The ‘proactive, responsive’ team at NautaDutilh is acclaimed for its commercial insight into trademarks, copyrights, designs, trade names, and related rights. The practice is especially strong in the consumer and luxury goods, technology, and creative industries. Heading the team is Thijs van Aerde, who deals with a variety of soft IP matters as well as IP litigation, spanning cases from the Dutch lower courts to the European Court of Justice. Jeroen Boelens departed the firm in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Thijs van Aerde is an outstanding lawyer who is capable of explaining complex legal issues in an understandable manner. He stands out from a business and legal point of view.’
Key clients
- Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Buccellati (Richemont)
- LEGO
- Scotch & Soda
- MF Brands (Lacoste)
- HP, inc
- Notino
- BumaStemra
- Pictoright
- Zoom Corporation
- Puma
- Rabobank
- ABN AMRO Bank
Work highlights
Successfully obtained multiple preliminary injunctions on behalf of the LEGO Group against third parties using trademarks and selling elements that infringe the LEGO Group’s design rights.
Successfully represented the Dutch music copyright collective management organisation BumaStemra before the Amsterdam District Court in litigation against Disney, relating to the license fees payable by Disney to BumaStemra for the use of music in their SVOD service Disney+.
Acting in multiple ongoing IP litigations (copyright and trademark) before the Supreme Court for the consumer electronics company, HP.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Thijs van Aerde
Other key lawyers
Charles Gielen; Liselotte Bekke