman is a rising star – responsive and good to work with. Great potential for future.’
Key clients
T-Mobile
Tele2
KPN
Glasdraad
VCR
Xiaomi
Eurofiber
OPPO
Work highlights
- Representing T-Mobile in a legal challenge by satellite-based communications provider Inmarsat on account of the Government’s decision to change the designation of the 3.5 GHz frequency.
- Acting for China-based Oppo and Xaomi in a large number of infringement and nullity proceedings relating to infringements of standard essential patents against several companies that include Nokia and Sisvel.
- Representing The Dutch Association of National Commercial Radiobroadcasters on the Government’s decision to allow an additional three-year extension of FM-licenses to allow radio broadcasters to recuperate their COVID-19 loses.
Netherlands > Intellectual property: Patents Tier 1
With major strengths in coordinating parallel European and global patent litigation, Brinkhof regularly assists market-leading clients in the pharmaceuticals, biotech, food and electronics sectors in high-profile and precedent-setting proceedings. The six full-time patent litigation partners are often the first port of call for large cases. Members of the European patent lawyers association Richard Ebbink and Mark Van Gardingen head a growing and specialised team. Koen Bijvank and Daan De Lange act for clients in specialist areas, with the former experienced in life sciences and the latter in micro-electronics. Promoted to partner in January 2021, Jan Pot is part of a select few lawyers in Netherlands who specialise in Supreme Court appeal proceedings. Fellow promoted partner Rien Broekstra focuses on the electronics sector. The team is completed by in-house patent attorneys working alongside the partners. With the introduction of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), the firm has expanded its global network, combining forces with German patent powerhouse Vossius & Partner to increase its scope of pan-European patent litigation.Practice head(s):
Richard Ebbink; Mark van Gardingen
Other key lawyers:
Daan de Lang; Koen Bijvank; Jan Pot; Rien Broekstra; Rik Lambers; Alexander de Leeuw; Barbara Mooij
Testimonials
‘Strong expertise in patent litigation.’
Key clients
Amgen
Boston Scientific
Heineken
OPPO
Sandoz
Synthon
Tata Steel
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
VanMoof
Vision-Box
Work highlights
- Assisting Accord in complex patent cases against major pharmaceuticals originators on a worldwide basis, overseeing litigation and coordinating European litigation strategies.
- Representing mobile phone manufacturer OPPO in multi-jurisdictional patent disputes with a multitude of proprietors of standard essential patents (SEPs).
- Acting for the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard on its significant European CRISPR patent portfolio and other patents.
Netherlands > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights Tier 1
Brinkhof’s soft IP team is often the first port of call for well-known and leading international brands. The firm has two dedicated trade mark partners in Gregor Vos and Kurt Stopetie; the pair are experienced advisors on IP and litigation strategies. Remy Chavannes and Dorien Verhulst focus on digital copyright, working on intersecting copyright, freedom of expression and privacy law matters. Counsel Anke Strijbos is a key contact for media licensing matters, often advising clients on media regulation, collective rights and digital piracy issues.Practice head(s):
Kurt Stöpetie; Gregor Vos; Remy Chavannes; Dorien Verhulst
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Our main supplier of legal services in the Benelux. Always trustworthy and reliable. Delivers what is expected.’
‘Gregor Vos is our main contact at Brinkhof. He is a super litigator and provides excellent advice for our clients.’
Key clients
adidas
IKEA
INEOS
Amazon
T-Mobile
Netflix
Apple
Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook)
Polaroid
Zalando
Ferrari
Jack Daniel’s
Association of Dutch Commercial Radio Broadcasters
Lamborghini
Xindao
Cosmetic Warriors
Chordify
Skechers
Work highlights
- Representing IKEA in pan-EU trade mark litigation regarding key products.
- Representing adidas in all trade mark and design rights issues in the Benelux region, including in a Supreme Court case relating to the well-known 3 Stripes trade mark.
- Representing INEOS in its case against Jaguar Land Rover regarding the latter’s alleged copyrights in the defendant’s design.
Netherlands > EU and competition Tier 2
Brinkhof stands out for its expertise in the media, technology and telecoms sectors, thanks in large part to the knowledge of practice heads Pepijn van Ginneken and Quinten Kroes. The team regularly advises global tech and TMT companies on cartel damages claims and investigations into allegations of abuse of dominance, before both Dutch and EU courts and competition authorities. It is regularly instructed by claimants in both standalone and follow-on damages litigation, including acting for Heineken in the high-profile trucks cartel follow-on litigation. The firm is also active in ACM investigations and is often a point of contact for international firms, particularly US-based, acting for multinational companies.Practice head(s):
Pepijn van Ginneken; Quinten Kroes
Other key lawyers:
Boukje van der Maazen; Hanneke Kooijman
Testimonials
‘Strengths – clear, concise advice, especially for overseas clients. Complex litigation a real specialty. Collaboration with UK counsel has been seamless.’
‘Pepijn van Ginneken – Calm, measured approach; extremely client friendly with a good sense of humour. On top of all issues, very ably assisted by Boukje van der Maazen.’
‘Brinkhof’s EU competition practice is very approachable and always able to deliver.’
‘Hanneke Kooijman is a rising star within the ranks of Brinkhof’s EU and competition practice.’
‘Great attention to detail. Solid competition litigation experience.’
‘Pepijn van Ginneken has real in-depth expertise of private damages litigation before the Dutch courts.’
‘This team are really very good. They are technically proficient, likeable, timely… and have the directness of Dutch people, which is quite helpful in litigation: Pepijn is definitely not a “fence sitter”. A very modern practice.’
‘We have worked with Pepijn van Ginneken for a couple of years and we have found him to be trustworthy. He has a lot of knowledge on competition law in our industry. His advice matches our needs and wishes seamlessly.’
Key clients
Heineken
Mosadex
Wadinko
Ikea
Toshiba
FD Mediagroep
Eurofiber
Crédit Agricole
Global Steel Wire
NFA
Diageo
Vestel
AB Inbev
Adrestia
VCR (Dutch Association of Commercial Radio Broadcasters)
DeltaMilk
Expedia
Glasdraad
NFZ
FedEx
Work highlights
- Representing Vestel in FRAND determination proceedings against the members of an international patent pool concerning standard essential patents on video coding, based on abuse of dominance and the infringement of the cartel prohibition.
- Representing a number of worldwide brewery groups (among them Heineken) and other large companies in international follow-on damages litigation resulting from the trucks cartel.
- Assisting Mosadex in an EC merger notification following its announced joint venture with Ace in which the Commission redefined the market and allowed the merger to go ahead.
Brinkhof > Firm Profile
The firm: Brinkhof was established as an independent Dutch law firm in 2005. Its lawyers are dedicated, experienced litigators, advisors, drafters, and negotiators. They cater to clients from innovative industries, including high-tech, pharma, medical devices, media, telecoms, retail, food, fashion, and financial. The breadth of knowledge and depth of specialist experience makes Brinkhof a centre of legal expertise for modern markets. Brinkhof’s IP practice is one of the broadest in the Netherlands. Its platforms regulation & litigation team advises several of the world’s online giants. The competition team is the premier team for the full range of competition and regulatory law advice. The IT team is known for its expertise in the area of sourcing and IT contracting. Brinkhof has dedicated and experienced privacy law specialists providing clients with practical business advice. Seasoned non-contentious IP specialists also deal with licensing, R&D arrangements and similar transactions on a daily basis.
Main areas of practice
Patent litigation general:
- Represented Dow Chemical Company in trade secret misappropriation proceedings regarding opaque and non-opaque polymers (for use in paints) against Organik Kimya (up to the Supreme Court).
- Represented Boston Scientific in several proceedings regarding cardiovascular technology (vascular stents, stent coatings, heart catheters) against various competitors.
- Represented Xiaomi and OPPO in several proceedings against Sisvel on injunctions in case of standard essential patents (SEPs) and FRAND-conditions.
- Represented Heineken in several proceedings against Anheuser-Busch InBev before the Hague specialised patent courts and coordinated the worldwide patent dispute.
- Represented The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in matters related to their European CRISPR patent portfolio and other related patents.
Pharmaceuticals and biotech:
- Represented Sandoz in various pending nullity and infringement proceedings concerning generic medicaments, e.g. against AstraZeneca (esomeprazole and quetiapine), GlaxoSmithKline (salmeterol + fluticasone), Leo Pharma (calcipotriol), Merck (dorzolamide + timolol), and Sanofi-Aventis (docetaxel).
- Represented Synthon in nullity and infringement proceedings against various competitors, including Astellas (tamsulosine) and Teva (glatiramer acetate).
- Represented Celtrion in nullity proceedings against Biogen, Roche and Genentech (rituximab).
- Represented Novozymes in multi-jurisdictional nullity and infringement proceedings against DSM (lactose for milk).
- Represented Accord Healthcare in nullity and infringement proceedings against competitors, including against AstraZeneca (quetiapine) and Medac (methotrexate).
IP and unfair competition:
- Legal support to Google for IP matters, including trademark, domain name and Adwords related disputes and licensing and privacy issues.
- Represented WILD in international trademark litigation aimed at protecting the shape of the CAPRI-SUN branded fruit juice pouches.
- Advised and represented Adidas in all of its IP issues in the Netherlands, amongst which litigation in the textbook case about the well-known 3 Stripes trademark of Adidas.
- Represented Nestle in European proceedings against Cadbury (Mondelez) regarding its EU trademarks for the shapes of its KitKat products.
- Represented T-Mobile in advertising proceedings against Vodafone, Ziggo and KPN.
- Advised LeasePlan on its IP portfolio, including coordination of enforcement and strategy of its IP rights throughout the Benelux and Europe, providing LeasePlan with guidance on its product introductions, and product commercials.
- Represented Infineon in a trademark dispute against NXP regarding public transport technology.
IT:
- Supported a leading Dutch company in the financial and leasing industry in a multi-jurisdictional WAN project, as well as on agile and DevOps issues.
- Supported Euronext-listed Dutch multinational Nedap in drafting all of its template agreements and representing it in complex negotiations with business partners and customers.
- Assisted USG People in replacing several business critical IT systems supporting front and back office processes.
- Advised ERIKS on various multi-jurisdictional sourcing matters in connection with its global operations.
Data protection:
- Represented WhatsApp in the Dutch Data Protection Authority’s inquiry into its use of telephone numbers.
- Advised Randstad in the Dutch Data Protection Authority’s inquiry into its processing of employee data.
- Represented Dutch Railways in litigation on personal data and public transport cards.
- Legal support to Google on privacy and data protection law, represented Google in the investigations conducted by the Dutch Data Protection Authority over a new privacy policy and in a number of proceedings over ‘the right to be forgotten’
EU and competition:
- Represented merging parties in national and international merger control cases, such as former telecoms incumbent KPN.
- Represented clients in national and international litigation on abuse of dominance, such as the international airport Schiphol.
- Represented parties in cartel and regulatory litigation, such as energy incumbent Nuon.
- Represented defendants in civil cartel damage cases domestically, such as in the Pressed Steel and Paraffin Wax cartels.
- Acting for online platforms in several investigations by the national competition authority ACM, such as Google.
Media, entertainment and reputation management:
- Acted for Google in a significant number of proceedings about delisting of search results under the European ‘right to be forgotten’, removal of hosted content, and provision of user data.
- Advised several major tech companies regarding EU regulation of online platforms, including audiovisual media services, copyright, and hate speech.
- Represented Fox Sports Eredivisie in commercial image-rights litigation.
- Represented public broadcaster Omroep MAX in civil defamation proceedings over a TV broadcast, and in administrative proceedings over rights to a broadcasting slot and over a fine imposed in relation to merchandising for the Dutch version of the Great British Bake Off.
- Represented the association of Dutch commercial radio broadcasters in music royalty rate-setting litigation.
- Advised a number of broadcasters and online media platforms in relation to cable distribution, collective rights, and jurisdiction under the AVMS directive.
- Represented financial newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad in a number of defamation proceedings.
Telecoms:
- Represented KPN in appeal procedures regarding Vodafone-Ziggo and Liberty-Ziggo before the EU Court of Justice.
- Represented Sky Radio in litigation against the Dutch State relating to the license fees imposed for the extension of radio licenses.
- Represented Tele2 in civil damages litigation relating to the introduction of shared broadband access.
- Represented Eurofiber in various telecoms regulatory matters, including its successful appeal against near-net regulation.
- Represented CAIW in an EU state aid notification for next generation access networks.
Managing partners: Richard Ebbink, Quinten Kroes
Number of partners: 14
Number of lawyers: 39
Languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Patent litigation | Richard Ebbink | richard.ebbink@brinkhof.com | |
Patent litigation | Mark van Gardingen | mark.vangardingen@brinkhof.com | |
Patent validity and infringement | Daan de Lange | daan.delange@brinkhof.com | |
Patent validity and infringement | Koen Bijvank | koen.bijvank@brinkhof.com | |
Patent litigation | Jan Pot | jan.pot@brinkhof.com | |
Patent litigation | Rien Broekstra | rien.broekstra@brinkhof.com | |
Trade mark litigation | Gregor Vos | gregor.vos@brinkhof.com | |
Trade mark litigation | Kurt Stöpetie | kurt.stopetie@brinkhof.com | |
Unfair competition | Gregor Vos | gregor.vos@brinkhof.com | |
Unfair competition | Kurt Stöpetie | kurt.stopetie@brinkhof.com | |
Life sciences | Mark van Gardingen | mark.vangardingen@brinkhof.com | |
Life sciences | Daan de Lange | daan.delange@brinkhof.com | |
Pharmaceuticals and biotech | Mark van Gardingen | mark.vangardingen@brinkhof.com | |
Pharmaceuticals and biotech | Koen Bijvank | koen.bijvank@brinkhof.com | |
Copyright protection | Remy Chavannes | remy.chavannes@brinkhof.com | |
Copyright protection | Dorien Verhulst | dorien.verhulst@brinkhof.com | |
Copyright protection | Gregor Vos | gregor.vos@brinkhof.com | |
Licensing | Wieke van Angeren | wieke.vanangeren@brinkhof.com | |
Licensing | Eliane de Vilder | eliane.devilder@brinkhof.com | |
IP portfolio management | Gregor Vos | gregor.vos@brinkhof.com | |
IP portfolio management | Kurt Stöpetie | kurt.stopetie@brinkhof.com | |
EPO oppositions | Koen Bijvank | koen.bijvank@brinkhof.com | |
EPO oppositions | Mark van Gardingen | mark.vangardingen@brinkhof.com | |
Supplementary protection certificates | Koen Bijvank | koen.bijvank@brinkhof.com | |
Supplementary protection certificates | Daan de Lange | daan.delange@brinkhof.com | |
EU and competition | Pepijn van Ginneken | pepijn.vanginniken@brinkhof.com | |
Media and entertainment | Remy Chavannes | remy.chavannes@brinkhof.com | |
Media and entertainment | Quinten Kroes | quinten.kroes@brinkhof.com | |
Telecoms | Pepijn van Ginneken | pepijn.vanginniken@brinkhof.com | |
Telecoms | Quinten Kroes | quinten.kroes@brinkhof.com | |
IT | Eliane de Vilder | eliane.devilder@brinkhof.com | |
IT | Wieke van Angeren | wieke.vanangeren@brinkhof.com | |
Privacy and data protection | Quinten Kroes | quinten.kroes@brinkhof.com |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Koen Bijvank | Partner | View Profile | |
Remy Chavannes | Partner | View Profile | |
Richard Ebbink | Partner | View Profile | |
Quinten Kroes | Partner | View Profile | |
Jan Pot | Partner | View Profile | |
Dorien Verhulst | Partner | View Profile | |
Gregor Vos | Partner | View Profile | |
Daan de Lange | Partner in patent litigation | View Profile | |
Eliane de Vilder | Partner | View Profile | |
Wieke van Angeren | Partner | View Profile | |
Mark van Gardingen | Partner | View Profile | |
Pepijn van Ginneken | Partner | View Profile |