Jens van den Brink

Auteursrecht / Intellectueel Eigendom / IE procesvoering / Online content / Licencing / Mediarecht / Internetrecht / Persvrijheid / Intermediair aansprakelijkheidsrecht / Portretrecht / Privacyrecht / Reclamerecht / Licentieovereenkomsten / Procesvoering vrijheid van meningsuiting / Entertainmentwetgeving / Procesvoering grondrechten.

Jens is partner bij de praktijkgroep IE & Media, waar hij leiding geeft aan het mediateam. Hij is procesadvocaat in mediazaken met een hands-on aanpak en jarenlange ervaring in het verdedigen van media.

Jens werkt voor kranten, omroepen, producenten en voor veel grote social media en andere platforms. Zijn zaken zitten vaak op het snijvlak van vrije meningsuiting, privacy, intellectueel eigendom en andere fundamentele rechten. Hij doet ook veel entertainment zaken, variërend van portretrechten tot format- en licentiekwesties. Jens is gewend om te gaan met grote druk en mediagevoelige zaken, waarin tijd essentieel is.

Jens studeerde rechten aan Kings College London, Columbia University in New York en aan de Universiteit van Amsterdam. Hij geeft regelmatig cursussen over media-, internet- en intellectueel eigendomsrecht en is hoofdredacteur van mediarecht blog Media Report.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2025 - Industry focus: Media and entertainment - Tier 1

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.

Hall of fame

Jens van den Brink

Testimonials

‘Within the Kennedy Van der Laan team, I have worked with Jens van den Brink and Lotte Oranje, both of whom embody the qualities.’

Chambers Europe 2025 - TMT: Media - Band 1

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 a good lawyer. He is a smart guy and a very eager litigator."
• "Jens van den Brink is the best lawyer if you have media litigation."
• "Jens van den Brink is a safe pair of hands who has seen it all."

The Legal 500 EMEA 2024 - Industry focus: Media and entertainment - Tier 1

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.

Hall of fame

Jens van den Brink

Testimonials

• ‘Jens van den Brink is an excellent litigator. He has a thorough understanding of media and journalism.’
• ‘Jens van den Brink and Lotte Oranje form a good, sharp and solid team in lawsuits. You really want them on a case.’

Chambers Europe 2024 - TMT: Media - Band 1

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.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2023 - Industry focus: Media and entertainment - Tier 1

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, while senior associate Emiel Jurjens is an integral member of the team when representing clients in litigation proceedings. Associate Lotte Oranje regularly acts for clients in disputes concerning press publications and online content.

Hall of fame

Jens van den Brink

Testimonials

• ‘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.’

Chambers Europe 2023 - TMT: Media - Band 1

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.

Strengths

"Jens is driven, skilled and practical."

The Legal 500 EMEA 2022 Industry focus: Media and entertainment - Tier 1

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.

Chambers Europe 2022 - TMT: Media: Band 1

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."

The Legal 500 EMEA 2021 Industry focus: Media and entertainment - Tier 1

The media and IP team at Kennedy Van der Laan stands out for its expertise in internet-related litigation, defamation, copyright and media regulation. Its client roster includes top Dutch and international TV and radio broadcasters, production companies, newspapers, magazine and book publishers, social media companies and political parties. Head of practice Jens van den Brink is a media litigator with a focus on matters relating to free speech, copyright and digital issues. Counsel Christien Wildeman handles defamation and copyright litigation.

Leading individuals

Jens van den Brink
 

Testimonials

‘The team is able to dismantle complex problems, strip it to the core and provide very clear advice on the best way to act’.

‘Compared to other firms, Kennedy Van der Laan’s partners and lawyers are very personal in their contact’.

‘Christien Wildeman and Jens van den Brink, who do most of my cases, are very energetic and engaged and will take their time to discuss cases’.

Chambers Europe 2021 - TMT: Media: Band 1

Jens van den Brink is regarded as "one of the top lawyers in this area." He maintains a broad media practice encompassing advertising litigation, piracy claims and requests to remove documentary productions, as well as non-contentious matters, such as contractual negotiations and establishing new broadcast companies. One client calls him "the go-to lawyer for media cases."

The Legal 500 EMEA 2020 - Industry Focus: Media and Entertainment - Tier 1

At Kennedy Van der Laan, Jens van den Brink litigates on behalf of national and international media companies, often at the intersection of IP, privacy, and free speech. He also regularly handles entertainment law issues, varying from image rights to format and licensing issues. Emiel Jurjens provides expert advice on media regulation to Dutch and international online platforms. Counsel Christien Wildeman, who has a strong focus on defamation cases, is also recommended.

Chambers Europe 2020 - TMT: Media - Band 1
 

Clients describe Jens van den Brink as a "keen litigator and adviser." He maintains a broad media practice encompassing prominent regulatory litigation, documentary production and unlawful publication cases.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2019 - Industry focus: Media and entertainment - Tier 1

Kennedy Van der Laan 'has a full spectrum of media knowledge' and a 'clear understanding of ethical issues in media reporting and the EU regulations protecting press reporting'. Team head Jens Van den Brink 'is a smart negotiator and his strategic advice is outstanding. His team brings all aspects you might seek in a media desk. All are great to work with'. Emiel Jurjens is also well rated, especially on account of his track record of winning cases. Counsel Christien Wildeman acts for De Persgroep and is known for her defamation expertise. The team acted for NOS, RTL, and De Persgroep in proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights concerning access to state-held information on the MH17 plane crash.

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."