Kennedy Van der Laan‘s ’dynamic, forward-thinking’ offering has noteworthy expertise assisting its portfolio of renowned clients in the tech and advanced tech, media and internet, and fashion and luxury sectors in particular. The team’s IP capabilities includes handling high-profile trade mark infringement litigation, representing clients in complex and high-stakes matters regarding remuneration for inventions, and providing advice regarding brand protection on an ongoing basis. Maarten Schut specialises in tech and life sciences-related trade mark work, and Joran Spauwen‘s areas of focus include advising on IP aspects of complex transactions and contracts; the pair oversee the team. Sophie van Loon acts for international clients in copyright matters, Reindert van der Zaal is experienced in brand protection, and Alfred Meijboom has expertise in IT.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent knowledge of IP matters and the audiovisual industry, and pleading and defence in court.’

  • ‘Sophie van Loon is noteworthy.’

  • ‘The law firm is very professional, very hardworking and has been very efficient in obtaining the results expected in the cases given to them, including a pan-European injunction. We trust them and are satisfied with them.’

  • ‘Reindert van der Zaal is very efficient, obtains good results, and perfectly knows the legislation in the country in question to adapt it to the cases he's handling.’

  • ‘The practice is dynamic, forward-thinking, and the people are very approachable. They have excellent legal knowledge in their fields of expertise and offer very pragmatic advice at the same time. Would certainly recommend them to others.’

  • ‘Alfred Meijboom, Maarten Schut, and Reindert van der Zaal particularly stand out in the field of IP and brand protection in the Netherlands. They are very approachable and are excellent lawyers, and they have a strong reputation in the global client market for their field in the Netherlands. I would recommend them.’

  • ‘Reindert van der Zaal is an excellent lawyer.’

  • ‘The IP section is a team of professionals with extensive knowledge in IP law who are very pleasant to cooperate with. They have helped us with several copyright, trade mark and patent law cases, all with success.’

Key clients

  • Meta
  • Instagram
  • Disney
  • Nike
  • Brooks Sports
  • Nutreco
  • VodafoneZiggo
  • Orange
  • Booking.com
  • Microsoft
  • University of Amsterdam
  • Medical Centre

Work highlights

  • Defended high-end running shoes company Brooks Sports against claims made by Puma that the use of the word ‘nitro’ for nitrogen-infused soles would infringe the word mark NITRO.
  • Representing client Vodafone/Ziggo in a high-profile litigation against Dutch CMO Sena about the impact of the ECJ Atresmedia case, where the ECJ ruled that sound recordings no longer qualify as “phonograms” after synchronisation.
  • Supported animal feed multinational Nutreco in complex cross-border transactions relating to R&D collaborations, all aimed at setting up sustainable production of cultivated meat and fish.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Maarten Schut, Joran Spauwen

Other key lawyers

Sophie van Loon, Reindert van der Zaal, Alfred Meijboom