Reinoud Westerdijk

IT contracts / Cyber security / Outsourcing (IT and BPO) / IT suppliers / IT public procurement / Smart City

Reinoud advises and litigates on international IT contracts, e-commerce, consumer protection, privacy and public procurement law. His practice focuses on commercial transactions. These include software licenses, outsourcing and the delivery of infrastructure, hardware and other systems. Reinoud mostly represents suppliers and service providers, but also has considerable experience in working for the customer side.

Reinoud is European Program Chair and member of the Board of Directors of ITechlaw and Chairman of the Board of EuroITcounsel. He is chief editor of the Tijdschrift voor Internetrecht and is on the editorial board of Bedrijfsjuridische Berichten. He is a guest lecturer at the Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (TILT).

Reinoud obtained a doctorate with a dissertation on product liability for software and information.

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.

Chambers Europe 2023 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked

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

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.

Chambers Europe 2022 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked

Reinoud Westerdijk assists clients from the technology sector with negotiating licensing agreements and with opening new data centres. A client reports that he is "a terrific all-round commercial and contracting lawyer with decades of industry knowledge."

Chambers Europe 2020 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked

Reinoud Westerdijk is well versed in assisting clients from the financial and technology sectors with outsourcing matters and the negotiation of agreements for cloud services. Westerdijk also handles the IT and e-commerce aspects of the development of digital platforms. One client praises his knowledge, saying: "He has very deep IT contracting expertise and a great aptitude for thinking on his feet."

Who's Who Legal 2021 - Thought Leaders Global Elite - Data - Information Technology

Reinoud Westerdijk is ranked by WWL as a Global Elite Thought Leader on Data - Information Technology.

The Legal 500 EMEA 2020 - Industry focus: Information Technology - Tier 1

Kennedy Van der Laan provides sound advice combined with an understanding of current technologies. The team, which is led by Patrick Wit, handles the full gamut of transactional, regulatory and contentious work, which extends to e-commerce, blockchain, smart contracts and cybersecurity mandates. Wit's client roster encompasses financial and retail sector clients undertaking digital transformations and fintech start-ups. Reinoud Westerdijk and associate partner Joost Schmaal, who has 'tremendous insight into the IT landscape', are other key team members.

Chambers Europe 2020 - TMT: IT & IT Outsourcing - Ranked

One client reports that Reinoud Westerdijk is "responsive and engaged throughout the negotiation, offering strong tactical advice, as well as substantive legal support." He is well versed in assisting clients from the financial sector with outsourcing matters and the negotiation of agreements for cloud services. Westerdijk also handles the IT and e-commerce aspects of the development of digital platforms.

Martin Haas, Microsoft Switzerland 2018 - Information Technology

"I have worked with Reinoud Westerdijk on some of the largest and most complex licensing and cloud deals that I have ever been involved in in my 10+ year experience at Microsoft. Reinoud provided excellent support with these global deals, not only in his field of expertise but also as a great sparring partner helping us to shape the business partnerships and the negotiation outcome. This took a lot of hard work and dedication. Reinoud’s highly efficient and professional work-style combined with his positive and constructive attitude made it always a great pleasure for me to work with him."

• Adviser and sparring partner to a mayor multinational technology company with regard to highly complex international licensing and cloud agreement.
• Advising an international airline alliance in updating its IT infrastructure and connected services, in combination with the development of new innovative ways for sharing the new services with all participating airline companies involved.
• Assisting a mayor international technology company with advice on strategic data protection, personal data processing and compliance.