Hall Of Fame

Rising Stars

Industry focus: telecoms in Netherlands

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird is renowned for guiding prominent Dutch and international telecom companies through areas including fibre network development, spectrum distribution, and advanced regulatory matters. Marjolein Geus and Paul Waszink steer the telecoms practice, with Geus a leader in managing international and EU digital sector projects and seen as a ‘go-to-person regarding telecoms-related disputes.’ Waszink offers seasoned advice and litigation support to major telecoms entities and financial institutions on telecom-related issues. Frank Simons focuses on pioneering telecom projects, including telecoms infrastructure and the introduction of next-generation services. Feyo Sickinghe advises telecoms industry groups in the Netherlands and EU, focusing on new legislative and regulatory developments.

Practice head(s):

Marjolein Geus; Paul Waszink


Other key lawyers:

Frank Simons; Feyo Sickinghe; Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa; Pauline Kuipers


Testimonials

‘Marjolein Geus stands out. She is committed to her clients, knowledgeable on development and a pleasant and warm person.’

‘The team has a pragmatic approach, hands-on way of working and is very skilled and knowledgeable on the subject matter.’

Marjolein Geus provides great support on telecom and regulatory compliance.’

‘Bird & Bird’s telecoms practice is a powerhouse for telecoms regulatory matters, with a depth of sectoral experience few other firms have.’

‘Joost van Roosmalen knows the business and is able to translate the customer wishes into concrete action. Marjolein Geus knows her way around the courts and the industry, and is always able to think towards goals that can be reached.’

‘Marjolein Geus thinks six steps ahead and is able to connect legal strategy with political developments and public sentiment.’

‘Marjolein Geus is a force in the field and the go-to-person regarding telecoms-related disputes.’

‘Marjolein Geus has the best overview of the market, and cannot be compared with competitors.’

Key clients

ABN AMRO


BT


Broadcom


Cellnex


CM.com


Colt Telecom


DigitalEurope


European Commission


Equigy


NLEx/Budget Thuis


NLPO – Dutch Association of Local Public Broadcasters


Nokia


Open Dutch Fiber


PostNL


Qualcomm


Rabobank


Sisvel


T-Mobile


Verizon


Webfleet Solutions


Work highlights


  • Assisted the European Commission and OXYGY with the launch of the European Blockchain Sandbox project.
  • Represented Open Dutch Fiber and T-Mobile in multiple fibre roll-out projects and associated legal proceedings.
  • Advised T-Mobile in its dealings with former telco incumbent KPN to ensure that KPN provides access to its network on fair conditions.

Brinkhof

Brinkhof is a prominent force in the Dutch telecoms sector, adept in areas spanning regulatory issues, spectrum auctions, fibre roll-out, and patent litigation, serving a diverse clientele including network operators, infrastructure providers, and service providers. The team is co-led by Pepijn van Ginneken, a renowned competition law expert with a focus on telecoms regulatory matters, and Quinten Kroes, who handles both contentious and non-contentious issues in telecoms, media, and data protection. Remy Chavannes is notable for his telecoms litigation expertise. Dorien Verhulst excels in civil claims, enforcement proceedings, and administrative disputes, including spectrum allocation and pricing, while Hanneke Kooijman contributes expertise in regulatory matters.

Practice head(s):

Pepijn van Ginneken; Quinten Kroes


Other key lawyers:

Remy Chavannes; Dorien Verhuls; Hanneke Kooijman


Testimonials

‘Brinkhof is a very professional firm, with people who deliver high quality work. They are always reachable, friendly and have a hands-on mentality. No is not an answer.’

‘Hanneke Kooijman is innovative, very inquisitive about the different possibilities and provides clear and concise advice.’

‘Excellent firm.’

‘Quinten Kroes is an absolute expert in the field of telecoms.’

‘Great understanding of the business, advice to the point and very crisp litigation – to the point and sharp! Nice success rate.’

‘Quinten Kroes is very knowledgable and pragmatic, with a crisp style. He is a team player and keeps the interest of the client in mind.’

‘The lawyers are very approachable, sharp and to the point. They are always willing to step in quickly, even last minute. Their strength lies in thinking along with the business. They effortlessly translate their legal expertise into business operations.’

‘Hanneke Kooijman has an energetic and open personality. She is also very knowledgeable and always responds very quickly, so that her advice can be incorporated into our business operations immediately.’

Key clients

T-Mobile


Tele2


Mediahuis


Google


Glasdraad


VCR


Xiaomi


Eurofiber


OPPO


Messagebird


Work highlights


  • Represented T-Mobile in a legal challenge by satellite-based communications provider Inmarsat on the Government’s decision to change the designation of the 3.5GHz frequency.
  • Acted for Oppo and Xaomi in several infringement and nullity proceedings relating to infringements of standard essential patents against several companies including Sisvel, Nokia and KPN.
  • Represented the Dutch Association of National Commercial Radio Broadcasters on a spectrum auction matter.

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP is lauded for its ‘great understanding of the telecommunications industry,’ providing counsel to telecoms incumbents and providers on a range of issues, including regulatory and antitrust matters, M&A, litigation, and tax. The group is headed by Kees Schillemans, who specialises in EU and competition law, and is particularly adept at managing regulatory matters for Dutch network provider KPN. Midas Klijsen is another key figure, representing telecom clients in administrative and civil proceedings with a focus on competition law, economic regulation, and public procurement law. Tjarda van der Vijver founded his own firm in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Kees Schillemans


Other key lawyers:

Midas Klijsen


Testimonials

‘The regulated markets team remains skilled and committed, despite the decreasing impact of regulation in the sector.’

‘Kees Schillemans has a broad profile in competition law, including regulated markets, and is a pragmatic and pleasant lawyer to work with, while being respected for his knowledge. Midas Klijssen has great potential. He is clever and knows the market and regulations well.’

‘A&O has a great understanding of the telecommunications industry, especially in the Netherlands, and has been involved in many cases since the beginning of the regulation of the telecommunications industry.’

Key clients

Eurazeo


Eurofiber


KPN


Work highlights


  • Advised Eurazeo Growth on its €200m investment in MessageBird Holdings 2021 Series C Extension investment round led by Eurazeo Growth, Tiger Global and Blackrock.
  • Advised lenders on various matters involving Eurofiber, the European fibre-optic network developer.
  • Advised KPN on its joint venture with APG to accelerate the rollout of fibre to over 1.2m households in medium-dense areas and businesses in the Netherlands.

Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance offers expert advice in the telecoms sector, encompassing licensing, regulatory matters, foreign investment controls, and data protection requirements. Jaap Tempelman, leading the tech and digital team, specialises in telecoms transactions and disputes, with a keen focus on technology-related commercial contracting, regulatory issues, and litigation. Andrei Mikes and Orsolya Gondos are other key names to note.

Practice head(s):

Jaap Tempelman


Other key lawyers:

Andrei Mikes; Orsolya Gondos


Key clients

Trinseo PLC


Gilde Buy Out Partners


ABN AMRO Bank


Royal Ten Cate


Tencent


KKR


Nordic Capital


ACT


Tele2


Esdec Solar Group


EQT Infrastructure III


Open Dutch Fiber


Deutsche Telekom Capital Partners


Trade Republic Bank GmbH


Didi Chuxing Technology Co.


ING Bank


Prologis


MTN


DeGiro


Greenpeace International


KeenCorp


HES International


Stephen A. Schwarzman Education Foundation


ETG Commodities


Adyen


Penske Logistics


FMO Bank


Natixis


Network Access Associates Ltd. (OneWeb)


Ardian Infrastructure


Blue Sky Group


Amazon


Telefónica


T-Systems


NSC Global Ltd


Sanoma Finland Oj


DSM


Henkel Global Supply Chain


Hess Corporation


Parcom


IK Investments


Booking.com


Foulath Holding


Floryn


Block.one


Entain Holding


Work highlights


  • Advised satellite operator OneWeb in determining and analysing telecoms regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions concerning the roll-out of its global terrestrial network.

Kennedy Van der Laan

Kennedy Van der Laan is renowned for its expertise in frequency law, radio spectrum auctions, and related regulatory matters, including market dominance and procedural administrative enforcement law. The telecoms practice is housed within the firm’s regulatory department, jointly led by Quirine Tjeenk Willink and Leon Mensink. Willink is highly sought after for her ‘extensive experience in telecoms’ and frequency law, and has played a pivotal role in major spectrum auctions for both telecom and strategic radio frequencies. Mensink brings a strong background in civil and administrative proceedings, as well as a wealth of knowledge in tariff regulation, market dominance, network access, and market entry issues.

Practice head(s):

Quirine Tjeenk Willink; Leon Mensink


Other key lawyers:

Elise Troll; Minke de Haan


Testimonials

‘Quirine Tjeenk Willink really makes the difference in litigation. Her skills and knowledge are outstanding.’

‘Kennedy Van der Laan’s telecoms practice has specific and practical expertise on a wide range of issues related to Dutch and EU telecommunications law. These include issues including spectrum licensing, number allocation, open internet regulation, interconnection, privacy and data protection as well as competition and administrative law.’

‘Quirine Tjeenk Willink has extensive experience in telecoms and is a well-recognised and respected attorney in the sector. She is a very focused and result-oriented professional.’

Key clients

VodafoneZiggo


DPG Media


Q-music Nederland


Radio Limburg


CBRE DOV Custodian


CBRE Group


Vodafone Libertel


Ziggo


Glaspoort


Fastned


Royal Airport Schiphol


Sligro Food Group


Port of Amsterdam


Schiphol Area Development Company


Coca-Cola Nederland


PepsiCo Nederland


NautaDutilh

NautaDutilh excels in offering guidance on 5G spectrum auctions, telecoms outsourcing, and OTT platforms, delivering comprehensive transactional, regulatory, and litigation services to TMT clients. Led by Joris Willems, the technology group boasts extensive experience advising clients such as telecom companies, mobile operators, technology consultancies, and mobile satellite service providers.

Practice head(s):

Joris Willems


Key clients

Apax Partners SAS


Irdeto


Reliance


Prosus


MessageBird


VodafoneZiggo


Vodafone Plc


GTT Communications


Wiko


Tinno Mobile


Next Private B.V.


Inmarsat Solutions B.V.


Tata Consultancy Services


Tencent


ING Bank


Knab Bank


Expereo International


InfraVia Capital Partners


HAL Investments


American Express


Dutch Public Broadcasting Authority NPO


Inmarsat Solutions BV/Inmarsat Global Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised VodafoneZiggo on its general terms and conditions for consumers.
  • Assisted Inmarsat in an administrative procedure in which it has successfully appealed against the amendment to the national frequency plan.
  • Assisted Irdeto in its negotiation of an agreement in respect of its digital rights management solution with T-Mobile.

Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV

Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuijn NV continues to be the go-to counsel to the Dutch government and regulatory bodies, advising on emerging areas of law and defending them in politically sensitive and complex disputes. Arnoud Boorsma spearheads the team and is adept at supervision, enforcement, and general administrative law, notably within the telecoms, public, and commercial media spaces. Meanwhile, administrative law specialist Jannetje Bootsma concentrates on telecoms and education law.

Practice head(s):

Arnoud Boorsma


Other key lawyers:

Jannetje Bootsma; Marlies Koppenol


Testimonials

‘They have ample experience in the field and the Dutch Telecommunications Act, acting on behalf of the government.’

‘Arnoud Boorsma is an experienced litigator acting on behalf of the government, in the field of telecommunication law, specifically frequencies. He is a respectful and worthy opponent.’

‘Pels Rijcken possesses excellent knowledge of general administrative and civil law, as well as specialised expertise in the telecom field. The team is highly motivated to get the best possible outcomes for us and is very accurate, efficient and professional in doing so.’

‘Arnoud Boorsma brings years of experience in the field of national supervisors and telecommunication law. That, combined with his outstanding speaking and writing skills, make him a great lawyer to have on our side.’

‘Very competent. Good communication. Fast.’

‘They know our business really well and are very competent.’

Key clients

Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy


Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure


The Dutch Media Authority (Commissariaat voor de Media)


Ministry of Education, Culture and Science


Work highlights


  • Assisted the Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure in an appeal and other legal matters relating to the cabinet’s decision to extend the licenses of rural FM frequencies without an auction.
  • Assisted the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate in all proceedings regarding the allocation and roll-out of the 5G frequency range in the Netherlands.

bureau Brandeis

bureau Brandeis is well-versed in telecoms, media, competition, and administrative law, with a strong track record in litigating regulatory matters in the telecoms sector. Machteld Robichon is a seasoned litigator in regulatory enforcement proceedings involving Dutch authorities, especially in high-profile cases related to telecom and media regulation. Robichon co-leads the practice with Bas Braeken, an expert in EU competition law and regulated markets, who advocates for fixed line and mobile operators in cases involving market analysis decisions, abuse of dominance, and related matters.

Practice head(s):

Machteld Robichon; Bas Braeken


Testimonials

‘Brandeis lawyers are pleasant to work with because they look for solutions within our daily practice and the legal issues that arise.’

‘The lawyers are involved, personal, fast, approachable and have extensive knowledge of media law.’

‘bureau Brandeis is small, smart and reputable enough to compete stand out versus the big firms on performance and arguments, and in this case, excellently positioned to be successful in uncharted territory.’

‘Bas Braeken boasts a solid background in telecoms with a solid track record supporting both incumbents and challengers, finding creative solutions based on a thorough expertise of how the business works. Exceptional dedication, resourcefulness, helicopter view and persistence.’

Key clients

Talpa Radio


AMS-IX


Disney/Eredivisie Media & Marketing


RadioCorp


Youfone


Cegeka


Glasdraad


CAI Harderwijk


Work highlights


  • Represented Talpa Radio in various appeal procedures involving the award of FM and DAB+ frequency licences.

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek

De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek’s multidisciplinary team is adept at supporting telecoms clients with regulatory enforcement issues, cross-border transactions, and disputes. The group is jointly led by Stephanie The, a competition lawyer who guides clients through complex FDI screenings and merger control processes; Tobias Cohen Jehoram, specialising in intellectual property litigation; and Jolling de Pree, who is experienced in competition law and litigation within the EU. Anne Marie Verschuur, who joined in July 2023 from NautaDutilh, strengthens the team with her focus on technology and patents in her IP practice.

Practice head(s):

Stephanie The; Tobias Cohen Jehoram; Jolling de Pree


Other key lawyers:

Anne Marie Verschuur


Testimonials

‘Top firm with an excellent reputation and a very good patent litigation practice.’

They have lots of experience and try to give reasonable advice. They have an excellent team spirit, are pro-customer thinking and always have a cost/risk friendly solution in mind for their customers.’

‘Very pleasant and knowledgeable people. They easily understand the business dynamics we work in. Great to work with.’

Key clients

Access Advance


DELTA Fiber Nederland


Digital Intrepid


Digital Realty Trust


EQT Partners


GEVC


Infinite Electronics


Prodrive Tehcnologies Group


SMART Photonics


Sonos


Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners


Vortex Capital Partners


Work highlights


  • Advised a large global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data centres on colocation and interconnection solutions matters relating to bonds and guaranteed notes valued at upwards of €1bn.
  • Advised SMART Photonics in securing an additional round of funding of €100m from a group of strategic industry and financial Dutch players and the Dutch government.
  • Advised Vortex Capital Partners and other shareholders on the sale of a majority stake in hallo.

Houthoff

Houthoff’s TMT group, directed by Thomas de Weerd, collaborates closely with the firm’s M&A, dispute resolution, and automotive practices to provide counsel on various telecoms-related issues. Public law specialist Freeke Heijne concentrates on telecoms law and other regulated markets, offering guidance on the enforcement of current regulations, the effects of proposed legislation, and associated legal disputes. Jurre Reus contributes significant expertise to the team, particularly in advising on telecoms regulations within the automotive sector.

Practice head(s):

Thomas de Weerd


Other key lawyers:

Freeke Heijne; Jurre Reus


Key clients

Royal Schiphol Group


XPeng


Work highlights


Loyens & Loeff

Under the guidance of Kim Lucassen, Loyens & Loeff’s telecoms group ‘delivers quality legal advice’ and extensive regulatory knowledge covering communication, mobile services, information networks, and VOIP, as well as emergency calling, data retention, and interception obligations. The firm also offers considerable experience in providing contentious and non-contentious support to diverse telecom sector companies.

Practice head(s):

Kim Lucassen


Other key lawyers:

Nina Orlić


Testimonials

‘Loyens & Loeff delivers quality legal advice. They were able to highlight complex topics in a way that helped us develop compliant processes with very little internal knowledge on the risks and consequences.’

‘Great team, responsive and good quality.’

‘Kim Lucassen is on the top of the law, very responsive and helpful.’

Key clients

Goldman Sachs/Morgan Stanley


Interxion Holding N.V.


Jaguar Land Rover


Liberty Global Europe Holding B.V.


Liberty Global plc


Orange S.A.


Tata Communications Netherlands B.V.


Universal Music Group


Work highlights


  • Served as Dutch tax advisor for Liberty Global during their acquisition of a stake in Vodafone Group PLC.
  • Provided Dutch legal counsel to Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, who are the structuring agents for the long-term, open-ended share repurchase program of Prosus and Naspers.