bureau Brandeis > Amsterdam, Netherlands > Firm Profile
bureau Brandeis Offices
SOPHIALAAN 8-10
1075 BR AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
bureau Brandeis > The Legal 500 Rankings
Netherlands > Industry focus: Media and entertainment Tier 2
bureau Brandeis specialises in litigation related to digital copyright, IP and internet liability, and the firm is also active in IPR cases that include EU law elements or are likely to be referred to the European courts. Its work covers the spectrum of the media and entertainment sector, including internet, digital business and new technologies, books, music and film. One client noted the group’s ‘exceptional talent and particularly relevant knowledge in the book publishing industry’. The team is co-led by digital copyright litigation expert Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Machteld Robichon (who focuses on media, broadcasting and gaming regulation) and Hans Bousie.Practice head(s):
Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm; Machteld Robichon; Hans Bousie
Other key lawyers:
Syb Terpstra; Sophie van Everdingen; Caroline de Vries; Sam van Velze
Testimonials
‘Strong versatile TMT team, high profile clients and cases.’
‘Creative, determined and technically-savvy digital media and copyright litigators with a flamboyant courtroom style and an impressive roster of clients and credentials. The team has recently undertaken some very significant mandates in intermediary liability and privacy litigation.’
‘Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm has more than two decades of experience at the forefront of digital information law, acting in leading cases for a loyal clients on all sides. He is a passionate advocate, a natural storyteller with a keen eye for the legal and societal big picture. Sam van Velze is rapidly emerging from Alberdingk Thijm’s shadow as an authentic force to be reckoned with in her own right.’
‘They are real litigators and can chase people who owe you money. Not afraid of collaborating with other law firms.’
‘It is well organized and has an outstanding group of employees.’
‘Bureau Brandeis consists of highly qualified lawyers, who provide high-level services and advice. There is not a single person in the firm, whom we have worked with, who we would not want to work with again. They are intelligent, social, and very pleasant people to work with. They do not only have excellent legal knowledge, they also know how to combine this with up-to-date knowledge of developments, leading to to-the-point services and advice. They are also highly qualified when it comes to publications and educational services.’
‘We regularly work with Machteld Robichon, who is a pleasant and very intelligent person, both socially and in terms of content. She has enormous knowledge of the subject, is fast and customer focused, being able to transfer her knowledge quickly and in a simple manner to the client. She has a strong sense for political sensitivities and is able to combine this with her legal knowledge in spot on strategic advice.’
‘It’s a small to medium sized firm with exceptional talent and particularly relevant knowledge in the book publishing industry. Further, the warm and friendly nature of the firm is a welcome change from the more corporate firms. Their ‘business lunches’ at which you can enjoy an informal seminar (and gain CPD points) are brilliant.’
Key clients
Netflix
KPN/XS4ALL
PVH Europe (Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein)
Sanoma
Dutch Publishers Association (NUV)
Talpa Radio
AMS-IX
public broadcasters AT5 and NH Nieuws
Music Creations Publishing B.V.
Uitgeverij Luitingh-Sijthoff B.V.
Spinnin’ Records
Yellow Claw & Barong Family
CarNext.com
Sony
Dash Berlin
Amp.Amsterdam
Pathé
Work highlights
- Advised Spinnin Records in litigation before the Court of Appeal Arnhem/Leeuwarden and before the Supreme Court against world famous DJ Martin Garrix. The case is a widely watched landmark case in the music industry regarding considerable IP-related and contractual matters of which the outcome will have serious implications for artists and record labels.
- Successfully represented Netflix in a case about its live chat. The Court held that Netflix and its Live Chat amply satisfy the requirement that its electronic mail address is easily, directly and permanently accessible, in compliance with the eCommerce and Consumer Rights Directive, and as explained in the Amazon case.
- Represent PVH (Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein) in several proceedings against Facebook regarding infringing and unlawful advertisements on Facebook.
Netherlands > Banking and finance: Financial services regulatory Tier 3
In addition to attracting mandates on a standalone basis, litigation boutique bureau Brandeis generates a significant amount of referral work from banking and securities lawyers (and other specialists). Under the leadership of Simone Peek, the team’s dispute resolution skills are brought to bear in investigations and enforcement proceedings by the AFM and DNB, as well as financial litigation between market participants (including mis-selling cases and matters concerning banks’ duty of care). The group is also sought after for risk management and compliance advice, including in relation to anti-money laundering and anti-bribery.Practice head(s):
Simone Peek
Other key lawyers:
Casper Rooijakkers
Testimonials
‘Very friendly and willing to cooperate with other lawyers.’
‘In-depth knowledge that is applied practically and explained understandably. Proactive in sharing market developments that might or might not impact our business approach.’
‘Open communication lines and desire to support, even if this does not directly result in billable hours.’
Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 3
The Amsterdam-based bureau Brandeis is ‘a unique boutique firm'. The practice has a track record of work on high-profile class action suits and represents public interest organisations, litigation funders, donors and hedge funds. 'Dedicated and experienced litigators' Frank Peters and Louis Berger head the practice. Jozua van der Beek left to found Zenas Legal.Practice head(s):
Frank Peters; Louis Berger
Other key lawyers:
Floor Eikelboom
Testimonials
‘We frequently work together on a number of complex and innovative cases; the spirit of cooperation is always a pleasure’.
‘Floor Eikelboom is a specialist in chasing after debtors who try to hide themselves and assets behind specific structures and in foreign countries’.
‘Specialist and profound knowledge of Enterprise Chamber proceedings, in combination with outstanding sparring partner capabilities make Bureau Brandeis, and Floor Eikelboom specifically, the ideal sparring partner for complex corporate litigation cases’.
‘Louis Berger and Frank Peters are both dedicated and experienced litigators’.
‘Strong, approachable team willing to go the extra mile in crunch situations’.
‘The cooperation of the team is unique, where lawyers are working hard on documents the partner comes in reviewing the process and always finds ways to improve things’.
‘The team works very thoroughly on complex cases and continues where other firms stop’.
‘Louis Berger and Floor Eikelboom are exceptionally driven lawyers who go out of their way to bring a case to a good conclusion’.
Key clients
Foundation The Privacy Collective
Stichting Trucks Cartel Recovery
Raedthuys
Stichting Hippo Mundo Charity
Unilegion (Trucks Claims Stichting)
Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation
PIC
Disney
Greenpeace
Minority Shareholders Yukos
The Children’s Investment Fund (TCI)
Work highlights
- Acting as Counsel to DEJF, a newly incorporated claim vehicle, which was one of the first to file a class action under the new WAMCA legislation in relation to several diesel fraud cases.
- Together with Grant & Eisenhofer, and KTMC, representing South African pension fund PIC and several other institutional investors against Steinhoff and Deloitte, to recover billions of dollars in securities losses caused by fraud.
- Representing the Foundation The Privacy Collective, funded by Innsworth Advisory, in its EUR 10bn class action against Oracle and Salesforce, in view of its structural breaches of GDPR in the Real Time Bidding process.
Netherlands > EU and competition Tier 3
Reflective of its fast growth, litigation boutique bureau Brandeis opened its first international office in Paris in 2021. On the domestic front, the Amsterdam team has gone from strength to strength since the arrival of practice head Bas Braeken from Maverick Advocaten N.V. in 2019. Under his leadership, the group has become particularly well-known for its strengths in regulatory and competition litigation, as well as merger control proceedings (acting for notifying parties and complainants). Recent highlights included Braeken and associate Jade Versteeg acting for Prijsvrij in two civil competition proceedings against Thomas Cook Nederland and Corendon; the client is claiming damages from these tour operators for terminating its agency contract in violation of competition law.Practice head(s):
Bas Braeken
Other key lawyers:
Hans Bousie; Jade Versteeg: Lara Elzas
Testimonials
‘Bas Braeken is a respected competition lawyer with excellent technical skills.’
‘Bas and his team, including notably Jade Versteeg, work as an integrated machine, delivering what they promised as they promised.’
Key clients
Walt Disney/ESPN
Cleary Gottlieb/Philip Morris
EU Athletes/Niels Kerstholt/Mark Tuitert
Bastion Hotels
Dromenjager
Prijsvrij
Dutch Travel Alliance/Dutch Travel Retail United
Centraal Boekhuis
Multi Tank Card
Bosch Siemens Household Appliances
TIX.nl
VTTI
Rabobank private equity fund
AGU
Joh. Enschedé Amsterdam
Work highlights
- Representing EU Athletes, Mark Tuitert and Niels Kerstholt as (cross-)appellants as well as third parties (complainants) in the appeal proceedings before the General Court in Luxembourg lodged by the International Skating Union (ISU) against the Commission’s decision prohibiting the eligibility rules of the ISU.
- Representing Prijsvrij in two civil competition proceedings against tour operators Thomas Cook Nederland and Corendon. Prijsvrij is claiming damages from these tour operators for terminating its agency contract in violation of competition law. The case against Thomas Cook resulted in a favourable settlement for Prijsvrij. The case against Corendon is pending before the Court of Appeal after a favourable interim judgement.
- Representing Joh. Enchedé Amsterdam in appealing the cartel decision of the ACM regarding notarial deed paper which ultimately resulted in a reduction of the fine from €2m to a symbolic fine of €10k by the Dutch Industry and Trade Appeals Tribunal.
Netherlands > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights Tier 3
bureau Brandeis is home to ‘top-notch copyright lawyers‘ who combine a blend of technology/internet expertise with copyright, particularly in the entertainment and media sectors. It has acted on a number of landmark copyright cases including, for example copyright issues around hyperlinking. Team head Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm is considered to be ‘a very sharp litigator‘; his internet/technology practice includes expertise in digital copyright litigation; some cases have gone before the ECJ. Co-team head, Hans Bousie , is an experienced litigator who also specialises in copyright, especially the digital form in the media and entertainment fields. Copyright expert Caroline de Vries has a particular focus on the liability of (internet) intermediaries.Practice head(s):
Christiaan Alberdingk hijm; Hans Bousie
Other key lawyers:
Caroline de Vries
Testimonials
‘Deep insight in IP-related issues; willingness to cooperate with the client, thus bringing together best of both worlds: expertise regarding the ‘content’ of the client and legal expertise of Brandeis.’
‘Broad range of knowledge and skills that are relevant for my company’s business.’
‘Easy going, skilled, dedicated, friendly, service oriented.’
‘Mix of very experienced lawyers and young, aspiring talents. Quick response to questions, all of them great to work with. They understand our business.’
‘Christiaan is a very sharp litigator but also someone with a wide scope in his legal knowledge.’
‘Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm is a very capable, independent-minded, well-known IP and internet law lawyer, and very successful in attracting interesting cases. Strong in oral pleadings as well.’
‘This is definitely the firm’s showpiece practice. Top-notch copyright lawyers, all the way up to the European Court of Justice. Exceptionally deep knowledge of copyright legislation and procedural aspects.’
‘Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm! He goes all the way and can go all the way because of his immense experience in this field.’
Key clients
Dutch Publishers Association (Mediafederatie, formerly known as: NUV)
Spinnin’ Records
PVH Europe (Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein)
Overamstel Uitgevers
Dash Berlin
Netflix
KPN
eBay
Submarine
Pathé
Red Bull
Groep Educatieve Uitgeverijen (GEU)
CarNext.com
Sony
Amp.Amsterdam
Talpa
Yellow Claw & Barong Family
Work highlights
- Representing PVH (Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein) in several proceedings against Facebook regarding infringing and unlawful advertisements on Facebook.
- Acting for News Service Europe on a case pending before the CJEU regarding several issues relating to the right of communication to the public under copyright law and intermediary liability.
- Represented Spinnin Records in litigation before the Court of Appeal Arnhem/Leeuwarden and before the Supreme Court against world famous DJ Martin Garrix.
Netherlands > Data privacy and data protection Tier 4
Litigation boutique bureau Brandeis is highly active in data litigation and also regularly handles data compliance matters, particularly GDPR compliance projects. Vita Zwaan and Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm jointly lead the group, specialising in privacy compliance and digital copyright litigation respectively. Noteworthy clients include Pathé, Dutch Digital Agencies and The Privacy Collective.Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Bureau Brandeis has a great team that gives excellent advice. Quick, thorough, seem to be on top of all new developments. Always very approachable and friendly.’
‘Vita Zwaan stands out, she always has a practical solution or has a great and calm way to explain in clear language why it would be better not to proceed with certain plans.’
‘Individuals have an eye for your company’s best interest.’
‘Marieke specialised in privacy law well before the GDPR came into force. Due to these years of experience, she is very well aware of both the establishment of legislation and upcoming relevant developments, and can make a well-considered assessment of how the rules can be efficiently implemented in daily company business. Marieke knows how to convert her knowledge into pragmatic advice that is easy to apply for both lawyers and other specialists.’
‘What makes them strong for me? Their people and their team as a whole. I like how they focus on high-level litigation cases, giving them a very deep knowledge of data protection. But we can also contact them for regular data protection matters.’
‘I love working with Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm and Vita Zwaan. Very professional, very reliable, very profound, very approachable.’
Key clients
Hartstichting
Pathé
Dutch Digital Agencies
Fieldlab Evenementen
NewBees
The Privacy Collective
bureau Brandeis > Firm Profile
bureau Brandeis is an independent boutique law firm specialising in complex litigation and regulatory enforcement. Bureau Brandeis is based in Amsterdam and Paris .
Founded in 2013, the firm has grown rapidly and has seen its client base increase. The firm’s clients are national and international companies, listed entities, startups, as well as interest groups.
The firm:
- handles high-profile cases, including landmark cases before the Dutch Supreme Court and the ECJ and (international) cartel damages cases
- focuses on litigation and other forms of dispute resolution, and chooses not to represent Dutch government bodies, big banks and accountancy firms
- works in close contact with many foreign law firms in cross border disputes and investigations
- represents clients in all stages of proceedings, before courts and tribunals;
- prevents disputes with its diligent compliance work
- assists undertakings in investigations by and litigation against regulatory bodies like the Authority Consumers & Markets, the Netherlands Gaming Authority, the Dutch Data Protection Authority, the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets, French Competition Authority etc
- is outspoken about matters of public interest and has a preference for the challenger
This gives bureau Brandeis a unique position in the Dutch market.
Main areas of practice
Class actions: The firm has unique expertise and experience in this field. bureau Brandeis has a long track record as counsel to claim vehicles and assisting funders in class actions. More than any other firm, bureau Brandeis is involved as counsel to plaintiffs in proceedings under the WAMCA, the new Dutch regime for collective redress introduced in 2020.
Currently, the firm is involved in several class actions, including in relation to the Diesel Fraud, the Truck Cartel and privacy violations.
Key clients: Truck Cartel Recovery Foundation, Diesel Emissions Justice Foundation, The Privacy Collective
Partners: Louis Berger, Frank Peters
Corporate and commercial litigation: bureau Brandeis handles corporate and insolvency law, board members’ liability, hedge funds and shareholders’ activism, commercial litigation, takeover disputes, internal business conflicts and compliance (i.a. corporate governance, commercial contracts).
Key clients: Chevron Corporation, Bastion Hotels, Eminence Capital, Jana Partners De Wolff Vereenigde Bedrijven, the bankruptcy trustees of Weyl Beef
Partners: Frank Peters, Louis Berger
Corporate governance: We mostly assist directors, supervisory directors and shareholders of both listed and non-listed companies in disputes concerning corporate governance.
Partners: Louis Berger, Frank Peters
(European) competition law: bureau Brandeis advises on all aspects of competition law. It also represents multinationals, SMEs and start-ups harmed by or suspected from antitrust infringements to exercise their rights before both the Dutch, French and the EU competition authorities and national and EU courts. bureau Brandeis also assists parties harmed by competition infringements in obtaining damages. bureau Brandeis is widely recognised for its expertise and track record in the field of regulatory and antitrust litigation.
Key clients: Disney, Pathé, Prijsvrij, DB Barnsdale, Dutch Travel Retail United, Fapricela, EU Athletes, Bastion Hotels, Tix, AGU, Centraal Boekhuis, Dromenjager, Innsworth, Stichting Truck Cartel Recovery.
Partners: Bas Braeken, Hans Bousie, Marc Barennes, Sarah Subrémon
Data protection and telecoms: The specialists at bureau Brandeis have many years of experience in complex compliance matters in the field of data protection and telecommunications, and as many in litigating in these areas.
Key clients: Netflix, AMS-IX, KPN/XS4ALL, NUV, eBay, Sanoma, Pearson, Lottovate, 538/Talpa Radio, AT5/RTV NH
Partners: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Machteld Robichon. Key Attorney: Vita Zwaan
Financial services litigation: bureau Brandeis handles complex financial services litigation and other contentious regulatory matters. The team represents financial services companies and individual directors in investigations and enforcement measures of regulators such as DNB and AFM, and also provides risk management and compliance advice.
Partner: Simone Peek
Intellectual property law: Known for developing landmark case law and handling most landmark cases in the Netherlands in the field of digital copyright/IP litigation before the ECJ. The firm also has experience in reputation management, advertising law and trade name law.
Key clients: Netflix, Springer, KPN, NUV, eBay, Sanoma, Unga, Pathé, Red Bull, Marqt
Partners: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm, Hans Bousie
Internet and technology law (intermediary and platform law): The firm has been at the root of developments in Dutch legislation in this area of expertise. The firm was involved in the foundation of Skype, has been eBay’s regular Dutch attorney for years and assisted Netflix in the establishment of its European headquarters in Amsterdam.
Partner: Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm
Gaming and gambling law: Proceedings before the Netherlands Gaming Authority and licence applications. Representation in enforcement procedures by the Dutch Gaming Authority, including the recent ruling of the Council of State that the prohibition to promote games of chance does not apply to payment services.
Key clients: EGBA, Lottovate
Partner: Machteld Robichon
Media and entertainment: bureau Brandeis supports producers and distributors of film, radio, television, music and books who are active in this dynamic market. Companies who are just entering the market can also count on bureau Brandeis’ pragmatic assistance. We also represent major e-commerce retailers and advise online game suppliers.
Key clients: 538/Talpa Radio, public broadcasters, Pearson, Unga, Sony Music, Spinnin Records, VBK Publishers, Pathé, Dutch Film Works
Partners: Hans Bousie, Machteld Robichon
Shareholders’ activism: We assist hedge funds and other minority shareholders in creating higher shareholder value in Dutch listed companies: in close consultation with our client, by demanding attention and creating support for relevant subjects in the media and if necessary by litigating before the Enterprise Division.
Partner: Frank Peters
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial litigation | Louis Berger | louis.berger@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Commercial litigation | Frank Peters | frank.peters@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Commercial litigation | Hans Bousie | hans.bousie@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Corporate litigation | Louis Berger | louis.berger@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Corporate litigation | Frank Peters | frank.peters@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Privacy/telecoms | Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm | christiaan.alberdingkthijm@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)6 25017 235 |
| Privacy/telecoms | Vita Zwaan | vita.zwaan@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Privacy/telecoms | Machteld Robichon | machteld.robichon@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Administrative | Machteld Robichon | machteld.robichon@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| European and antitrust | Hans Bousie | hans.bousie@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| European and antitrust | Louis Berger | louis.berger@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Intellectual property | Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm | christiaan.alberdingkthijm@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)6 25017 235 |
| Intellectual property | Hans Bousie | hans.bousie@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Regulated markets, gaming | Machteld Robichon | machteld.robichon@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Media and entertainment | Hans Bousie | hans.bousie@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Media and entertainment | Machteld Robichon | machteld@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Companies | Louis Berger | louis.berger@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Companies | Frank Peters | frank.peters@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Shareholders activism | Frank Peters | frank.peters@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Internet and technology | Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm | christiaan.alberdingkthijm@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)6 25017 235 |
| Insolvency law | Louis Berger | louis.berger@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Class actions | Frank Peters | frank.peters@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| International arbitration | Louis Berger | louis.berger@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Compliance | Machteld Robichon | machteld.robichon@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Compliance | Vita Zwaan | vita.zwaan@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Compliance | Hans Bousie | hans.bousie@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Compliance | Christiaan Alberdingk Thijm | christiaan.alberdingkthijm@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)6 25017 235 |
| Public affairs | Machteld Robichon | machteld.robichon@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Corporate governance | Louis Berger | louis.berger@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| Corporate governance | Frank Peters | frank.peters@bureaubrandeis.com | +31 (0)20 7606 505 |
| (European) Competition Law | Bas Braeken | bas.braeken@bureaubrandeis.com | + 31 (0) 611592679 |
| (European) Competition Law | Sarah Subremon | sarah.subremon@bureaubrandeis.fr | +33(0)1 89 16 06 92 |
| (European) Competition Law | Marc Bareness | marc.barennes@bureaubrandeis.fr | +33(0)1 89 16 06 91 |
| Telecom | Bas Braeken | bas.braeken@bureaubrandeis.com | + 31 (0) 611592679 |
| Bas Braeken | bas.braeken@bureaubrandeis.com | + 31 (0) 611592679 |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bas Braeken | Partner | View Profile |
 | Oskar Mulder | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 37Languages
Dutch English FrenchGreen Guide
bureau Brandeis is a recommended firm in the Green Guide EMEA 2022. Learn more about this recognition.