Competition and regulated markets
Competition law and regulated markets
Brinkhof advises and represents clients in relation to EU Competition law and EU regulatory matters before the European Commission, EU and national courts and other EU regulatory and judicial bodies. At Brinkhof, we possess an in-depth knowledge of EU competition law and EU market regulation in sectors such as telecoms, media, technology, and platforms. We are able to put together teams with complementary skills, combining EU procedural knowhow and industry expertise.
Competition law
Our primary areas of focus include competition investigations, merger control, FDI regulation, state aid and private enforcement of competition law. With a wealth of experience, we assist companies in navigating proceedings before the European Commission and the national authorities, the national courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union. We also represent companies in antitrust damages actions, including class actions.
What others say about us:
"Brinkhof is a great team. The lawyers are very responsive, efficient and balanced in their advice."
Chambers & Partners - Europe Guide 2026"The lawyers are very smart and knowledgeable, but their profound understanding of our industry makes them indispensable. They don't just quote the law, they translate it into practical advice."
Chambers & Partners - Europe Guide 2026"Brinkhof is extremely strong in file knowledge, always prepares very well, which means there are few surprises and their attitude is often extremely sympathetic and respectful."
Chambers & Partners - Europe Guide 2026"Brinkhof is set apart by its rare combination of elite legal intellect and genuine modesty."
Chambers & Partners - Europe Guide 2026"A popular choice with TMT sector clients, Brinkhof moves up in the rankings this year thanks to its experience defending clients in headline behavioural investigations. The law firm is also prominent in follow-on damages actions and appeals against authority decisions. The team has further experience in merger control filings."
Chambers & Partners - Europe Guide 2026"The team is very approachable and pragmatic, which is exactly what is needed in this area of expertise."
Chambers & Partners - Europe Guide 2026Regulated markets
Brinkhof is a market leader in regulatory matters within the telecoms, media, technology and platforms sector, including the Digital Markets Act. Brinkhof also has considerable expertise in various other regulated markets, including the postal, healthcare, transport, aviation, games of chance, and energy sectors.
EU dimension
We also regularly advise on lobbying options aimed at clarifying issues of EU competition law with significant business impact, and design and coordinate litigation strategies across EU Member States. For example, we advise a range of multinational technology clients on their pan-EU compliance and litigation strategy with respect to EU competition law and regulatory matters.
High-profile cases
- Google in competition litigation regarding the Play Store, AdTech and decisions by the European Commission;
- Another online platform in various EC proceedings regarding digital regulation, such as the Digital Markets Act;
- Reggefiber and KPN in several mergers that enabled it to become the market leader for NGA networks;
- KPN in various proceedings before the General Court concerning broadcasting rights;
- Heineken, FedEx and Diageo in damages cases arising from the EU truck cartel decision;
- Eurofiber and Rabo CIF in proceedings concerning EU state aid rules pertaining to broadband networks;
- Expedia in an investigation by various regulators into compliance with EU regulations;
Rankings
Our competition and EU law team has been ranked Tier 2 in The Legal 500 EMEA 2026 and Band 2 in Chambers Europe 2026. These recognitions are based on independent research, client feedback, and our role in leading competition law cases.