JUVE Comment

Since the arrival of renowned patent litigator Marleen van den Horst in 2023, this Dutch full-service firm has consolidated its position as a visible player in the Dutch patent litigation market. The team, which has grown to six litigators, continues to focus on the life sciences sector, representing a strong base of generic and biosimilar drug manufacturers. This is evident in its work for clients such as Krka against Novartis, and for STADA and INSUD over thrombosis drug Xarelto. Although most of these cases recently settled, the team continues to act for long-standing client Amgen regarding ophthalmic drug Eylea.

However, the team’s technical expertise extends considerably beyond its strong life sciences focus. It frequently represents small and medium-sized Dutch companies such as VG Colours, which specialises in technology for dyeing orchids, as well as international market leaders including HK International, which specialises in offshore dredging pumps.

While van den Horst remains the team’s figurehead for pharmaceutical disputes, the practice is diversifying. La Gro’s home-grown partner Benjamin Niemeijer is increasingly visible, leading cases for clients such as HK International. This broadens the firm’s litigation footprint beyond life sciences. This diversification is important given the team’s previously limited activity in the mobile communications sector. Its presence in UPC proceedings is also less prominent than that of other Dutch firms. Although La Gro made an early start at the new court by representing OrthoApnea in a medical devices case and Amgen in a pharmaceutical dispute, it has been unable to build on this with further high-profile instructions.

Strengths

Strong focus on litigation in the pharma sector, especially for generic drug and biosimilar manufacturers.

Recommended individuals

Marleen van den Horst,Benjamin Niemeijer

Team

6 lawyers

Clients

Litigation: Amgen in nulity proceedings against Bayer and Regeneron over biolsimilar patent for ophthalmic drug aflibercept/Eylea; Krka against Novartis over SPC regarding eltrombopag/Revolade for the formation of platelets in the bone marrow (settled); Stada/Centrafarm (settled) and Insud/Medical Valley against Bayer in PI proceedings over thrombosis drug rivaroxaban/Xarelto; HK International against IHC over offshore dredging pumps; VG Colours against HE Licenties regarding technology for dyeing orchids (settled).