
Ploum is valued for its ability to deliver ‘convincing solutions even in the most complex cases’ relating to trademark, design, and copyright matters. The team handles IP disputes across diverse sectors, including consumer products, technology, luxury, and regulated industries. Leading the department is Sabin Tigu, who focuses on project-driven IP litigation, including customs and parallel trade enforcement; and Willem Leppink, who brings deep knowhow in soft IP as well as anti-counterfeiting and parallel trade strategies. Paul Trapman is a further key team member.
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Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The practice has strength in depth, they are experts in their area and provide excellent client service.'
- ‘Willem Lepink and Sabin Tigu are both very responsive, technically excellent and provide excellent service. Paul Trapman is clearly up and coming, technically excellent and has a nice manner.’
- ‘As a truly Dutch law firm, Ploum has an excellent local (and also international) network with outstanding market knowledge. Our collaboration with their office in Rotterdam has been excellent, rapid and highly professional.'
- ‘For years, our contact persons have been Willem Leppink and the equally excellent partner Sabin Tigu. We greatly appreciate their enormous commitment and goal.'
- 'A young and growing team in Rotterdam, strong on advertising law and parallel trade. Easy to work with and very responsive.'
- ‘Willem Leppink stands out in the team; he is both pleasant and effective. A leading figure in the advertising law space. Paul Trapman is up and coming.'
Key clients
- Ahoy
- Amazon Technologies Inc
- Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
- Arli Group
- Ausnutria
- Automattic
- Batenburg
- Beachbody, Ladder, Openfit
- Benbits
- Bidfood (the largest pure play online supplier of the hospitality industry)
- Control Union (large certification company)
- Coty (fragrances such as Gucci, Hugo Boss, Davidoff, and Calvin Klein)
Work highlights
Organising and coordinating Western Digital and SanDisk’s pan-European efforts against counterfeiting and parallel trade across online marketplaces.
Assisting Coty, a global beauty company, in close cooperation with other counsel in Europe, in its fight against parallel trade, counterfeiting and other unauthorised use of Coty’s trademarks.
Assisting LVMH with its day-to-day customs enforcement against counterfeit perfumes and cosmetic products, as well as counterfeit leather & fashion goods with brands including Christian Dior, Celine, Guerlain, Givenchy, Kenzo, and Sephora.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head
Sabin Tigu; Willem Leppink
Other key lawyers
Yvonne Hamerling; Paul Trapman; Michelle Roosma
