Industry focus: retail

Kennedy Van der Laan

July 2023 saw Kennedy Van der Laan merge its commercial and international trade team with the firm’s EU and competition team, while continuing to be a strong player in matters concerning Dutch franchising law and expanding its work in the e-commerce sector. The retail group is led by the ‘very practical’ Martine de Koning, a leading expert on franchising matters, who also takes on competition issues before the Dutch courts. Jelle Blom, who made partner in June 2023, focuses on franchising and commercial contracts, along with Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken, who also joined the firm’s partnership in 2023, combining a civil procedural law practice with matters of franchising, distribution and consumer law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'A very professional and business-oriented team. They have excellent market knowledge, which shows in the advice they give.'
'Special mention for Martine de Koning, who is an excellent professional to work with: always available, top expertise, very imaginative and creative.'
'Integrated approach of various legal workstreams helps in educating our sales and marketing people on new legislation. They understand our business needs and speak the language. Highly communicative, young and hungry team.'
'Jelle Blom brings stress levels down and fixes issues pragmatically and quietly; he is valuable in strategic cooperation with suppliers and B2B customers. Lisa van Vliet is an excellent sparring partner for marketing campaigns and thinks commercially.'
'Martine de Koning's expertise is in depth, and she is quick to understand a client's needs.'
'There has been a strong connection to the client in handling our case. The way the team connects with us was empathic and pragmatic.'
'Very accommodating and quickly grasps issues. Easy to work with.'
'Martine de Koning is very practical, collaborative and razor sharp. Isabel van Tuyll van Serooskerken is smart, creative and collaborative.'

Key clients

Nike
Converse
Marriott & Starwood
Hilton
Beter Bed
Kvik
Azerion
VodafoneZiggo
Greenpeace
Secrid
Polaroid
Oger
Bureau Krediet Registratie

Work highlights

Represented Azerion in a dispute with its partner Bidstack Ltd concerning the supply and distribution of advertising spaces.
Advised Nike in several matters related to its licensed multi- and monobrand operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Acted for Stichting Bureau Krediet Registratie in civil proceedings initiated by the former secretary of its arbitration committee, who sued for specific performance and damages.