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

Höcker Advocaten is a first port of call for litigation, licensing and transactional advice for a range of innovative companies, such as enterprises that create and deliver content, music and audiovisual as well as literary rights collecting societies, and advertising agencies. Team head and experienced litigator Jacqueline (J.M.B.) Seignette assists clients on the impact of new technologies on the protection of IP. Joep Meddens focuses on privacy aspects in the advertising space and represents clients in defamation and misleading advertising disputes. As labelled by clients, the ‘excellent’ ‘force of nature’ that is Marijn Kingma is a robust practitioner in the copyright space, advising clients on acquisitions and representing them in disputes. Sponsorship agreements is also routine work for Kingma.

Practice head(s):

Jacqueline Seignette

Other key lawyers:

Joep Meddens; Marijn Kingma; Marc Wolters

Testimonials

‘Marijn Kingma’s team supports me in both media and communications law and entertainment law’

‘I have always known Höcker Advocaten to be a very qualified niche firm, widely recognized for its advisory in media and entertainment spaces, and I recommend them, for all areas, including music law, audiovisual law, TV and new tech’

‘Höcker Advocaten uses useful technological tools. The firm is at the forefront of innovation and proficient with blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Its IP technologies are very important for the client.’

‘Marijn Kingma is a force of nature, made entirely of conviction and determination. Everything starts with her great quality of listening; she has an iron will. She is an excellent jurist, fine analyst and presents clearly. We are proud to be represented by Marijn.’

‘What I like about the team, especially Marijn Kingma, is that they are really accessible and they really know our business and our company. They really think along with our needs and provide us with constant support. Compared to other firms, their rates are very reasonable as well.’

‘Marijn Kingma is excellent. She is quick on her feet, very knowledgeable and fun to work with. I would highly recommend her to anyone.’

‘We feel included and taken serious in our ambition to make an impact. Marijn Kingma is active in many organizations to create a fair practice environment for artists.’

‘Höcker Advocaten has integrity, ambition and the lawyers are fun to work with.’

Key clients

Buma

Stemra

Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, SIAE Benelux

Mojo Concerts

Ticketmaster

Stichting de Thuiskopie

Ziggo Dome

LIRA

Motion Picture Association

Stichting Leenrecht

Omnicom

TBWA

DDB Unlimited

RadioCorp

Stichting BREIN

WPG Uitgevers

Lama Lama B.V.

Pythagoras Music Fund

Work highlights

  • Representing RadioCorp in litigation proceedings against competitor Kink FM, who has objected to the emergency COVID-19 extension of FM licenses held by RadioCorp and other national radio stations.
  • Representing PMF, a Netherlands based music investment fund financed by private and institutional investors. We are assisting PMF with the acquisition of music copyrights from Dutch and European hit authors since PMF became a client in the summer of 2021.
  • Representing Stichting de Thuiskopie, in a dispute concerning the debate that copies for private use stored in the cloud and copies for private use made from streaming services should be equitably remunerated as part of the private copying levies system.

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

Representing collecting associations and artists associations in complex copyright infringement proceedings is a niche specialism of Höcker Advocaten's IP team. Copyright law expert Jacqueline Seignette leads the practice, working on high-profile cases in the media and entertainment anti-piracy space as well as defending collecting societies in music-related competition disputes. Joep Meddens is a key contact for clients in the music sector for advice on transactions, including IP due diligence. Meddens is also an experienced litigator dealing with a range of disputes in the music and entertainment space, including counterfeit issues and trade mark infringement claims. Marijn Kingma is a name to note for copyright and privacy matters.

Practice head(s):

Jacqueline Seignette

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Hocker has a relevant Intellectual Property department already for a long period of time, where the younger generation perfectly fits in. Well-known in The Netherlands.’

‘Marijn Kingma and Joep Meddens are leading experts in the field of collective rights management. They know the market sector inside-out.’

‘Marijn Kingma’s team supports me in both copyright and industrial property. I have always known them as a very qualified niche firm, widely recognized for its performance in copyright law, and I am pleased that I have the luxury service of great experts.’

‘The team is responsive, and they know their stuff. Their fees are more than reasonable.’

‘Marijn Kingma has been our go to lawyer. She is very involved in our business, and it often feels like she is our in-house lawyer. She is an absolute expert on copyright and very fun to work with.’

‘Marijn Kingma is a force of nature, made entirely of conviction and determination. She has an iron will. She is an excellent jurist and fine analyst.’

Key clients

Buma

Stemra

Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Ltd.

SIEE Benelux B.V.

Stichting de Thuiskopie

Pythagoras Music Fund

Stichting BREIN

Stichting LIRA

Motion Picture Association

RadioCorp B.V.

ROSE Stories

Omnicom (incl. TBWA, DDB)

VEVAM

NVPI

Stichting Leenrecht

Amsterdam Light Festival

Work highlights

  • Represented PMF in the acquisition of music copyrights.
  • Representing Stichting BREIN at the Dutch Supreme Court in a case regarding the liability of Usenet operators for copyright infringement on their services.
  • Acting as lead counsel for Thuiskopie, a client in the industry for second-hand, refurbished devices.

Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 4

Following the arrival of Jolien van Woudenberg in 2021, Höcker Advocaten‘s dispute resolution practice represents clients in media and public interest disputes and class action settlements. Seasoned litigator Marc Wolters leads the practice, focusing on corporate disputes involving joint venture issues and contract rescission proceedings. Banking and finance sector disputes also remain an integral element of the firm’s practice.

Practice head(s):

Marc Wolters

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘I work closely with Jolien van Woudenberg in the field of corporate litigation and appointments in the Enterprise Chamber of the court of appeal. She is very experienced and does not overcomplicate matters. In the field of corporate litigation there are not many lawyers that are as hands on as she is.’

‘Jolien van Woudenberg is sharp, strict if needed but only when it helps to bring a solution. She is very solution driven. Straightforward and transparent qualities are what makes working with her in these cases very constructive and successful.’

‘Jolien van Woudenberg has a strong character, but no ego.’

‘Outstanding client responsiveness. Very efficient and able to get to the heart of the matter.’

Key clients

Stichting Urgenda

Recalcico

Stichting G.O.W.P.

Omnicom

TCC Global N.V.

Stichting de Thuiskopie

Airopack A.G.

Rojanets Investments LLC

Swapschade B. V

Sony Interactive Entertainment Benelux B.V.

Buma

Stemra

Stichting Brein

Work highlights

  • Representing a group of predominantly international investors whose assets were seized following the Dutch expropriation of SNS Reaal.
  • Represented two of Aptitude Health Group’s joint venture partners before the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal for the reinstitution of directors.
  • Representing 24 small and medium size companies regarding interest rate swaps sold to the companies by large Dutch banks.

Netherlands > Employment Tier 5

Regularly advising on sensitive employment matters relating to unions and #MeToo allegations, as well as employment disputes and investigations, Höcker Advocaten also assists with transactional corporate employment matters, with a focus on the media and culture, engineering and healthcare industries. The team is led by Jasper van Hulst.

Practice head(s):

Jasper van Hulst

Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable and effective in the field of employment and labour law. All our cases were successfully completed. Good teamwork, and efficient consultation and communication about progress and the final settlement.’

‘The lawyers I have worked with at Höcker are without doubt experts and take good care of my interests. They make the right decisions and, in my case, ensured satisfactory settlements and results. This makes their rates and hours fair. Their communication is transparent.’

‘It is precisely because of the personal contact and the experience of the partners that Höcker distinguishes itself from other law firms in my experience. Most notably, Jasper Van Hulst is a very experienced labour law expert and his associates are well prepared and of exceptional quality and expertise.’

Key clients

House of Sports B.V.

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Nemo Science Museum

Omnicom Group

Dutch Association of Performing Arts

HF Sinclair Corporation

MOJO Concerts B.V.

Dutch National Opera & Ballet

Amerborgh International N.V.

BNNVARA

Centraal Boekhuis

Smurfit Kappa

Work highlights

  • Represented the account manager of a recruitment agency in a dispute with their employer over the amendment of the employee’s commission scheme.
  • Advised Foundation Royal Visio on the decision to be part of a European programme, called H2020 Marie Curie Optivist, to employ two international researchers in the Netherlands, assisting with the transnational law aspects and the implications of the European programme for the employment contracts of the researchers.
  • Advised Noga Engineering & Technology Ltd, a manufacturer of machinist hand tools, on the employment aspects of the acquisition of a Dutch company within the business, Noga Tools B.V.

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)