Brinkhof is a leading force in international patent disputes, particularly before the Unified Patent Court. The team is led by six experienced partners: Richard Ebbink, who focuses on European patent litigation before the Courts of The Hague; Mark van Gardingen, who specialises in national and cross-border patent litigation and trade secrets; Daan de Lange, who handles patent licensing disputes; Koen Bijvank, who is active in high-end oppositions, particularly in the chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences spaces; Rien Broekstra, who offers experience in patent cases involving complex technologies; and Jan Pot, who leads the firm’s Supreme Court litigation practice. Isabelle Kleinveld is praised for her ‘professionalism, speed, and grasp of complex patent issues’. Paul Marcelis left the firm in September 2025.
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Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Brinkhof is a specialist IP firm that stands out as exceptional in the crowded Dutch market.'
- ‘Daan de Lange and Mark van Gardingen are top-notch patent litigators.’
- ‘Many law firms litigate and advise - Brinkhof orchestrates. They excel in overseeing and handling complex multi-jurisdictional patent litigation. Advice is clear, business-focused, and always tailored to our needs.’
- ‘Mark van Gardingen is really a one-of-a-kind litigator. He's impossible not to like, and his deep knowledge of patent law and technical expertise becomes clear within minutes.'
- ‘Great, highly skilled, and thorough team. Great teamwork!’
- 'It was great to have Alexander de Leeuw following the case, giving advice and perspective and standing in for Mark van Gardingen, when he was not available.’
Key clients
- Oppo
- Sandoz
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
- Amgen
- Delta Electronics
- Samsung Bioepis
- Accord
- Synthon
- Stada
- Agfa
- Xiaomi
- Ballino
Work highlights
Representing Genevant Sciences and Arbutus Biopharma in UPC proceedings concerning the alleged infringement of Arbutus’ patent rights in the context of Moderna mRNA vaccines, including its COVID-19 vaccine.
Representing OPPO in multi-jurisdictional patent disputes with a multitude of proprietors of standard essential patents (SEPs), including Sisvel, Nokia, Panasonic and KPN.
Representing Amgen in several high-profile and internationally significant UPC and EPO proceedings against Sanofi and Regeneron regarding PCSK9 and Lp(a) antibodies.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Richard Ebbink; Mark van Gardingen; Daan de Lange; Koen Bijvank; Rien Broekstra; Jan Pot
Other key lawyers
Rik Lambers; Alexander de Leeuw; Boukje van der Maazen; Berber van der Wansem; Barbara Mooij; Jonathan Santman; Isabelle Kleinveld