Information Technology

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.

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 media practice benefits from a varied clientele of publishers, newspapers, broadcasters and digital media companies to attract roles on a range of often highly publicised disputes. 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.

Christien Wildeman acts for broadcasters, newspapers and publishers in media disputes before Dutch and European courts. She has experience in cases that test the relationship between defamation, privacy and freedom of expression.

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.

Jens van den Brink acts for a diverse client roster consisting of publishing and social media companies. His prowess in defamation mandates is emphasised by commentators, one source calling him "the perfect lawyer for freedom of speech." "He's very quick in understanding the issues and gives practical advice," states another interviewee.

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.

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 media practice benefits from a varied clientele of publishers, newspapers, broadcasters and digital media companies to attract roles on a range of often highly publicised disputes. 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.

Christien Wildeman acts for broadcasters, newspapers and publishers in media disputes before Dutch and European courts. She has experience in cases that test the relationship between defamation, privacy and freedom of expression.

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.

Jens van den Brink acts for a diverse client roster consisting of publishing and social media companies. His prowess in defamation mandates is emphasised by commentators, one source calling him "the perfect lawyer for freedom of speech." "He's very quick in understanding the issues and gives practical advice," states another interviewee.

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.

Kennedy Van der Laan’s team is led by Joost Linnemann, with support from Reinoud Westerdijk, outsourcing expert Patrick Wit and data protection specialist Hester de Vries. Microsoft, ABN Amro and Capgemini are clients. Litigator and arbitrator Christoph Jeloschek made partner in January 2017; Joost Schmaal is also recommended.

Joost Linnemann leads the team at Kennedy Van der Laan along with ‘resourceful’ outsourcing expert Patrick Wit. Clients include Koninklijke Ahold and Microsoft.

Outstanding practice covering all aspects of IT, outsourcing, media and data protection. Also handles IT litigation, e-commerce, licensing and litigation. The media practice is particularly experienced in defamation, copyright and internet litigation. Recently the team has acted for several high-profile new clients, including Facebook and Vice Media.

One client considers the team to be “the best on media law in Holland” and describes the lawyers as “dedicated and specific.”

Another client says the firm “understands the IT business and is familiar with the most recent IT developments.” The same source praises the “great team spirit within the law firm” as well as its “hands-on mentality,” which makes the team “very easy to work with.”

Advised on complex IT integration issues relating to the merger of Ahold and Delhaize.Defended Ziggo in three separate proceedings regarding requests for user data and information take-down requests.

Siemens, ABN AMRO, Persgroep, Telegraaf Media Group, Viacom.

Clients say Hester De Vries is “super at translating our demands into practical advice on data protection regulations and is really fantastic at converting thoughts into practical choices.” She is a renowned data protection specialist and advises clients from the healthcare and finance sectors.

Joost Linnemann advises on a range of technology and IT matters including outsourcing, software and IT-related litigation. Clients praise his “good knowledge, positive attitude and likeable character.”

Jens van den Brink acts for a mixture of broadcasters, newspapers and other media outlets, with a particular focus on contentious issues and defamation cases. He acted for NRC Media on a case against Ben Bot, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to clients, he is “a very good adviser who pinpoints specific details in a question and is very quick and clear on communication.”

Clients value Christien Wildeman‘s specialist knowledge with regard to media law and her “ability to handle high-pressure cases.” Recently active in contentious work, she handled various litigation matters for national newspapers including de Volkskrant and Het Parool.

Patrick Wit is praised by one client for his “quick in-depth analysis which helps me understand what I’ve missed.” He is primarily concerned with outsourcing deals, including transactional mandates. He advised VNAB on rules for an IT solution to be employed in the insurance sector.

Outstanding practice covering all aspects of IT, outsourcing, media and data protection. Also handles IT litigation, e-commerce and licensing. The media practice is particularly experienced in defamation, copyright and internet litigation. The data protection practice undertakes non-contentious mandates, including regulatory advice, as well as contentious matters such as compliance investigations enforcement procedures.

Clients are extremely impressed by the expansive nature of the firm's advice on IT matters: "They are super knowledgeable and able to give comprehensive answers even if we don't quite ask the right questions," adding: "They are thoughtful and expansive in how they think about things."

Clients praise the media team's quick response times and add that its expertise goes beyond legislation, with one describing it as "extremely specialised with a lot of media knowledge.

Represented KRO-NCRV in high-profile defamation proceedings against Ryanair, relating to claims made about the airline during the broadcast of one of KRO's investigative journalism productions.

Hester De Vries is characterised by clients as "empathetic and a real expert on data protection." She advises on data protection across numerous industries, including healthcare and the financial sector. One client particularly appreciates her way of incorporating innovation and detail into her work, saying: "We have fun working together and that relationship creates creativity and excellent pieces of work," while also noting that the "very detailed phase" of her advice means "everything is 100% effective."

Jens van den Brink specialises in contentious issues and defamation cases. According to clients, he is "very effective, and knows his business and his clients," adding that he "knows when to push harder and when to seek for a practical solution." He typically acts for broadcasters, newspapers and publishers and has advised GS Media on its defence against several recent damages claims brought against the company.

Joost Linnemann is an experienced practitioner, known for his varied work in technology, IT and outsourcing. He is seen by peers as a "smart lawyer" who is frequently involved in IT innovation issues and earns particular praise for his work on matters related to blockchain and developing areas of IT.

The "very talented" Christien Wildeman offers a range of expertise regarding media law. She is particularly active on damages and litigation cases, frequently representing newspapers and publishers and defending Newspaper de Volkskrant against various privacy and defamation claims of late.

Patrick Wit is praised by clients for his "in-depth IT knowledge, commercial awareness" and"excellent counselling capabilities." He focuses on outsourcing projects and transactions and frequently acts for clients in the financial sector. One client notes: "He's very creative and never gives up. When he negotiates he really takes the place of a mediator between the parties, taking into account the interests of other parties, as well as our interests, and he aligns the interests by finding the overlap."