The Rotterdam-based cohort at Ploum is well-placed to act for its varied client list in disputes up to Dutch Supreme Court level. Its caseload includes trade mark disputes against counterfeit product development, and assisting in cases of EU infringement where a brand has been used without consent. ‘Star in the advertising law arena’ Willem Leppink is at the team’s head alongside ’outstanding partner’ Sabin Tigu, who has a notable specialism in project driven IP litigation, particularly in relation to customs and parallel trade enforcement.
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Profile
Work Department
Intellectual property rights
European Law
European Law
Position
Attorney at law, partner
Career
Willem provides litigation services and advice in the field of trademark, copyright and advertising law. He represents well known companies throughout Europe in counterfeiting and other infringement matters. He is very experienced in coordinating European brand and marketing-related projects. In the Netherlands he litigates in conflicts regarding intellectual property and in cases about misleading and comparative advertising. Before joining Ploum, Willem was a partner with NautaDutilh and Simmons & Simmons. Willem is the chair of the organization that is responsible for the professional education of Benelux trad mark attorneys.
Languages
Dutch, English, German, elementary proficiency of Western Frisian
Memberships
MARQUES, the European Association of Trade Mark Owners, member of the executive committee
Dutch Advertising Law Association (VvRr), honorary member
International Trademark Association (INTA)
Benelux association for trademark and design law (BMM)
European Trade Mark Association (ECTA)
Association Internationale pour la Protection de la Propriété Intellectuelle (AIPPI)
Netherlands Association of Intellectual Property Litigiation Lawyers (VIEPA)
Education
Willem graduated from the University of Groningen in 1994. Before that he studied at School of Business of Western Carolina University.
Content supplied by Ploum
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Willem Leppink is the most likeable and measured IP lawyer in the Netherlands. A pleasure to work with and a star in the advertising law arena.’
‘Willem Leppink is the star of the show.'
‘Experts in their field but easy to work with. Collaborative and commercial in their approach and their advice. Excellent client service both in the legal advice they deliver and their service. Transparent and thorough.'
‘Willem Leppink and Sabin Tigu are both outstanding partners. I would not hesitate to work with them and trust their judgment and strategic approach.’
‘Paul Trapman and Willem Leppink deliver high-quality legal services. Quick to answer and explain clearly. They are committed to understanding the individual needs of each client. A wonderful team for IP matters in the Netherlands.’
‘Willem Leppink is an experienced and dedicated lawyer. He always gets the job done and is easy to work with. We would recommend him without hesitation.’
‘Willem Leppink has a very broad knowledge and is able to address complex issues at short notice and provide clear and pragmatic guidance. Sabin Tigu is well-versed in trade mark matters; he is able to see the bigger picture and take into account all aspects in litigation matters.’
‘The team is very talented and provides business oriented legal advice. They also know our industry very well.’
Key clients
- Ahoy
- Amazon Technologies Inc
- Andy Warhol Foundation for the visual arts
- Arli Group
- Ausnutria
- Batenburg
- Beachbody
- Ladder
- Openfit
- Benbits
- Bidfood
- Control Union
- Coty
- Customs Support
- Danone
- Dataflex International
- Donna Karan (DKNY)
- Duru Bulgur
- Dyson
- Ford Motor Company
- Groenleven
- Harley-Davidson
- Heineken
- Hemsson
- Hoofdklasse Hockey
- Honda
- Japan Tobacco
- JDE Peet’s
- Kelvion
- Koninklijke Verkade
- Pladis
- Koole
- Libéma
- Lipton Teas & Infusions
- LRC
- LVMH
- Mastronardi
- Medical Pet Shirt
- Middle Earth Enterprises
- Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
- Nature’s Pride
- Pjur Group Luxembourg S.A.
- Prescan
- PUIG
- Richemont SL
- Rivian
- Robeco
- Renewi
- Burger King
- Samsung
- Satelliet Meubelen B.V.
- smart
- Snap Inc.
- Tenzinger
- The Nomad Company B.V.
- TUI
- Under Armour
- UNIT4
- Upfield
- Vattenval
- Wella
- Western Digital
Work highlights
Organising and coordinating for Western Digital its pan EU battle against counterfeits and parallel trade in its products on all European online marketplaces.
Representing Coty in its dispute regarding parallel trade, counterfeit and other unauthorised use of Coty’s trade marks.
Assisting LVMH with its day-to-day customs enforcement against counterfeit Perfumes & Cosmetic products.