Cyber security

Kennedy Van der Laan is highlighted for its 'fast and in-depth advice, ability to understand business problems, and for offering the right solutions'. In addition to outsourcing and other IT projects, the team also handles IT disputes, e-commerce mandates, cybercrime, and public procurement matters. Patrick Wit is in demand for his 'negotiation expertise', while other well-regarded partners include Joost Linnemann, Hester de Vries, and Christoph Jeloschek; senior associate Joost Schmaal is also a name to note. The team counts TNT, McDonald’s and Stichting BKR among its broad client base.

The 'efficient, well-synced team' at Kennedy Van der Laan 'has excellent communication skills; the advice is pragmatic and it has broad experience in brand protection matters'. Alfred Meijboom and Maarten Schut head the department and offer broad expertise in IP, media, and related technology issues. Schut also coordinates the European brand protection work for Nike. Counsel Sophie van Loon has a focus on copyright law and advises international media and publishing clients, including on matters relating to collective rights management societies. The team's impressive client roster includes Ikea, Facebook, and Tommy Hilfiger. Highlight work includes continuous assistance to Converse in its fight against counterfeiting in several European countries and wins against Dutch distributors Van Caem and Goeiemode.

Outstanding practice covering all aspects of IT, outsourcing, media and data protection. Frequently handles IT infrastructure outsourcings for multinational corporate entities, with additional experience in disputes flowing from breaches of service contracts.

The team's market-leading position is reaffirmed by sources, one client explaining: "The team is an excellent mix of those with a lot of experience and relatively new lawyers, all of whom are fresh and energetic."

"The firm takes the lead when it comes to innovation, combining extensive knowledge about new technologies with legal knowledge about the risks and possibilities," states one source.

Joost Linnemann is an experienced practitioner, known for his varied work in IT and outsourcing. Clients praise him for "coming up with new ideas and connecting us with other companies going through the same types of innovation processes.

Patrick Wit is well known among market commentators for his advice on IT agreements. He has experience in cross-border outsourcings for international clients.

Data protection practice undertakes non-contentious compliance mandates as well as contentious regulatory matters.

The team's market-leading position is reaffirmed by sources, one client explaining: "The team is an excellent mix of those with a lot of experience and relatively new lawyers, all of whom are fresh and energetic."

"The firm takes the lead when it comes to innovation, combining extensive knowledge about new technologies with legal knowledge about the risks and possibilities," states one source.

Advised De Persgroep, GS Media and ThePostOnline on proceedings against the EU over allegations made by the EUvsDisinfo website. The companies challenged their inclusion in an article identifying fake news organisations.

Hester De Vries is "an authority" on data protection in the Netherlands, according to one interviewee who elaborates: "Her contacts with the data protection authority are valuable and she knows how to identify and downsize risks." She predominantly handles advisory and compliance matters.