About us

"The team at boutique firm Boekx Advocaten provides 'expertise promptly, directly, and based on a good understanding of the client's needs' "
legal-500-black
Legal 500
2020

Boekx Advocaten is a leading Dutch niche firm with a clear profile. Our practice focuses on media, intellectual property and privacy. Each of these issues are of crucial importance for any modern business. Boekx has been highly ranked for many years in independent directories such as Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.

In our media practice we litigate about libel and defamation – for celebrities, but also for lesser-known clients who want to stay out of the limelight. Content producers from the Netherlands and abroad, such as TV producers, entertainment companies and journalistic platforms, also find their way to Boekx.

Our IP lawyers advise and litigate on matters such as trademark infringement, design, copyright and plant breeders’ rights. Our in-house trademark agency Boekx Trademarks assists our clients with the registration of trademarks and designs, including all procedural aspects thereof.

Privacy and technology are also central to any modern business. We provide the necessary agreements and protocols so that our clients can handle their personal data securely and GDPR-proof. Private individuals also regularly seek our assistance to enforce their own privacy towards websites and search engines. In addition, we advise and litigate in IT disputes, and we assist our clients in drafting and negotiating tech-driven transactions.

Please contact us to schedule a meeting or videocall.

Recent reviews

Matthijs Kaaks advises a number of high-profile individuals on defamation claims. He also assists clients with advertising disputes, particularly the use of image rights. “He is an extraordinarily creative and sharp lawyer; a superb litigator who is always fully committed.”

Chambers & Partners – 2024

Boekx Advocaten is a boutique Dutch law firm with expertise in highly publicised media disputes, including representing clients in collective actions and advising both claimants and defendants on the use of privacy law to prevent programmes being broadcast. The team assists clients with the negotiation of licence and production agreements. Team members also act for clients on disputes over false advertising and on issues surrounding image rights infringements. “I have been particularly impressed by the sharp analytical, creative and strategic way the lawyers handle complex disputes.”

Chambers & Partners – 2024

Boekx Advocaten is a boutique law firm that covers all aspects of the media industry, including newspapers, film production and online publishing, among other matters. Spearheading the team, Marc De Boer advises clients within the media and entertainment sector on IP rights. Praised by clients as an ‘excellent lawyer’, Otto Volgenant regularly caters to clients such as internet companies, television producers and broadcasters. Matthijs Kaaks is another excellent source of advice, especially for matters concerning investigative journalism; he is recommended for liable and defamation cases for clients in the industry.

Legal500 – 2024

With a practice that covers trade mark and copyright litigation in addition to advisory work, Boekx Advocaten is sought out by the retail (including e-commerce) and design sectors, and is also noted for its specialisation in plant variety law. The practice is led by ‘brilliant lawyer’ Diederik Stols, who advises sports apparel, consumer goods and entertainment clients on the spectrum of soft IP matters. Hidde Koenraad, described by one client as an ‘excellent attorney,’ handles both IP disputes and advises on the management of portfolios for automotive, life sciences and plant breeding sector clients.

Legal500 – 2024

Boekx is a go-to destination for a comprehensive suite of services that seamlessly blend registration, prosecution and litigation. Since 2017 its trademarks division has been a driving force, securing the trust of esteemed clients, and its global network of top-tier IP boutiques enhances the firm’s reach, making it a sound choice for international brand owners. Driving success is Hidde Koenraad. With expertise in trademark law, design law, copyright and domain name disputes, he can cover the full gamut of IP advice for a diverse clientele spanning the fast-moving consumer goods, automotive, fashion and life science industries. Lately, he has been instrumental in various matters for BMW and acts as their lead soft IP counsel in the Netherlands. Also on board is dedicated expert Diederik Stols. With specialised knowledge in the entertainment and cultural sectors, he is a leading authority on anti-counterfeiting efforts, notably for renowned brands such as OFF-WHITE.

World Trademark Review 1000 – 2024

Boekx Advocaten is a boutique Dutch law firm with expertise in highly publicised media disputes, including representing clients in collective actions and advising both claimants and defendants on the use of privacy law to prevent programmes being broadcast. The team assists clients with the negotiation of licence and production agreements. Team members also act for clients on disputes over false advertising and on issues surrounding the equitable remuneration of freelance journalists. A client describes the team as “very creative and results-oriented.”

Chambers & Partners – 2022

Hidde Koenraad of Boekx Advocaten assists clients with a broad range of soft IP matters, advising on domain name arbitrations, trade mark enforcement and infringement proceedings and border seizures. He also acts on non-contentious matters, including trade mark portfolio management and planmanagint variety rights. An interviewee reports: “We trust his judgement and abilities.”

Chambers & Partners – 2022

‘Very good legal knowledge and ability to find commercial solutions.’

Legal500 – 2022

‘The entire Boekx team is very responsive and knowledgeable about their particular areas of expertise. They will always give the most useful advice, not simply advise in a manner that provides more work for Boekx.’

Legal500 – 2022

‘Boekx is a great firm because it provides top tier service at mid-level firm price. I have worked with the Boekx team for years and have always been impressed with their work product and advice.’

Legal500 – 2022

Since opening its doors in 2005, Boekx has become a popular one-stop shop for a slew of big-name clients that require vital support on complex media and IP briefs through a single point of contact. “A solid trademark litigator who is well versed in the law and a pleasure to work with”, Diederik Stols leads the compact team and ensures the swift, cost-effective delivery of holistic guidance across the contentious/non-contentious divide. He recently teamed up with Hidde Koenraad to represent Off-White in infringement actions across the European Union, and to manage BMW’s portfolio and assist the auto giant on enforcement matters. Koenraad has an aerial view of IP, having recently been appointed to the Community Plant Variety Office’s Board of Appeal”.

World Trademark Review 1000 – 2022

One-stop shop Boekx is a discerning choice for brand owners seeking to gain or expand a foothold in the Benelux. It consistently seeks to add value and serve as an extension to in-house teams by living the same values as the companies it serves and keeping their commercial interests front of mind. Counsel of choice to BMW, Hidde Koenraad and Diederik Stols manage its regional portfolio astutely, put out infringement fires and take down counterfeiters on the daily. Koenraad has also been helping management guru David Allen to move his global business to an Amsterdam-based company. “A solid litigator with substantial expertise, Stols is super-talented and a great guy to work with or evenagainst.

World Trademark Review 1000 – 2021
2021,

One client praises the team for being “very dedicated” and notes that the lawyers “always think and act in the interest of their clients.

Legal 500 – 2021
2021,

Boutique firm with expertise in highly publicised media disputes. Represents international and local companies, as well as private individuals, in defamation, image rights and advertising disputes. Also advises freelance journalists on litigation proceedings against publishers regarding standard remuneration. Acts for clients on non-contentious matters, such as licensing deals and sponsorship agreements.

Legal 500 – 2021
2021,

Boutique media, IP and privacy firm Boekx Advocaten is highly regarded for defamation and high-profile litigation in the media space. The team is active in a broad range of sectors, including online publishing, newspapers, magazines, TV, film production and entertainment. Drawing on expertise from its IP practitioners, the firm is well placed to handle contentious and non-contentious content-related issues. Very good legal knowledge and commercial understanding.

Legal 500 – 2021
2021,

Hidde and his team have always provided superior service with responsive communications and excellent advice for our clients. Working with the Boekx team on a number of matters has provided invaluable insight into how they handle representations in the EU.

Legal 500 – 2021
2021,

The Boekx practice is very responsive and provides excellent advice and representation before European courts. They have the ability to focus on day-to-day issues in pending matters as well as highlight overall issues for our clients’ trade mark portfolios.

Legal 500 – 2021
2021,

The ‘close-knit team’ at Boekx Advocaten is highlighted for ‘providing invaluable insight into how they handle representations in the EU.

Legal 500 – 2021
2021,

The team at boutique firm Boekx Advocaten provides ‘expertise promptly, directly, and based on a good understanding of the client’s needs’. Close links with the IP practice mean that the firm can handle any content-related issue, contentious or non-contentious. The team is particularly focused on defamation cases, in which it has represented clients including Follow the Money, a leading platform for investigative journalism. The key contact for such matters is practice head Matthijs Kaaks. On issues of journalistic principle, Otto Volgenant is the main contact, advising on matters such as data and source protection, and freedom of speech. ‘Very capable’ Marc de Boer is also recommended.

Legal 500 – 2020
2020,

‘A close relationship with our attorney, Marc de Boer, makes the workflow efficient, pleasant, and focused on fast yet good results.‘

Legal 500 – 2020
2020,

‘If additional services needed, aside from our daily business, they provide feedback and input through their own network.‘

Legal 500 – 2020
2020,

Our case was complex and took several years. It was of crucial importance for our business. The case was also cutting edge in the copyright world. Fulco Blokhuis and, at a later stage, Otto Volgenant, were very precise, tactically strong, calm and looked further for solutions and new angles. They helped us win this groundbreaking case in two instances, but also setting up the successful strategy even before the case had really begun. I consider the Boekx team the most talented litigators in the soft IP field.

Legal 500 – 2020
2020,

Fulco Blokhuis is very pleasant to work with and a real thought-partner at the highest level. Client-interest really does come first for Fulco. Always. He is a strategic litigator and strong in court. I most valued his integrity and passion for getting results for us. If you want to know for yourself: just check Fulco’s near flawless track record

Legal 500 – 2020
2020,

Hidde Koenraad is very well regarded in the soft IP field, and also in plant variety law. He’s very responsive and fun to work with. Diederik Stols always thinks on a higher, more strategic level, and knows that clients sometimes need practical solutions rather than endless legal proceedings

Legal 500 – 2020
2020,

The IP team at Boekx combines top-notch IP expertise with a practical and down-to-earth mentality. The structure of the firm is such that they are very approachable, and willing to turn things around immediately. We gladly refer work to them in cases where we are conflicted out, and vice versa

Legal 500 – 2020
2020,

Boekx Advocaten’s IP practice covers broad areas of IP, in sectors including the retail, design, automotive and airline industries. The firm has particular expertise in the field of media and can handle contentious and non-contentious content-related issues. Hidde Koenraad and practice head Diederik Stols are key individuals advising BMW on trade mark issues. Clients praise Stols for his ‘strategic’ thinking and the team’s ‘practical and down-to-earth mentality’ and also rate Fulco Blokhuis for ‘getting results’.

Legal 500 – 2020
2020,

“The lawyers’ in-depth knowledge of media and journalism is impressive,” notes one interviewee, going on to say: “They are dedicated and customer-oriented, keeping the client’s interests in mind and working very thoroughly.”

World Trademark Review – 2018 and 2019
WTR1000, 2019 and 2018,

Hidde Koenraad: “A steady-handed trademark litigator with a profound understanding of national and European case law”, Hidde Koenraad recently swapped Simmons & Simmons for Boekx. The to-the-point adviser “always goes the extra mile and is available to clients at any time”.

World Trademark Review – 2019 and 2020
WTR1000, 2019 and 2018 ,

With a strong focus on media and IP matter, Boekx Advocaten provides expertise in online publishing, newspapers, magazines, TV and entertainment, and has a noted track record in defamation cases. Matthijs Kaaks and Otto Volgenant are the senior partners whose work includes acting for Professor Stijn Franken against De Telegraaf when it accused him of being a ‘postman’ for a notorious criminal. The paper was ordered to rectify the accusation and pay a substantial amount in damages. Other clients include the European Commission and Warner Bros TV.

Legal 500 – 2019
2019,

“They are pragmatic in their approach,” states another impressed client, adding: “They are very much to the point.”

World Trademark Review – 2019
WTR1000, 2019 and 2018,

“A mainstay of agile boutique Boekx, Diederik Stols is a seasoned IP practitioner with detailed knowledge and a personable style.”

World Trademark Review – 2019
WTR1000, 2019 and 2018,

Hidde is “a down-to-earth and diligent litigator with a commercial approach”. Koenraad acts for BMW as lead counsel on soft IP matters in the Netherlands. He also acts in Benelux infringement and opposition matters for Augusta National Inc regarding its famous MASTERS brand”.

World Trademark Review – 2019
WTR1000, 2019 and 2018,

Hidde Koenraad of Boekx Advocaten acts for clients on trademark opposition and litigation and is also recognised as a key player in plant variety law. Sources say he offers “good, distinct advice and is excellent at following instructions.” Koenraad acted for BMW on Benelux trademark opposition matters as well as IP litigation proceedings.

Chambers & Partners – 2019
2019,

The lawyers’ in-depth knowledge of media and journalism is impressive,” notes one interviewee, going on to say: “They are dedicated and customer-oriented, keeping the client’s interests in mind and working very thoroughly.

Chambers & Partners – 2019
2019,

Boutique firm with a core expertise around often highly publicised media disputes, including defamation, image rights and advertising income claims. Enjoys a diverse client roster consisting of governmental bodies, private individuals, digital media companies and multinational entertainment groups. Advises on contract negotiations for television presenters. Also known for representing high-profile athletes on the management of copyright and image rights.

Chambers & Partners – 2019
2019,

“Hidde Koenraad of Boekx Advocaten focuses on trademarks, copyright, designs and domain name disputes. He acts for clients across numerous sectors, including fashion, agriculture, automobile and life sciences. Clients regard him as a good business partner who is “excellent – determined and concise.”

Chambers & Partners – 2018
2018,

“The ‘proactive’ team at IP and media boutique Boekx Advocaten gives ‘to-the-point advice’. The ‘efficient’ Diederik Stols heads the practice, whose clients include Huawei and footballer Robin van Persie.”

Legal 500 – 2017
2017,

“Boekx is very good in media and privacy law, with specialised knowledge from which we really benefit. The team is very accessible – we have a very direct relationship. The lawyers are quick, accurate and they’re very involved in our business and know what’s happening – and are interested too.”

Chambers & Partners – 2016
2016 ,

Should you have any questions about our services please contact us!