Mr Thomas de Weerd > Houthoff > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Lawyer Profile

Houthoff‘s patents team, led by IP and IT specialist Thomas de Weerd, is noted for its position as a Supreme Court appeals specialist, with Thijs van Aerde frequently being instructed by clients and other law firms on a variety of disputes, notably those concerning generic drugs. The practice also advises clients in the life sciences and automotive sectors, and handles patent licensing matters in addition to its contentious work. Fleur Tuinzing-Westerhuis is an agritech patent expert, litigating cases concerning national and community plant variety rights.

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.

Regulatory enforcement and litigation alongside data compliance and privacy advice are all handled by the data team at Houthoff. The team sits within the IP and IT practice and has been increasingly working on issues such as profiling, automated decision-making, and representing clients before the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS). Chairing the practice, TMT expert Thomas de Weerd handles both privacy and cybersecurity issues. Jurre Reus is key to the practice, he focuses on tech and platform-related data issues and is also particularly adept at matters involving mobility and automotive industries. Nicole Bilderbeek advises clients on the GDPR.

With Thomas de Weerd heading the team, Houthoff advises clients within the media and entertainment sector on a variety of matters, including regulatory requirements, intellectual property and advertising law. Thijs van Aerde has experience handling litigation matters for broadcasters in the Dutch Supreme Court, while Jurre Reus possesses in-depth capabilities in the audio-visual sector. Nicole Bilderbeek is also noted for her skill assisting clients within the music and television industries.

The IT division at Houthoff stands out in IT contracting, contractual disputes, M&A and digital marketing, collaborating effectively with the firm’s dispute resolution, M&A and automotive departments. Thomas de Weerd oversees the team, with experience in leading complex negotiations for tech and outsourcing contracts, particularly in areas like digital platforms, cybersecurity and mobility. Jurre Reus specialises in data protection, platform regulation and digital business matters, as well as litigation. Nicole Bilderbeek brings her expertise in data protection, IT and intellectual property law, playing a significant role in M&A transactions.

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.