Bird & Bird > The Hague, Netherlands > Firm Profile
Bird & Bird Offices
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ZUID-HOLLANDPLEIN 22
DEN HAAG
2596 AW
Netherlands
Bird & Bird > The Legal 500 Rankings
Netherlands > Data privacy and data protection Tier 1
Bird & Bird excels in handling complex regulatory and advisory data protection matters, including cross-border compliance and emerging technologies. The team regularly advises on international data transfers, data compliance, and blockchain issues for large tech companies. Regulatory enforcement also falls within the scope of the practice. Berend Van Der Eijk and Wilfred Steenbruggen both lead the practice, with van der Eijk handling clients that rely on technology and data for their businesses as well as fintech companies. Steenbruggen was promoted to partner in 2023 and advises both international clients and start-ups on regulatory issues. Chloë Baartmans and Shima Abbady are also noted for assisting with all data-related issues.Practice head(s):
Berend van der Eijk; Wilfred Steenbruggen
Other key lawyers:
Chloë Verschoor; Shima Abbady
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable about relevant developments in different industries.’
‘It is a pleasure to work with Wilfred, he understands our business and our challenges and really tries to come up with pragmatic and compliant solutions ’
‘Business-minded advice and creative solutions. ’
Key clients
Bridgestone
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Adyen
Substack
Discord
Nuts Groep
Viaplay
DocuSign
WeTransfer
European Commission
Domino’s Pizzas
Epson
adidas
Coloplast
Sdu
Delta Energie
Elastic
Work highlights
- Advising Teva Pharmaceuticals as DPO on daily data protection law compliance.
- Appointed by the European Commission to advise on international data transfer mechanisms as well as on its ground-breaking European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) project.
- Advising a leading global payment provider on data protection law compliance and wider data regulation, including artificial intelligence.
Netherlands > Industry focus: Media and entertainment Tier 1
With offices in Amsterdam and The Hague, the media and entertainment team at Bird & Bird is co-led by Olaf Trojan and Paul Waszink, both of whom have more than two decades of experience in the field. The team frequently advises on matters relating to online gambling, broadcasting, gaming and publishing. Berend Van Der Eijk is a further standout lawyer with an expertise in internet law and data protection who regularly advises clients within the media and entertainment sector. Clemens Molle is also noted for his experience advising on IP-related matters within the music and gaming industries.Practice head(s):
Olaf Trojan; Paul Waszink
Other key lawyers:
Berend van der Eijk; Clemens Molle
Testimonials
‘The firm is a very good expert of the media law area. They are very well connected to the relevant authorities. Furthermore, they are always available.’
‘Paul Waszink and Quirijn Mohr are reliable and provide a high-level service in the field of media law.’
Key clients
DPG Media
NPO
NOS
Skyscanner
SDU
T-Mobile/Tele2
NLPO
Trustpilot
Videoslots
CEE/Antenna Media
Work highlights
- Advised NPO on the procedure for new media content channels, among other matters.
- Represented DPG Media in several defamation cases.
Netherlands > Industry focus: telecoms Tier 1
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.
Netherlands > Intellectual property: Patents Tier 1
Bird & Bird is noted for its strength in both pharmaceutical and telecoms patent litigation, working closely with the firm’s teams in Germany to handle infringement and opposition proceedings, and is also well versed in handling standard essential patent (SEP) and FRAND disputes. The firm’s overall IP team is headed by Manon Rieger-JansenPractice head(s):
Manon Rieger-Jansen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Tjibbe Douma is a pleasure to work with, both professionally and personally. He is a worthy lawyer with a great eye for detail.’
‘The team is both technically capable and litigation oriented, which makes the team perfect for handling challenging litigation.’
‘We are pleased with Tjibbe Douma as he received complex cases and handled them very well. Tjibbe also assisted in defining the overall litigation strategy for the patents, and we will definitely use him for future litigation.’
‘Tjibbe Douma, Peter van Gemert, and the whole team produce great written work product and excellent technical arguments, and their client service is top-notch. They hold themselves to a very high standard and it shows.’
Key clients
Nokia
Edwards Lifesciences
Broadcom
KPN
Sanofi/Ablynx
Amgen
Valeo
Qualcomm
Sinopharm Weiqida Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
Neuraxpharm
Bicycle Therapeutics
Neo Materials
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Odysight AI
Canon
Bound2B
Work highlights
- Represented Nokia in patent litigation comprising a series of proceedings against ASSIA and Oppo, related to both implementation and alleged standard-essential patents on DSL technology.
- Acted for Neuraxpharm in patent litigation against Biogen in the context of an international dispute on generic entry for a treatment for MS.
- Represented Edwards Lifesciences in a multi-jurisdictional, multi-patent dispute against Meril Life Sciences and its national distributor, in light of Meril’s global launch of its prosthetic heart valve Myval, which Edwards alleges infringes its SAPIEN 3 prosthetic valve.
Netherlands > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights Tier 1
Bird & Bird‘s soft IP team is lauded for ‘finding forward-thinking solutions to complex problems’ in both contentious and advisory trade mark and copyright matters, supporting clients seeking to register new IP and representing both plaintiffs and defendants before the Dutch, Benelux and EU courts in infringement, parallel import and anti-counterfeiting proceedings. Heading the team is ‘outstanding attorney’ Manon Rieger-JansenPractice head(s):
Manon Rieger-Jansen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Manon Rieger-Jansen and Daan Wijnnobel handle our IP portfolio. I appreciate their detailed but always practical and to-the-point advice and suggestions. They really are our strategic partners in the protection and defence of our IP rights.’
‘The practice has, for many years, been at the forefront of European IP consultancy and court representation, and rightfully so. The level of involvement and solution oriented advice is unprecedented. Dealing with an ample portfolio of important clients, this firm is the benchmark in this sector.’
‘Manon Rieger-Jansen is an outstanding attorney with an academic understanding of the law. Nina Dorenbosch is a great lawyer; very efficient, a real problem solver!’
‘Their innovative mindset and technological knowledge give them a competitive edge. The team’s strengths are not limited to legal expertise, they also excel in finding forward-thinking solutions to complex problems.’
‘Geographical scope, very responsive and thorough.’
‘Manon Rieger-Jansen and Nina Dorenbosch are knowledgeable, technical and helpful.’
Key clients
Kraft Heinz
Tommy Hilfiger
Calvin Klein
Nestlé
Steigenberger hotels
Husqvarna
Ferrero
Monster Energy
Reckitt
CrossFit
WeMo Brands
Chiquita
Swartland Winery
Primark
PPG
Novomatic
Kanonkop Wine Estate
Huda Beauty
Fengh Medical
The Gillette Company
Discord
Work highlights
- Advised various clients, including some designated by the EU Commission, on the implementation of the new DSA Regulation in the Netherlands and around Europe.
- Represented PPG in litigation against Dutch designer Eric Kuster in a case that revolved around referential use of third party trade marks in paint mixing machines.
- Acted for Volkswagen in trade mark litigation matters, particularly in relation to parallel imports.
Netherlands > Energy Tier 2
Bird & Bird‘s transactional energy group is highly regarded for its ‘commercial focus, significant experience, superior drafting and peerless strategic thinking’. The team’s client portfolio contains such well-known names as TotalEnergies Renewables and McCains Foods Europe. The firm advises across industry sectors on a range of complex matters, including on the structuring, development and construction of large-scale projects, on high-value acquisitions, and internal restructurings. Sophie Dingenen, described as ‘one of the very best lawyers’, is at the head of the practice.Practice head(s):
Sophie Dingenen
Other key lawyers:
Laurens Linnewiel; René Rieter; Roger van Buuren; Paul Waszink
Testimonials
‘The Bird & Bird team are best in class. Their commercial focus, significant experience, superior drafting and peerless strategic thinking are a real benefit to their clients.’
‘Sophie Dingenen is one of the very best lawyers I have come across in my career. She is extremely knowledgeable, and her experience blended with her common sense means she can accurately foresee how transactions will play out. She is an admirable blend of calm and authoritative.’
‘Laurens Linnewiel is a strong member of the team. He is knowledgeable and authoritative in his own right, with strong drafting skills.’
‘Marinke Moeliker is a dedicated member of the team.’
‘State of the art experts with a lot of partner involvement.’
‘Sophie Dingenen has helped us a lot with PPAs and virtual PPAs involving partners in France and Spain.’
‘The team stands out for its deep knowledge, quick response rates, problem solving attitude and broad geographical coverage.’
‘Good to work with, and they have a constructive approach.’
Key clients
TotalEnergies Renewables
Bonaire Brandstof Terminals
Hydrogenics Europe NV
Sunrock
Borealis
McCain Foods Europe
GIGA Storage
Lagerwey
Enercon
Unisun
Urenco
Equigy
Alternus Energy Inc
Canadian Solar
TenneT Germany
Work highlights
- Advised TotalEnergies Renewables on the structuring of a consortium together with Ørsted for the development and construction of offshore wind park HKW in Europe, and the negotiation and drafting of all the development, construction and operation agreements in relation to the wind park.
- Advised Bonaire Brandstof Terminals on the structuring, development and construction of a solar park, battery energy storage system and wind park on Bonaire.
- Advising GIGA Storage on the financing of GIGA Storage’s acquisition of the closed distribution network from the bankruptcy estate of DAMCO Aluminium Delfzijl Cooperatie U.A.
Netherlands > Fintech Tier 2
At Bird & Bird‘s office in The Hague, the fintech practice is jointly led by Brussels-based payments regulation specialist Scott McInnes and Germany-based financial markets regulation expert Michael Jünemann. Marjolein Geus is a key practitioner in the group, with a solid track record in advising clients on blockchain and distributed ledger technology matters. In February 2024 associate Daniëlle van de Vijver left the firm.Practice head(s):
Scott McInnes; Michael Jünemann
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Emesa Nederland B.V.
Bizcuit B.V.
Bizcuit Payments B.V.
Geldvoorelkaar.nl
CCV Group B.V.
Zeekr
European Commission
Work highlights
- Assisting the EU Commission with establishing a regulatory sandbox for blockchain and decentralized data solutions.
- Advising a fintech client on the design and launch of an un-hosted, multi-signature cryptocurrency wallet.
Netherlands > Industry focus: Food Tier 2
Bird & Bird assists large multinational food and beverage brands, as well as start-ups, on IP and data protection issues. Both contentious and non-contentious issues concerning trade marks, design, copyright, and patents all fall within the scope of the practice. The team is also routinely sought out for its ability to aid clients with brand development and regulatory compliance issues. Team lead Manon Rieger-JansenPractice head(s):
Manon Rieger-Jansen
Other key lawyers:
Raoul Grifoni Waterman; Hester Borgers; Daan Wijnnobel
Key clients
Taco Bell
Treasury Wine Estates
Just Eat
Nespresso
Blossom Hill
Chiquita
Hello Fresh
Mikel Coffee
Nutreco
Steak Ranches
La Fourchette
Dawn Meats
Vivino
Asolo
Flügel
Kraft Heinz
Anheuser-Busch InBev
Domino’s Pizza
Reef Technology
Kanonkop Wine Estate
Bound2B
Swartland Winery
KFC
Work highlights
- Assisted a global beverage company with trade & customs work relating to the modalities and the liabilities from a customs and commercial perspective in view of customs representation in the EU and UK.
- Assisted Kraft Heinz with a wide variety of matters, including commercial, intellectual property, food regulatory, trade & customs and ESG.
- Represented Chiquita in proceedings before the Dutch Advertising Committee concerning a sustainability claim made by the company, and advised on the relevant legal framework for sustainability claims, as well as the design of a new sticker.
Netherlands > Industry focus: healthcare and life sciences Tier 2
In The Hague, Marc van Wijngaarden and Michiel Wurfbain jointly lead the team at Bird & Bird, which maintains its strong reputation for advising clients on the regulatory, data, and privacy aspects of digital health mandates. The group advises biotech and pharma companies, and funds on their investments and listings. Wurfbain is noted for his vast expertise in advising on capital markets transactions and cross-border M&A, and van Wijngaarden is an IP specialist who acts for pharma, biotech, and medical device clients. Tjibbe Douma is adept at representing clients in EPO opposition proceedings and advising on UPC strategy, while Hester Borgers is known for her expertise in regulatory disputes and multi-jurisdictional patent litigation.Practice head(s):
Marc van Wijngaarden; Michiel Wurfbain
Other key lawyers:
Wouter Pors; Tjibbe Douma; Hester Borgers
Testimonials
‘The team works hand in hand, and the brilliant communication skills of the team members allow them to communicate well with each other to find the best solutions, communicate well with collaboration partners to coordinate efforts, and communicate well with the client. They have a great understanding for the substance and the legal aspects of the cases.’
‘Tjibbe Douma is a great leader. He listens to his team and leads by example, not hierarchy. He always has the complete picture of the case, including in the context of international litigation. Furthermore, he is very convincing and very sharp in court.’
‘Hester Borgers has phenomenal communication skills and a great overview of the cases she works.’
Key clients
B Braun Melsungen
Fengh Medical
Oculentis
ConvaTec
Polpharma
Sanofi
Ablynx
Bicycle Therapeutics
Edwards Lifesciences
Chinook
Lonza Group
Veloxis Pharmaceuticals
Preceyes
Keygene
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Scoutcam
Pet Service Holding
Neuraxpharm
Work highlights
- Represented Edwards Lifesciences in a multi-jurisdiction multi-patent dispute against Meril Life Sciences and its national distributor in light of Meril’s global launch at risk of their prosthetic heart valve Myval, which is, according to Edwards, a copy of their own prosthetic valve, the SAPIEN 3.
- Rerpesented Neuraxpharm in a high profile, international patent litigation in the Netherlands against Biogen, which also involves regulatory aspects and concerns the introduction of Neuraxpharm DMF, which is prescribed as a treatment option for adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis and competes with Biogen’s blockbuster drug Tecfidera.
- Assisted Swiss stock exchange listed Lonza Group AG with its acquisition of Synaffix B.V., a biotechnology company focused on commercialising its clinical-stage technology platform for the development of ADCs.
Netherlands > Industry focus: Information technology Tier 2
The ‘very knowledgeable’ Bird & Bird team offers a wide range of services for IT sector clients, ranging from complex intricate IT-outsourcing projects and e-commerce strategies to resolving IT disputes. The firm is also proficient in emerging tech areas like AI, blockchain and the platform economy. The department is co-headed by Jeroen van der Lee and Roelien van Neck. Van der Lee’s practice spans complex licensing deals, communication infrastructure transactions, content digitalisation and contentious issues. Van Neck, specialising in commercial matters within the IT and tech-based industries, assists clients in the fast-moving consumer goods and content distribution sectors with digital transformation. Goran Danilović brings expertise in international trade, advising IT and tech sector companies on trade, export controls and economic sanctions at the EU and UK levels.Practice head(s):
Jeroen van der Lee; Roelien van Neck
Other key lawyers:
Stephanie Welbergen; Jochem Apon; Lisette den Butter; Goran Danilović
Testimonials
‘Bird & Bird are always quick to provide focused and useful responses to queries. They adapt the information to meet our specific needs.’
‘Goran Danilović is a particularly knowledgeable and useful resource.’
‘It is a diverse and well-balanced team and each member focuses on their own strength.’
‘Very knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Verizon
Iron Mountain
DXC
TomTom
Bazaarvoice
Workday
Roblox
Bridgestone
Avery Dennison
SentinelOne
Epson
Rackspace
EscherCloud
Pangiam
Viaplay
Bally’s
Zeekr
Karl Lagerfeld
Block
BYD
Rivian
Lee Wrangler
TooGoodToGo
Ping Identity
Pegasystems
Work highlights
- Assisted Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, a SaaS fleet management solutions company, on technology, fintech, contractual and data protection matters.
Netherlands > Industry focus: retail Tier 2
Bird & Bird assists retail clients seeking to optimise their supply chains and IT systems, assisting with a range of projects in that regard and also providing support to clients building up their e-commerce businesses. Brand protection and IP also fall within the team’s capacities, and it further advises on employment, franchising and licensing matters. Practice head Manon Rieger-JansenPractice head(s):
Manon Rieger-Jansen
Other key lawyers:
Roelien van Neck; Nina Dorenbosch; Goran Danilović
Key clients
Calvin Klein
Tommy Hilfiger
Fila
Holmes Place
AB InBev
Asolo
Made.com
Lloyd shoes
Treasury Wine Estates
Gap
Dawn Meats
Vivino
Chiquita
Hello Fresh
Steigenberger hotels
Primark
Steak Ranches
Olam
Nutreco
Kraft Heinz
Bound2B
Saks.com
Work highlights
- Advised Karl Lagerfeld on questions concerning ‘green claims’ as well as with the development of their environmental strategy in the EU.
- Represented PPG in litigation against Dutch designer Eric Kuster in a case that revolved around referential use of third party trademarks in paint mixing machines, a practice that has been customary in the paint industry for years.
- Assisted adidas in a large project involving the implementation of the new EU e-commerce and pricing legislation in their various sales channels.
Netherlands > Project finance and PFI Tier 2
The dedicated project finance team at Bird & Bird is highly skilled in advising local financial institutions, investors and borrowers on financing deals involving wind, solar, data centres and bio-based recycling. Its sector-focused approach allows the firm to utilise its expertise in digital infrastructure, energy and utilities to advise clients on complex projects and transactions. Practice head Roger Van Buuren leads on issues related to bio-based materials, optic fibre, data centres and renewable energy. Construction specialist Andrea Chao advises on infrastructure-related matters, while Paul Waszink assists on wind and solar transactions.Practice head(s):
Roger van Buuren
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Key strengths are the pragmatic solution-driven approach and transparent communication style. As such they are easy to work with and we got things done in an efficient manner.’
‘Roger van Buuren is approachable, open for questions/discussions, and very responsive during the entire documentation process. ’
‘Great teamwork, smooth cooperation, swift responses and always room for a smile and a joke!’
‘Roger van Buuren is very approachable, precise, knowledgeable and fun to work with!’
‘The industry knowledge, both commercial and legal, is of a very high level. Their knowledge is best of class and they are very effective in communicating the relevant elements to the client. They furthermore are very personal and committed.’
‘The relationship with Bird & Bird is always professional and they truly take the position of their clients while advising. Execution is further very quick and to the point.’
‘We had the pleasure of collaborating with Roger van Buuren, a partner whose expertise and professionalism were exceptional. His invaluable assistance and proactive approach in addressing our inquiries ensured that we received accurate guidance and advice throughout the process.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
Invest-NL
Limburgs Energie Fonds (LEF) B.V.
Giga Storage B.V.
Statkraft Renewables Benelux B.V.
Zencap Asset Management
Pacifico Energy GmbH
Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG
Kreos Capital
Christofferson Robb & Company
BioBTX B.V.
Pfalzsolar GmbH
Work highlights
- Advised ABN AMRO Bank on the financing for CapMan Infra for the acquisition of a data centre company in the Netherlands.
- Advised GIGA Storage on the financing for the acquisition of a grid connection from the bankruptcy estate of DAMCO.
- Advised Invest-NL on various project finance transactions, including the financing and restructuring of the world’s first solar car, Lightyear.
Netherlands > Construction Tier 3
The construction and procurement law practice at Bird & Bird stands out for its focus on energy-related sectors, often assisting with construction issues within utilities and infrastructure. Disputes handled by the team often involve construction damage to infrastructure. Andrea Chao and Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa jointly lead the team. Chao is the go-to for advice on construction contracts, while Tjon-En-Fa is an expert in complex infrastructure and construction commercial disputes. Remco Duijn is noted.Practice head(s):
Andrea Chao; Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa
Other key lawyers:
Roger van Buuren; Laura Grijpma; Mariam Ali; Remco Duijn; Marieke van den Heuvel; Jeffrey Maalderink
Testimonials
‘Approachable attitude. Working together on projects respectfully. Collaboration construction industry contracts (Andrea Chao) are innovative.’
‘For me Andrea Chao is an excellent partner at Bird & Bird. Andrea has outstanding knowledge of her work field and is inventive. Dead end streets do not exist in her dictionary. She will continue to look for a solution to solve a problem. That is what a client wants. Not only is she engaged with international collaboration contracts, she also collaborates well with colleagues.’
‘Bird & Bird, especially Andrea Chao is strong in approachability and with her collaboration experience knows how to draft collaboration contracts in a way that avoids future issues. Also has practical experience on the client side and on the contractor side.’
‘We cannot give enough praise for Andrea Chao. We are always really happy if we can work with her. In negotiation processes she is a great combination of (i) sharp/critical and (ii) friendly/solution minded. As a client it is very important that your lawyer represents you in a way that reflects your own business attitude and Andrea seems well aware of that.’
‘Remco Duijn is also a great to work with.’
‘Bird & Bird has very skilled people in there team who do everything they can to support the client. There is a strong focus on collaboration, thinking outside the box and viewing issue from different angles. ’
‘Andrea Chao specifically has proven to be an out-of-the-box thinker, ready to go outside of the legal silos and also have a look at concepts from economics for example. She’s driven to make construction projects as a whole successful and thinks diligently about the broader trade-offs contractual decisions lead to. She challenges standard approaches and proved time and time again, that there are ways to solve things that many people consider difficult or impossible to do.’
Key clients
BioBTX B.V.
Boele & Van Eesteren B.V.
Circular Industries BV
Green Create B.V.
GroenLeven B.V.
Gutami
Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier
Landsnet [Icelandic Grid Connector]
Municipality of Amsterdam
NLSH (National Hospital of Iceland)
Pfalzsolar GmbH
Tauw B.V.
T-Mobile
Veolia Nederland B.V.
Visser & Smit Bouw B.V.
Volker Wessels N.V. and subsidiairies
Water Authority Rijnland
Work highlights
- Advising Veolia on several construction and O&M projects and in various legal proceedings.
- Advising the Icelandic Grid connector Landsnet on the repair of a broken offshore grid connection, a highly complex subsea power cable project.
- Representing a large US multinational company that operates inter alia in building technologies in legal proceedings pertaining to claims resulting for a complex building project in the Netherlands involving over 200 constructors.
Netherlands > Dispute resolution: Commercial litigation Tier 3
Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa chairs the dispute resolution practice at Bird & Bird, bringing expertise in insurance and liability law, mass claims, and construction disputes. She is also skilled in Supreme Court litigation and is regularly engaged by clients to handle complex commercial disputes with international aspects. High-tech clients and companies in regulated industries favour the firm for cases relating to breaches of regulations and claims for compensation from the state or governmental bodies. Olaf Trojan is known for insolvency matters and is also specialised in media and technology litigation.Practice head(s):
Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa
Other key lawyers:
Olaf Trojan; Laura Grijpma; Marieke van den Heuvel; Jeffrey Maalderink; Wouter Kroeze; Shima Abbady; Arent van Gent
Testimonials
‘A very knowledgeable team. They have great cooperation with Bird & Bird colleagues abroad in cases involving cross-border issues.’
‘A very focused and knowledgeable team. Proactive but also practical in complex litigation.’
‘Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa is a highly competent and pragmatic lawyer who is excellent to deal with.’
‘Great understanding of our industry and its common practices. They bring specific subject matter knowledge to the table in dispute resolution to the benefit of their clients.’
‘Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa is a highly experienced professional, with a great understanding of the playing field in a complex environment. She applies her oversight to the benefit of her clients, to achieve optimal outcomes.’
‘Bird and Bird’s Netherlands dispute resolution practice is exceptionally talented, with a real strength in depth and focus across all the partners I have come across. They have a breadth of experience across issues such as data privacy and insolvency.’
‘Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa has a fantastic commitment to service and engaging with clients on their business needs. Jeffrey Maalderink strategically sets an end goal down in complicated cases and prioritises the needs of the client at all times.’
‘Fantastic team, from associate level to partner level. Great communication, very business oriented and good at applying risk-based approaches. Always on top of things and readily available.’
Key clients
T-Mobile
Veolia
Volker Wessels
Exact Software
SunExpress
Palladyne International Asset Management
Chiquita
TomTom
YELO Enterprises Ltd
TradeTracker International B.V.
Lagerwey
Innovative Water Care Global Solutions
GroenLeven
Trustpilot
Koninklijke Post NL B.V.
Work highlights
- Representing Palladyne Asset Management in six connected cases before the Amsterdam court of first instance, interim injunction court and Court of Appeal in a dispute with three Libyan investment funds it set up for Libyan state investors.
- Representing Veolia in appeal proceedings regarding a tendering procedure, in which the client is claiming full compensation for services rendered to thirty municipalities.
- Representing the postal services incumbent PostNL in litigation against the municipality of Rotterdam.
Netherlands > EU and competition Tier 3
Bird & Bird‘s EU and competition practice, based in The Hague, is formed of ‘top lawyers who provide high-quality advice’ to a host of high-profile clients. Team lead Pauline Kuipers has impressive experience handling the array of matters, namely in the telecoms, media and postal sectors. Janneke Kohlen is also key to the team, with expertise in both competition and public procurement matters. Its workload ranges from advising on all aspects of mergers, to defending in alleged violations of EU competition regulations.Practice head(s):
Pauline Kuipers
Other key lawyers:
Janneke Kohlen; Tialda Beetstra; Joost van Roosmalen
Testimonials
‘Key aspects of the team lie in its collaboration and approach.’
‘Bird & Bird has a low-threshold attitude, is directly approachable and responds quickly.’
‘Both at partner level and in support, they are well-informed about current situations in procurement law and know how to summarise questions quickly and answer them adequately with good advice.’
‘In interlocutory proceedings, they proved to choose a good procedural line and worked this out perfectly.’
‘Accessible, human and sharp.’
‘Janneke Kohlen and Tialda Beetstra are very approachable, very pleasant interlocutors and know how to very quickly and adequately answer the questions at hand when it comes to advice. Both are very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with.’
‘Strong legal expertise in the team.’
‘Top lawyers who provide high-quality advice.’
Key clients
T-Mobile Netherlands B.V.
Cellnex Telecom S.A.
Salta (formerly NCOI) Holding B.V.
Computrain Opleidingen B.V.
Tempur Sealy
PPG
Open Dutch Fiber BV
Marshall Land Systems Ltd.
Blackboard International B.V.
Corbion N.V.
NLdigital
Epson
Work highlights
- Advised and represented T-Mobile in all competition law matters including its judicial intervention in the merger control proceeding at the Dutch competition authority concerning the joint venture between KPN and APG.
- Advised Royal A-ware on the take-over of a producer of grated cheese in the Netherlands, Noordhoek.
- Represented PostNL in appeal proceedings before the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal.
Netherlands > Insurance Tier 3
Both insurers and policyholders come to Bird & Bird for representation in a variety of insurance disputes, including D&O, property and general liability coverage issues. The team is well versed in handling matters before both courts, including mass claims, and arbitration hearings. Leading the team is Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa, who handles a wide range of insurance disputes, covering D&O, professional indemnity and construction all risks matters, in addition to building up a cyber insurance practice.Practice head(s):
Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa
Other key lawyers:
Marieke van den Heuvel
Testimonials
‘Excellent team. They dealt impressively with a topic that is innovative – insurance coverage for damages caused by the Covid-19 epidemic. We also received excellent advice from them on the procedural questions involved in a cross-border procedure.’
‘Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa is an impressive lawyer. Led a team that dealt optimally with an innovative issue, namely insurance coverage for damages caused by the Covid-19 epidemic. We also received excellent advice on the procedural questions involved in a cross-border matter.’
Key clients
Ducor Petrochemicals
Bazan Oil Group
VolkerWessels
Alroy Group
Visser & Smit Hanab
Yelo
Bouwcombinatie Valley Amsterdam vof
Boele & Van Eesteren
GroenLeven
Work highlights
- Advising on coverage disputes in the Netherlands and London insurance markets for errors in construction pertaining to the new Amare concert hall in The Hague and a new business centre in Amsterdam.
- Represente T-Mobile in matters pertaining to recovery of cable damages that led to disruptions to essential telecommunication services in the Netherlands and caused millions of euros in damages.
- Represented one of the former supervisory board members in the Fairstar/Dockwise D&O case.
Netherlands > Tax Tier 3
Bird & Bird's tax team is well versed in advising tech, communications, life sciences and energy clients on tax aspects of transactional matters and works with the firm’s offices abroad to support clients undergoing international reorganisations. Willem Bongaerts leads the team, advising tech companies and private equity funds on international tax structurings tied to M&A, and with structured finance transactions. Arnoud Knijnenburg assists clients with tax structuring, compliance and reporting measures, and is also an experienced tax litigator. Head of VAT Andy van Esdonk joined the team from Meijburg Legal a member firm of KPMG International in December 2022.Practice head(s):
Willem Bongaerts
Other key lawyers:
Arnoud Knijnenburg; Andy van Esdonk; Ivo Ijzerman; Ashraf Abdirizak
Testimonials
‘Unique client approach and innovative advisory.’
‘Willem Bongaerts is able to communicate with very demanding clients and able to explain himself in a manner where everybody can understand him.’
‘Excellent team on both Dutch tax advice and also cross-border matters where needed. Very commercial and user-friendly.’
‘Arnoud Knijnenburg is a top-notch tax lawyer and a vigorous advocate for his clients, while still maintaining a deal-oriented approach that is critical for tax issues in an M&A context. Incredibly responsive.’
‘Bird & Bird has been a great help for the client to navigate through various international tax regimes.’
Key clients
DXC Technology
Zoomo
Fin-Pay
Invest-NL
Cellnex Telecom S.A.
Connectria
Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.
Wolfspeed, Inc
Secure 24 (Symmetry Global)
Veloxis
ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd
Solo Brands
Electronics For Imaging, Inc.
Dayco
Iberica Partners
BloomReach Inc.
Unisun Energy Group
Qblox
PerClass
Bloomreach
Platina Partners LLP
Valyuu
Guesty
Work highlights
- Advised Invest-NL on the tax aspects of its investment in Lightyear.
- Assisted Platina Partners LLP with the acquisition of a majority stake and supplemental investment in Holiday Home Experts B.V. and its subsidiaries in multiple countries.
- Assisted a manufacturer of electric vehicles based in China on the tax and corporate law aspects of its international expansion.
Netherlands > Banking and finance: lender or arranger side Tier 4
Bird & Bird caters to a wide range of mid-market lenders and arrangers from traditional and development banks to alternative lenders. Headed by Roger Van Buuren, the team possesses an ‘expertise in debt finance and dealing with complex credit facility transactions’ and is particularly strong in matters related to project finance, real estate finance, and acquisition finance. René Rieter co-leads the firm’s real estate practice and regularly handles acquisition and other finance matters within this sector. Remco Duijn and Daniel Polderman are also integral members of the team.Practice head(s):
Roger van Buuren
Other key lawyers:
Pauline Vos; René Rieter; Remco Duijn; Daniel Polderman
Testimonials
‘The team is proactive when it comes to collaboration.’
‘The strengths of the Bird & Bird team include their professional flexibility and they are also sensitive to the counterparties they are speaking to. Furthermore, the professional attitude is collaborative and pragmatic. They look for solutions to challenges and consider the different position of the stakeholders in the project.’
‘Bird & Bird has a unique way of offering very strong technical and tactical advisory skills for the day-to-day execution of a project. They genuinely take the position of the client as the basis for their advice.’
‘A consistent feature of all their staff is that they work with very short response times. Also, they are very pragmatic and effective in setting priorities.’
‘The team possesses an expertise in debt finance and dealing with complex credit facility transactions.’
‘Roger van Buuren’s expertise and professionalism were exceptional. His invaluable assistance and proactive approach in addressing our enquiries ensured that we received accurate guidance and advice throughout the process.’
‘Roger van Buuren and Remco Duijn are great to work with.’
Key clients
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Invest-NL Capital N.V.
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.
Limburgs Energiefonds (LEF) B.V.
Aareal Bank
Zencap Asset Management
Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank AG
Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries SA/NV (Bio)
Kreos Capital
Work highlights
- Advised ABN AMRO Bank on the financing for CapMan Infra for the acquisition of a data centre company in the Netherlands.
- Advised Invest-NL on various project finance transactions, including the financing and restructuring of the world’s first solar car, Lightyear.
Netherlands > Employment Tier 4
Bird & Bird has been active in the restructuring arena, assisting clients with the related employment issues, including in connection with cross-border restructurings. The team also handles litigation involving the termination of contracts. Practice head Philip Hartman is well versed in mass redundancy cases and is skilled in matters that involve multiple jurisdictions. Marcus Huisman advises on co-determination matters.Practice head(s):
Philip Hartman
Other key lawyers:
Marcus Huisman; Annemarieke van Vlodrop; Hanneke Senden; Yaser Aziz
Testimonials
‘This team are not only able to facilitate our company’s requests in multiple languages, but they do it to a high professional standard. They are also well connected throughout Europe, which simplifies any international questions and approaches needed. The team are incredibly friendly and easy to work with and are always available and willing to find flexible solutions to any problem.’
‘Their incredible level of detail in their work is outstanding. Furthermore, they are all caring yet professional. They are clear communicators and never leave a stone unturned. I will need to give a special mention here to Philip Hartman for his continuous support. Not only is he able to support on complex issues, but makes sure to always arrive prepared and informed with the latest developments before any discussion.’
‘All great communicators, quick to respond, open to feedback and very knowledgeable. Great cooperation, always!’
‘Pragmatism is a big added value that distinguishes Bird & Bird from the majority of the law firms in the Netherlands and in Europe. I also like their flexibility and their understanding of companies’ logistics and internal processes.’
‘Philip Hartman has extremely significant knowledge and expertise, is clear about converting regulations into the most appropriate actions, and approachable.’
‘Very to-the-point and pragmatic advice, which is definitely not the standard but it is exactly what we are looking for as an employer.’
‘Philip Hartman is very authentic and a pleasure to work with – he puts himself in the shoes of the employer and considers the impact very well from different angles. He is critical and will keep challenging until he feels you have the right information that is needed for your case, but he does it in a respectful way and shows it comes from a place of wanting the best outcome for his clients.’
‘Knowledgeable, result-focused approach whilst keeping an eye on cost versus impact.’
Key clients
Philip Morris
Royal Conservatoire and Academy of Art
Sentinel One
DAZN
SMEG
Neste
Glaukos
Verint
WorldRemit
Ricoh
Envista
Recor Medical
Unit4
ICON
Enphase
Swappie
Nitro
Fit for Me
Gartner
Mews Systems
Bet365
tesa
Asics
Work highlights
- Advising a leading global business software firm on multiple restructuring rounds involving mass redundancies.
- Advising a global leading interior design and manufacturing company on a multi-jurisdictional restructuring.
- Acted for the Royal Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of Art in successful court proceedings related to the rescission of the employment contract of the director of the Academy of Art.
Netherlands > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 5
At Bird & Bird, corporate law specialist Pauline Vos heads up the commercial, corporate and M&A practice, and has established strength in assisting tech companies with M&A matters. Michiel Wurfbain handles a range of public and private transactions, while René Rieter advises on corporate-focused real estate deals. Sophie Dingenen regularly represents energy sector companies in corporate work.Practice head(s):
Pauline Vos
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They stand out for their responsiveness, pragmatism, professionalism, provision of great legal support, and drive.’
Key clients
Lonza Group AG
Digital Railway Solutions
Cellnex Telecom SA
TriMas Corporation
Athletic Sports Group
Tromm Beheer B.V.
SDU Uitgevers
Group HIZKIA
Calypso Biotech B.V.
TotalEnergies Renewables SA
Reichmuth & Co Investment Management
BloomReach, Inc
Preceyes B.V.
Platina Partners LLP
Chinook Therapeutics, Inc
Junttan Oy
Bonaire Brandstof Terminals
Equigy
Borealis Group
Techstars
Unisun Energy Group
RoodMirotec
Work highlights
- Advising Lonza Group AG on its acquisition of Synaffix B.V.
- Advising Trimas Corporation on the acquisition of Aarts Packaging B.V.
Bird & Bird > Firm Profile
The firm: Bird & Bird is an international law firm, with a long-established reputation for having a rare and invaluable grasp of strategic commercial issues. The firm combines exceptional legal expertise with deep industry knowledge and refreshingly creative thinking, to help clients operating at the forefront of their industries to achieve their commercial goals.
Bird & Bird has over 1,400 lawyers and legal practitioners with broad advisory transactional and contentious capability, with a particular focus on key industry sectors. The firm has an extensive international reach with 32 offices across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, offering a seamless, cross-border service between locations and sector and practice groups.
Since 2001, the office in The Hague provides a comprehensive range of high-quality corporate and commercial legal services to its clients. Combining a strongly established Dutch practice with teams from each of the firm’s international offices, it is well placed to provide domestic and cross-border advice to national and international clients.
The firm has extensive experience acting for clients in a wide variety of intellectual property and other commercial litigation, as well as in disputes in regulated markets. It is also one of few law firms in the Netherlands that specialises in Dutch Supreme Court litigation.
The office is staffed by over 80 Dutch lawyers, all of whom are bilingual in Dutch and English. The team of lawyers, tax experts and notaries is switched on to the particular challenges of technology-oriented, regulated industry sectors.
Areas of practice: Underpinned by deep client and industry knowledge, the firm’s key sectors include:
Electronics: advising clients operating in or serving the electronics industry, from R&D and component manufacturing, to technology licensing agreements.
Energy and utilities: advising large multinationals, investors, project companies and large energy consumers on electricity generation, energy trading, renewable energy, clean Tech and climate change, and upstream oil and gas.
Financial services: advising global clients in the financial services sector, such as global retail and investment banks, investors and hedge funds, on transactions, regulatory issues, commercial contracts and dispute resolution.
Food and beverage: advising on a full range of areas, including branding, labelling, health claims, fair trade and patents on novel foods.
Life sciences and healthcare: advising clients in biotechnology, bioinformatics and pharmaceutical companies on licensing and drug development agreements, R&D collaboration, IP acquisitions and joint ventures.
Media and entertainment: advising clients from across the media spectrum on a wide range of issues, including exploitation across all forms of digital media and emerging areas, such as user-generated content exploitation.
Notarial services: (inter)national restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and financing.
Technology and communications: advising on matters ranging from smaller innovative projects to some of the largest, most complex and ground-breaking transactions and disputes of recent years. Its team includes lawyers with a particular focus on communications, devices and components, digital tech and eCommerce, and software and services as well as a number of more specialist industries including data centres, postal and satellites.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Corporate | Pauline Vos | ||
Corporate | Michiel Wurfbain | ||
Employment | Philip Hartman | ||
Employment | Marcus Huisman | ||
Intellectual property | Armand Killan | ||
Intellectual property | Wouter Pors | ||
Intellectual property | Manon Rieger-Jansen | ||
Intellectual property | Tjibbe Douma | ||
Notary | René Rieter | ||
Tax, trade and customs | Willem Bongaerts | ||
Tax, trade and customs | Brian Mulier | ||
Tax, trade and customs | Arnoud Knijnenburg | ||
Telecommunications | Marjolein Geus | ||
Telecommunications | Paul Waszink | ||
Aviation and aerospace | Pauline Vos | ||
Energy and utilities | Sophie Dingenen | ||
Life sciences | Marc van Wijngaarden | ||
Media | Olaf Trojan | ||
Media | Pauline Kuipers | ||
Media | Paul Waszink | ||
Commercial, outsourcing and IT | Jeroen van der Lee | ||
Commercial, outsourcing and IT | Roelien van Neck | ||
Dispute resolution | Evelyn Tjon-En-Fa | ||
Dispute resolution | Olaf Trojan | ||
Patents and know how | Armand Killan | ||
Patents and know how | Wouter Pors | ||
Competition and EU | Pauline Kuipers | ||
Competition and EU | Marjolein Geus | ||
Competition and EU | Janneke Kohlen | ||
Competition and EU | Hein Hobbelen | ||
Project finance | Roger van Buuren | ||
Financial Services Regulatory | Gidget Brugman | ||
Privacy and data protection | Berend van der Eijk | ||
Privacy and data protection | Wilfred Steenbruggen | ||
Regulatory and administrative (public) | Marjolein Geus | ||
Electronics | Armand Killan | ||
Construction & Infrastructure | Andrea Chao | ||
Electronics | Jeroen van der Lee |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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Ms Tialda Beetstra | Associate | View Profile |
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Mr Pieter Camps | As an Of Counsel in our Tax Practice in The Hague Pieter… | View Profile |
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Ms Sophie Dingenen | Sophie has been advising the energy sector since 1999 on all corporate,… | View Profile |
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Mr Marcus Huisman | Marcus has been managing partner of Bird & Bird in The Hague… | View Profile |
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Mr Arnoud Knijnenburg | Arnoud is a partner in the Tax Practice of Bird & Bird… | View Profile |
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Ms Janneke Kohlen | Janneke is partner in our Competition & EU Law practice and is… | View Profile |
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Ms Pauline Kuipers | Pauline leads our Competition and Public Procurement Practices and co-heads our Media… | View Profile |
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Mr Brian Mulier | Brian is a partner in our Tax Group, heading the International Trade… | View Profile |
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Ms Manon Rieger-Jansen | Manon is a partner in Bird & Bird’s Intellectual Property Group and… | View Profile |
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Mr Feyo Sickinghe | Feyo is a Principal Regulatory Counsel in the Regulatory & Public Affairs… | View Profile |
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Ms Pauline Vos | Pauline is a partner and heads the Corporate Law practice group of… | View Profile |
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Mr Jeroen van der Lee | Jeroen co-heads the Tech & Comms Group of Bird & Bird in… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 1,200 at this office : 80Languages
Dutch English French GermanOther
Other offices : Abu Dhabi Other offices : Amsterdam Other offices : Beijing Other offices : Bratislava Other offices : Brussels Other offices : Budapest Other offices : Copenhagen Other offices : Dubai Other offices : Dusseldorf Other offices : Frankfurt Other offices : Hamburg Other offices : Helsinki Other offices : Hong Kong Other offices : London Other offices : Luxembourg Other offices : Lyon Other offices : Madrid Other offices : Milan Other offices : Munich Other offices : Paris Other offices : Prague Other offices : Rome Other offices : Shanghai Other offices : Singapore Other offices : Stockholm Other offices : Sydney Other offices : WarsawComparative Guides
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Germany: Franchise & Licensing
Published: October 2023
Authors: Dr. Jiri Jaeger Jie Zhang Michael Brooks-Zavodsky
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Franchise & Licensing laws and regulations applicable in Germany.
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United Kingdom: Pharmaceutical Advertising
Published: December 2023
Authors: Sally ShorthosePieter ErasmusMax Gross
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Pharmaceutical Advertising laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
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United Kingdom: Employment and Labour Law
Published: March 2024
Authors: Alison DixonAnish PathakOlivia Baxendale
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Employment and Labour laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
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United Kingdom: Venture Capital
Published: March 2024
Authors: Struan PenwardenBenjamin Simon
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Venture Capital laws and regulations applicable in United Kingdom.
- Data privacy and data protection
- Industry focus: Media and entertainment
- Industry focus: telecoms
- Intellectual property: Patents
- Intellectual property: trade marks, copyrights and design rights