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 works for newspapers, broadcasters, producers and for many major social media- and other platforms. His cases are often in the area where free speech, privacy, intellectual property and other fundamental rights collide. He also handles a lot of entertainment cases, ranging from image rights to format and licensing issues. Jens is used to dealing with great pressure and media sensitive matters, where time is of the essence.

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 and is editor-in-chief of Dutch media law blog Media Report.

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.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2020 - Intellectual property: Trade marks, copyrights and design rights - Ranked

Kennedy Van der Laan's IP practice handles both contentious and non-contentious work in the areas of trade marks, copyright, designs, licensing, R&D, trade secrets and patents. The firm has a strong presence in the technology, media, and fashion and luxury sectors. Alfred Meijboom and Maarten Schut lead the department. Sophie van Loon specialises in copyright law. Also recommended are senior associates Reindert van der Zaal and Joran Spauwen.

Testimonial

‘Alfred Meijboom and Jens van den Brink are both excellent lawyers’

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."