The ‘true legal and judicial experts’ at Kennedy Van der Laan divide their focus between the tech, media and entertainment, fashion and luxury sectors, representing clients in major trade mark infringement claims and issues around intermediary liability. The practice is led by Maarten Schut, a specialist in tech and life sciences trade mark disputes; IP, IT and sports-focused Alfred Meijboom; and Joran Spauwen, whose expertise lies in assisting the IP aspects of tech transactions. Reindert van der Zaal represents both domestic and international fashion, luxury and sports brands in trade mark and advertising matters, and co-heads the firm’s anti-counterfeiting program.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'KVDL are true legal experts who have the added advantage of being very pragmatic. They deliver effective advice, and strategies are perfectly adapted to their interlocutors.'

  • 'The IP and tech team are first class at KVDL. They are one of the most impressive teams in the Netherlands.'

  • 'The standout partner is Maarten Schuut. He is a leader in his field. He has a commercial mindset which clients appreciate, as well as a clear focus on outcomes.'

  • 'Kennedy Van Der Laan has a deep understanding of intellectual property legislation in the Netherlands and extensive experience.'

  • 'Reindert van der Zaal has extensive experience in both pre-litigation and litigation involving intellectual property rights. Reindert has assisted our company on very delicate and complex matters and, in all cases, has managed to achieve great results.'

  • 'They have an outstanding team with great experience in IP matters.'

  • 'Reindert van der Zaal is an exceptional professional.'

  • 'The KVDL IP practice is clearly a dynamic, forward-thinking, and approachable one. They have excellent legal knowledge in the field of IP.'

Key clients

  • AholdDelhaize
  • Twitter
  • Meta/Instagram/Whatsapp
  • Nike/Converse
  • Hugo Boss
  • Nordisk (Banijay)
  • Lacoste
  • Fossil
  • Diesel
  • Polaroid
  • Microsoft
  • VodafoneZiggo
  • Nutreco
  • AGICOA
  • Schiphol Airport
  • UNStudio
  • VU Medical Centre
  • ABC Signature

Work highlights

  • Defended running shoe brand Brooks against trade mark infringement claims made by Puma.
  • Acted for HUGO BOSS against use of the sign 'boss' and variants for third-party watch collections.
  • Represented DMARC Advisor BV in interim relief proceedings and litigation on the merits against dmarcian Inc. in several disputes concerning joint ownership and distribution of software.

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.

Alfred Meijboom, Maarten Schut, Joran Spauwen

Other key lawyers

Reindert van der Zaal, Sophie van Loon