Media

Kennedy Van der Laan provides comprehensive legal support to a diverse range of clients in the media and entertainment sector, including production companies, streaming services, broadcasters, and social media platforms. The team handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, with expertise covering defamation law, platform cases, environmental issues, copyright litigation, and regulatory compliance. Jens Van den Brink, head of the practice, specialises in media litigation and provides counsel on a broad spectrum of issues, with a particular focus on free speech, copyright, and digital matters. Other key members include Joran Spauwen, a specialist in content and technology, and Lotte Oranje, who is frequently sought by clients for advice on press publications and online content.

Practice head: Jens van den Brink

Hall of Fame 

Jens van den Brink

Leading associates

Lotte Oranje

Next Generation Partners

Joran Spauwen

Testimonials

• ‘Kennedy Van der Laan provide great and very quick support.’
• ‘I have valued their speed and collaborative nature, especially when we provide them with difficult requests.’
• ‘The team did their best to answer our questions asap. They met our requests and were honest and fair in their answers.'
• ‘We were very pleased with the outstanding work of Joran Spauwen. A great communicator and lawyer. The team was quick on their feet, fluent in English, able to insert our impromptu comments in their speech, and their replies to the opposing party were spot on.’
• ‘Kennedy Van der Laan's team is highly knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to serving the client's needs; moreover, they are excellent litigators. They are friendly and accessible.’
• ‘Within the Kennedy Van der Laan team, I have worked with Jens van den Brink and Lotte Oranje, both of whom embody the qualities.’

Kennedy Van der Laan handles a number of high-profile media disputes relating to the publication of misinformation, copyright infringements, defamation claims and advertising litigation. 

• Kennedy Van der Laan represented NRC in litigation proceedings against Claessen Tankcleaning in relation to unlawful publication claims.

“We appreciate Kennedy Van der Laan's industry knowledge and deep practical experience. All of the team members have a great level of experience.”

“Kennedy Van der Laan has outstanding expertise and is best in class. All of the partners and associates are extremely knowledgeable.”

“The team is highly qualified and well known for its expertise in media litigation. We are very pleased with Kennedy Van der Laan's work.”

Jens van den Brink  is regarded as one of the leading media law specialists in the Netherlands, representing social media platforms and major global media corporations. He has a strong focus on contentious matters, representing clients in defamation cases, attempts to prevent the publication of misinformation and disputes relating to advertising. "Jens van den Brink is the best lawyer if you have media litigation."

Joran Spauwen  is well regarded in the field of media and communications. He advises clients on contentious matters such as anti-piracy action, media regulations and defamation. He also assists with matters relating to freedom of information, market entry and contractual advice. "Joran Spauwen is a lawyer who is able to act as a trusted adviser. He is genuinely interested in the client's business and is extremely knowledgeable, flexible, creative and pragmatic."

Kennedy Van der Laan has extensive experience handling high-profile litigation matters for clients within the media and entertainment industry. The firm caters to a diversity of clients, including production companies, streaming services, broadcasters and social media platforms. Hailed for his ‘thorough understanding of media and journalism’, Jens Van den Brink heads the team. Joran Spauwen is another exceptional member of the team that has in-depth experience advising media clients on data protection regulations and online copyright requirements. Sophie van Loon and Lotte Oranje are also notable. Van Loon has experience handling copyright disputes, while Oranje regularly assists with some of the firm’s most prominent cases.

Practice heads: Jens van den Brink

Hall of fame

Jens van den Brink

Rising stars

Lotte Oranje

Next Generation Partners

Joran Spauwen

Other Key lawyers

Joran Spauwen
Sophie van Loon
Lotte Oranje

Testimonials

• ‘There is a real variety of knowledge at the firm. They have been able to answer any legal questions we have.’
• ‘The associates are always quick to respond and offer useful advice. The advice is always thoughtful and considered.’
• ‘The media team of Kennedy Van der Laan is the best in class in the Netherlands.’
• ‘Jens van den Brink is an excellent litigator. He has a thorough understanding of media and journalism.’
• ‘The team has a lot of experience in media cases. They are easy to access and they are available in urgent matters. They are well prepared for any court case and they are flexible.’
• ‘Jens van den Brink and Lotte Oranje form a good, sharp and solid team in lawsuits. You really want them on a case.’
• ‘Lotte Oranje is down to earth and gives practical advice. She is proactive, realistic on issues and she’s a nice person to work with.'

The Media team of Kennedy Van der Laan stands at the forefront of legal expertise across four pivotal areas: defamation/free speech, reigning with the largest nationwide practice; internet-related litigation and counsel for major social media platforms, holding a distinguished position nationally; a thriving entertainment practice, characterized by a consistent flow of production work; and regulatory media work, showcasing an intimate comprehension of the intricate legal frameworks governing the media landscape. Their portfolio boasts numerous high-profile litigation cases, including notable #metoo cases involving political entities, significant environmental litigation entangled with questionable lobbying by former cabinet members, and pivotal platform cases, notably representing Meta and Twitter.

"Kennedy Van der Laan can quickly familiarise itself with complex and extensive files thanks to its available team."

"I like that the lawyers are quick to understand our approach to risk; their expertise goes without saying, and for me what they do goes even further than being pragmatic."

"The team are always on time, proactive and responsive."

Jens van den Brink is regarded as one of the leading media law specialists in the Netherlands. He has a strong focus on contentious matters, representing clients in defamation cases, attempts to prevent the publication of misinformation and disputes relating to advertising.

Joran Spauwen is well regarded in the field of media and communications. He advises clients on contentious matters such as anti-piracy action, media regulations and defamation. He also assists with matters relating to freedom of information.

Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The law firm handles a number of high-profile media disputes relating to the publication of misinformation, defamation claims and advertising litigation. The team is also highly esteemed for its work in the technology sector, advising on outsourcing and procurement agreements, the launch of new platforms, opening new data centres and licensing contracts. Kennedy Van der Laan also represents clients in telecommunications matters, including disputes on regulations and strategic frequency auctions. It also acts on data privacy matters, advising clients on the use of biometric data and data sharing agreements, as well as representing clients regarding alleged breaches of GDPR.

"Kennedy Van der Laan can quickly familiarise itself with complex and extensive files thanks to its available team."

"I like that the lawyers are quick to understand our approach to risk; their expertise goes without saying, and for me what they do goes even further than being pragmatic."

"Kennedy van der Laan is particularly strong because it has a deep knowledge of IT in combination with its extensive litigation experience."

"The team are always on time, proactive and responsive."

Jens van den Brink is regarded as one of the leading media law specialists in the Netherlands. He has a strong focus on contentious matters, representing clients in defamation cases, attempts to prevent the publication of misinformation and disputes relating to advertising.

Joran Spauwen is well regarded in the field of media and communications. He advises clients on contentious matters such as anti-piracy action, media regulations and defamation. He also assists with matters relating to freedom of information.

Judica Krikke is a market-leading lawyer in the field of IT. She represents clients in technology sector disputes and in the negotiation of supply agreements and outsourcing contracts. She has experience in procurement tenders and advising on regulatory compliance. "Judica is really an expert in complex software agreements; she adds a lot of value for us, is very business-oriented, and happy to jump on calls with internal stakeholders." "Judica is hands-on and practical, which is much appreciated."

Hester de Vries is well regarded in the field of privacy and data protection. In addition to her experience in data sharing mandates, she regularly represents clients in GDPR disputes and advises on the use of biometric data under data privacy regulations.

Patrick Wit often advises on technology procurement mandates and IT outsourcing agreements, as well as assisting with the regulatory aspects of launching new technology platforms.

Quirine Tjeenk Willink enters the rankings this year in recognition of her depth of experience in litigation relating to spectrum auctions. She also advises on regulations and licensing for operators and radio broadcasters. "Quirine is extremely smart and good on sensitive cases."

Reinoud Westerdijk assists clients from the technology sector with negotiating licensing agreements and regulatory advice. Additionally, he advises on data-related matters such as access requests.

Joost Schmaal assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious matters in the technology sector, representing clients in drafting IT contracts, as well as in disputes with suppliers. Additionally, he advises on outsourcing of services and IT infrastructure, including cloud-based software delivery. "Joost has great experience, technical ability and commercial acumen in dealing with all aspects of IT disputes; I would highly recommend him as he is very hands-on." "He asks the right questions, has spot-on, sufficient knowledge of market practice and also gives you the support as a strategic partner."

Known for its freedom of speech and internet-related media practice, Kennedy Van der Laan is sought out by Dutch news outlets, broadcasters and production companies for advice on defamation claims and pre-publication reviews. Team head Jens van den Brink represents national and international media companies in free speech, copyright and digital matters. Content and technology specialist Joran Spauwen counsels the firm’s internet platforms and ISP clients on IP and transactional mandates. Counsel in the IP and media practice Sophie Van Loon is a key contact for social media platforms, Associate Lotte Oranje regularly acts for clients in disputes concerning press publications and online content.

Practice heads: Jens van den Brink

Hall of fame

Jens van den Brink

Rising stars

Lotte Oranje

Other Key lawyers

Joran Spauwen
Sophie van Loon
Michiel Coops

Testimonials

• ‘Kennedy Van der Laan have provided us fast, timely and valuable advice on a wide variety of legal topics for over two years now. Their service is invaluable, and they have helped us navigate often complicated queries on media law, employment law, copyright, GDPR and much more.’
• ‘Focused deep knowledge of media law. The firm has done high profile cases that attracted a lot of publicity for us. We always work with Jens van den Brink. We have a trusting relationship.’
• ‘If Jens van den Brink is involved, then we know the matter is in good hands. Lotte Oranje is one of the newcomers. She’s a real talent, sharp, engaged and works hard.’
• ‘Jens van den Brink and Lotte Oranje take a practical view on matters. Also, they are a good sparring partner for smaller issues. They are down to earth and have good knowledge of the media field and knowhow of jurisprudence. They keep calm in difficult situations.’
• ‘Kennedy Van der Laan has the best media lawyer of the Netherlands. His name is Jens van den Brink.’
• ‘Good industry knowledge, good litigation-skills, pragmatic.’
• ‘Joran Spauwen and Jens van den Brink are both strong litigators and have good industry knowledge.’
• ‘Joran Spauwen stands out as being able to translate tech in an understandable way.’

Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The law firm handles a number of high-profile media disputes relating to the publication of misinformation, defamation claims and advertising litigation. The team is also highly esteemed for its work in the technology sector, advising on outsourcing and procurement agreements, the launch of new platforms, opening new data centres and licensing contracts. Kennedy Van der Laan also represents clients in contentious matters, including disputes with suppliers. It also acts on data privacy matters, advising clients on the use of biometric data and data sharing agreements, as well as representing clients regarding alleged breaches of GDPR.

"Kennedy Van der Laan's service levels are excellent and the response to our questions is within reasonable time."

"The team work well together and therefore have broad expertise."

Jens van den Brink is regarded as one of the leading media law specialists in the Netherlands. He has a strong focus on contentious matters, representing clients in defamation cases, attempts to prevent the publication of misinformation and disputes relating to advertising. "Jens is driven, skilled and practical."

Joran Spauwen is well regarded in the field of media and communications. He advises clients from the technology sector on contentious matters such as data disclosures and defamation. He also assists with matters relating to freedom of information.

The ‘large team of media and entertainment law specialists’ at Kennedy Van der Laan ‘always delivers in often sensitive cases’. Fielding ‘very good litigators’, the firm specialises in internet-related litigation and defamation/free speech cases, as well as providing expertise in content production and transaction matters, including film and media productions and content transactions. Team head Jens Van Den Brink is a renowned media litigator with many years of experience in media defence work. Another key name is Christien Wildeman, who focuses on major defamation and copyright litigation matters in the Netherlands.

Practice head(s): Jens van den Brink

Leading Individuals

Jens van den Brink

Testimonials

• Real diversity of expertise that has helped our company in a variety of ways. They have offered guidance over a number of sensitive subject areas, often to extremely tight time frames and deadlines. This assistance has been invaluable. It’s not an exaggeration to say that we would not have been able to do some of the most prominent work we have done in recent times without them.’
• ‘They have a genuine passion for the work they do, something that really shines through in the way they have engaged with us. They have also helped guide us through some extremely tricky legal queries and opened up their network of contacts in a number of countries around the world when questions regarding different jurisdictions arise.’
• ‘Creative approach, good business sense and knowledge, strong litigation skills, proactive.’

Kennedy Van der Laan boasts market-leading expertise in several areas of TMT, particularly regarding media regulations and IT outsourcing. The law firm handles a number of high-profile media disputes relating to the publication of misinformation, defamation claims and advertising litigation.

"One interviewee reports that Kennedy Van der Laan "holds its own in the Dutch scene, and its lawyers are always quite innovative."

"A client reports that the team "has a strong capacity" and highlights the "great quality of advice."

"One of the leading media law specialists in the Netherlands, Jens van den Brink has a strong focus on contentious matters, representing clients in defamation cases, attempts to prevent the publication of misinformation and disputes relating to advertising. One client enthuses: "Jens van den Brink is extremely helpful, experienced and knowledgeable and has expertly helped us to negotiate a number of extremely tricky legal questions and concerns we have had."