Mr Tom Heremans > CMS EU > Brussels, Belgium > Lawyer Profile

CMS is well placed to handle both large international and domestic projects for a client base that includes major technology and e-commerce companies alongside cable channels and international football organisations. IP and domain name disputes specialist Tom Heremans jointly leads the team with electronic communication regulations expert Dirk Van Liedekerke. The team benefits from access to the firm’s network of local media law experts across a wide range of EU member states.

DIY stores, luxury goods retailers and supermarkets are among the clients which CMS has amassed notable expertise. The unit’s far-reaching offering ranges from handling commercial leases, to acting in contentious IP work, to advising on labour law matters and the regulation of price reduction announcements. Renaud Dupont co-leads the team and is well versed in mandates concerning distribution agreements. Fellow co-head Tom Heremans is a copyright and trade mark expert and is singled out for his knowledge of marketing laws and regulations. Loïc de Hults, praised for his ‘clear and business-oriented advice’, has a focus on distribution law.

With specific expertise across the social media, consumer goods, and gambling sectors, CMS assists clients with an array of mandates related to trade marks, unfair competition issues and consumer protection work. The team is also well placed to handle IP disputes and arbitration proceedings. Tom Heremans and Renaud Dupont share leadership duties; Heremans’ varied practice extends to domain name disputes, while Dupont’s trade mark and patent expertise is frequently relied upon by multinationals in the media and chemicals sectors. Lisbeth Depypere is praised for her ‘creative and nuanced presentation at trial’.

CMS acts for clients in complex and cross-border litigation spanning shareholder rights issues, unfair trade practices, banking disputes, and insolvency and restructuring work. The firm is adept at handling cases concerning technology elements, acting for clients including Amazon, Deliveroo and Meta, and has a capable cross-firm arbitration practice. Renaud Dupont and Tom Heremans lead the team that consists of ‘stellar EU law and litigation counsel‘ Dirk Van Liedekerke and Matthieu Van Lierde and Alexis Laes, who are commended for being ‘strong lawyers with great client management skills’.