Christoph Jeloschek

Commercial litigation / Arbitration / IT litigation & arbitration / E-commerce / Follow-on litigation / Cross-border litigation & arbitration / German desk.

Christoph is a litigator in commercial cases before the court as well as in arbitration. He frequently acts for clients in cases concerning cross-border contract disputes, such as failed projects, termination of agency contracts, distributorships and other long-term contracts. He also deals with complex disputes in the IT sector. Christoph’s previous experience with non-contentious work (i.e. advice and contract drafting) gives him a practical understanding of the relevant business issues in disputes and the needs of clients.

As a member of Kennedy Van der Laan’s German desk, he advises German-speaking clients on litigation issues in the Netherlands.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - Industry focus: Information Technology - Tier 1

With the arrival of Judica Krikke, former head of Stibbe‘s IT department, in March 2023, Kennedy Van der Laan continues to be a go-to for clients seeking advice on major projects. Krikke not only brings expertise on IT procurement processes and ERP contracting but also represents clients in disputes concerning failed IT implementations. Patrick Wit works on tech projects, IT contracting, cybersecurity and digital transformations. Reinoud Westerdijk specialises in IT contractual joint ventures and public procurements and acts for high-tech suppliers and service providers. Christoph Jeloschek acts for large Dutch and international companies on cross-border litigations and complex IT disputes concerning failed IT projects. Joost Schmaal assists with emerging technologies such as smart contracts and AI. Senior associates Astrid Sixma and Veerle van Dreunen provide outstanding support and lead on large-scale transactions involving the integration of technology in transport projects.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 - Industry focus: Information Technology - Tier 1

The depth of Kennedy Van der Laan‘s sector expertise is confirmed by clients who report that ‘they speak our language‘. The large size of the practice, including a substantial team of associates with technical backgrounds. allows it to scale up to take on large projects and regularly post secondees to key clients. The team is also at the forefront of rolling out legal tech initiatives for its clients, for example the ‘customised alliance’ – knowledge sharing between attorneys and in-house counsels across various jurisdictions. The lead partners provide a comprehensive range of expertise: Patrick Wit heads IT and IT outsourcing; Reinoud Westerdijk as the key contact for IT licensing, cloud sourcing and procurement; Joost Schmaal the main name for IT outsourcing and emerging technologies, and Christoph Jeloschek as the specialist in IT litigation and arbitration. The group's expertise includes large-scale outsourcing, assistance with matters involving cutting edge areas such as AI and green IT, and related areas such as cybercrime and competition issues.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 - Commercial litigation – ranked

Kennedy Van der Laan acts for both domestic and international clients on complex cross-border disputes, and has recently seen an uptick in collective actions instructions. Christoph Jeloschek co-heads the team and has considerable experience in cross-border litigation, particularly in the it sector. Martine de Koning also co-heads the team and is recommended for commercial disputes.

Chambers Global 2021 - Dispute Resolution: Netherlands - Foreign Expertise in Austria & Germany

Christoph Jeloschek is well practised in representing Dutch companies in commercial litigation and arbitration involving Austria and Germany.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2020 - Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation

A notable list of clients turn to the team at Kennedy Van der Laan for assistance with commercial litigation. Work handled by the firm spans contract disputes, interim relief proceedings, and pre-trial actions. A team led by Martine de Koning is representing a global sports brand in cross-border litigation regarding online sales restrictions in its selective distribution policy. Also recommended are joint practice heads Christoph Jeloschek and Bart-Adriaan de Ruijter; the latter specialises particularly in matters concerning D&O liability.

Chambers Global 2020 - Dispute Resolution – Netherlands - Ranked

Christoph Jeloschek is "particularly well positioned on cross-border cases" and "very knowledgeable in international law." He often represents Dutch companies in commercial disputes involving Austria and Germany.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2019 - Industry focus: 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.

Chambers Global 2019 – Foreign Expert

"Christoph Jeloschek of Kennedy Van der Laan is recognised as "very knowledgeable on European procedural law" and described by sources as "focused, reliable and quick." Well acquainted with Austrian and German legal issues, he regularly acts for clients on commercial disputes and arbitration."

Chambers Global 2019 – Foreign Expert

"Christoph Jeloschek of Kennedy Van der Laan in Amsterdam focuses on cross-border litigation, has degrees in both Austrian and Dutch law, and is fluent in German. He advises on IP disputes from his base in Amsterdam and frequently represents German clients."

Chambers Global 2018 - Litigation - Ranked

"Amsterdam-based Christoph Jeloschek of Kennedy Van der Laan is a native German speaker. He regularly represents German-speaking clients in cross-border litigation proceedings, with a strong focus on the IT industry."

Chambers Global 2018 - Litigation - Ranked

"Christoph Jeloschek of Kennedy Van der Laan is qualified in Dutch and Austrian law and routinely handles mandates with German components, owing to his fluency in German. His recent work includes contractual disputes concerning the termination of a distribution agreement involving the German market."

The Legal 500 EMEA 2018 - Information Technology - Ranked

"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."

• Trusted adviser to the board of a Dutch Investment Bank on all aspects of IT outsourcing.
• Assisting and representing a global multinational corporation manufacturing imaging and optical products manufacturer.
• Represented an Italian based steel company in follow-on indemnity proceedings against the other members of a former steel cartel, who all have been fined by the European Commission for participation in the cartel. This high-profile case will influence the attractiveness of The Netherlands as forum for litigating follow-on proceedings.
• Represented a leading tech multinational as the defendant against the Dutch police in a case regarding licence fees.
• Represented a global agribusiness in a complicated dispute with one of its service providers, regarding breach of contract.