Jens van den Brink

Media law / Internet law / Press law / Freedom of speech / Defamation / Intermediary liability law / Entertainment law / Image rights / Privacy law (litigation) / Advertising law / Licencing / Free speech litigation / Fundamental rights litigation / Online content / Copyright / Intellectual Property / IP Litigation / Licence agreements.

Jens is a partner in the IP & Media department, where he heads the media group. He is a media litigator, with a hands-on approach and years of experience in media defense.

Jens advises and litigates for national and international media companies, often in the area where IP, privacy, free speech and other fundamental rights collide. His litigation practice is particularly strong in free speech, copyright and internet matters. Jens also regularly handles entertainment law issues, varying from image rights to format and licensing issues. Jens is used to handling high pressure, media sensitive cases, where time is of the essence. The media team at Kennedy Van der

Laan has the experience to prepare for media litigation in a matter of hours if necessary.

Both the media team and Jens personally are ranked ,tier one by both Chambers and Legal 500.

Jens studied law at King’s College London, Columbia University in New York and at the University of Amsterdam. He regularly lectures on media, internet and intellectual property law. He is editor-in-chief of Dutch media law blog Media Report.

Chambers Europe 2019 - TMT: Media - Band 1

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.

Chambers Europe 2018 - Media - Band 1

"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."

The Legal 500 EMEA 2018 - Media - Tier 1

"The ‘no-nonsense’ team at Kennedy Van der Laan is led by Jens van den Brink, who along with counsel Christien Wildeman ‘dominates the Dutch media litigation landscape’. Defamation and internet-related litigation are particular strengths. De Persgroep and Facebook are longstanding clients; Vodafone-Ziggo is a recent client."

• Successfully represented a public broadcasting company in a high-profile defamation proceedings case.
• Defended a national Dutch daily newspaper in a high-profile privacy case, concerning the display of photographs. The case took place amidst a national discussion and heated debate on the matter in national media.
• Advised a Dutch media group on a dispute with between the media platform and a Dutch political party, regarding media law.
• Successfully defended a major Dutch cable operator in proceedings involving requests for user data.
• Defended a Dutch broadcaster in a high profile privacy case, concerning a government official.
• Represented the Dutch Premier League football club regarding enforcement and litigation relating to public viewing of football matches.