Under the leadership of IP specialist Manon Rieger-Jansen, Bird & Bird advises clients on the protection and enforcement of their IP rights worldwide. Leading figures in the team include Tjibbe Douma and Carlos van Staveren, who focus on technology-related patent matters and have extensive experience in domestic and multi-jurisdictional patent disputes. Peter van Gemert handles complex patent and trade secret litigation before the Dutch courts and the Unified Patent Court, particularly in the telecoms and technology sectors. Marc van Wijngaarden advises on patents, trade secrets, and other IP rights, with recognised expertise in cross-border European patent litigation, especially within the life sciences and chemical industries. Patent litigator Frodo Ferro joined the practice in April 2025, while longstanding IP expert Wouter Pors departed the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Key clients
- Dexcom
- Cardo Systems
- Broadcom
- Edwards Lifesciences
- KPN
- Neuraxpharm
- Nokia
- Maxeon Solar Technologies
- BSRP
- Celltrion
- Royal IHC
Work highlights
Advised Celltrion on high-stakes pan-European patent litigation against Novartis and Genentech, in relation to patents that serve to protect Novartis’ blockbuster drug Xolair, securing a win for Celltrion in the first biosimilar UPC (PI) action and a win before the Dutch court.
Advised Dexcom on defending global patent disputes with Abbott regarding continuous glucose monitoring devices across multiple jurisdictions, including leading groundbreaking UPC proceedings in Stockholm and The Hague, handling the first-ever hearing of technical experts at the UPC.
Advised Neuraxpharm on high-stakes international patent litigation against Biogen and its blockbuster multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera, securing a successful outcome (revocation of Biogen’s patent in the Netherlands) and coordinating defence strategy with other major generics, including Sandoz and Viatris.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Marc van Wijngaarden
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Peter van Gemert
Carlos van Staveren
Practice head
Manon Rieger-Jansen
Other key lawyers
Marc van Wijngaarden; Tjibbe Douma; Peter van Gemert; Carlos van Staveren; Frodo Ferro; Emilia Zalewska
