R&D and innovation tax work forms the cornerstone of the Bird & Bird tax practice, which has a notable focus on the life sciences sector and a specialism in IP-related tax issues. Its growing tax disputes offering is another standout element. Brent Springael, ‘a highly skilled and dedicated lawyer’ and authority on patent box cases, heads the team while Olivier Bertin takes the lead in tax litigation and controversy matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Good interconnection with our fiscal advisors. Clear and short opinions.’

  • ‘Very hands on, quick and professional; the tax team never disappoints.’

  • ‘In addition to their rapid response times, the team of Bird&Bird are remarkably accessible. Their availability and responsiveness set them apart from many others in the field. Regardless of the complexity or urgency of the matter at hand, they are always ready to assist, providing clients with the assurance that their needs are a top priority.’

  • ‘We have relied on Bird&Bird partner Brent Springael and his team on a number of occasions to assist us with tax rulings. Brent has proven to be a highly skilled and dedicated lawyer specialising in tax and VAT matters.'

  • 'Brent Springael ensures that we are always well-informed and able to make strategic decisions without unnecessary delays. Furthermore, Brent has the ability to transform complicated concepts into clear, understandable terms. This skill not only empowers our teams, but also fosters a collaborative and transparent attorney-client relationship.'

  • ‘We worked with Brent Springael: Smart, intellectual, to-the-point, quality advice, correct.'

Key clients

  • Parts Holding Europe
  • RTBF
  • Saint-Gobain Construction Products Belgium
  • Ets Frantz Colruyt SA
  • Proximus SA
  • ArcelorMittal Group
  • Mastercard
  • SABAM
  • Vlaamse Nieuwsmedia
  • DPG Media
  • Roularta Group
  • DPG Media Group
  • Certa Insurance
  • PDC*Line
  • Capsugel / Lonza
  • Jinjiang (Radisson Group)
  • IWG / Regus

Work highlights

  • Advised Shanghai Jinjiang on the hotel management restructuring within the Radisson Group and Group du Louvre in France and Belgium.
  • Advised a fashion designer and certified supplier to the royal family on the implementation of copyright transfers qualifying for the special tax regime for income from the transfer of copyrights.
  • Advised the Flemish news media companies (PDG Media, Roularta Group, Belga, Mediahuis, etc.) on the implementation of the new tax regime for income from the transfer of copyrights.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Brent Springael

Other key lawyers

Olivier Bertin