Alexander Tsoutsanis

Legal Director
Always able to find a creative yet practical solution to complex matters
Chambers 2026
About

Attorney since 2001. Trusted advisor and seasoned litigator on all aspects surrounding intellectual property: patents, trademarks, designs and copyright.

Alexander also acts before the European Court of Justice, the General Court, the Benelux Court of Justice, the European Patent Office, the Unified Patent Court and in opposition-, cancellation- and appeal proceedings before EUIPO.

Alexander is recommended by clients for being "always able to find a creative yet practical solution to complex matters" and for having a "second to none ability to navigate through legal minefields" (Chambers); “a trusted pair of hands when it comes to IP litigation, mixing action with reflection” (Legal 500); “smart and creative - knows how to push a case forward to get the best result” (IAM Patent 1000) and for being “fearless in unexplored legal areas” (WTR 1000).

Alexander often contributes to public policy debate and is a thought leader in his field: he was awarded a PhD by Leiden University in 2005, has published various books with major publishers (Oxford University Press, Sdu and Kluwer) and has written in nationwide newspapers (FD/NRC). He has published over 50+ articles, with major law reviews in The Netherlands (NJB, BIE, IER, Mediaforum, BMMB) and Europe (JIPLP, EIPR). His works are referenced in 35+ Supreme Court opinions and are also cited by the European Court of Justice and the UK High Court. Alexander has also acted as an expert for the European Commission, the European Patent Office and the IP Observatory of the EUIPO.

Alexander often speaks about all things IP, e.g. previously at Stanford, Fordham University and at the invitation of the Chinese State Administration for Industry and Commerce in Beijing. Alexander was also a visiting professor at UC Hastings in San Francisco and was also awarded a research stipendium by the renowned Max Planck IP Institute in Munich. His truly international experience helps clients in efficiently navigating the legal landscape surrounding IP.

Alexander sits on the editorial board of a leading IP law review (BIE) in The Netherlands and also on the executive board of the Association for IP Litigators (VIEPA). He is also a member of EPLAW.

Professional QualificationsAdvocaat admitted with the Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten

EXPERIENCE

Alexander has deep experience on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, in particular in the fields of technology, branding, design and internet law.

Patents

  • Representing an inventor of Wi-Fi technology against the largest ISP in The Netherlands regarding the use of 2+ million 'Wi-Fi Spots'.
  • Successfully acting for a manufacturer of electrical fires in more than five court cases, both first instance and appeal, involving cross-border injunctions for the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Ireland, while also obtaining two seizures and coordinate parallel litigation in Germany.
  • Representing a market leader in bike security technology in infringement proceedings, coordinating parallel patent litigation in Germany and successfully upholding the validity of a patent in opposition proceedings before the EPO.
  • Representing and coordinating various patent enforcement actions for a market leader in e-bikes in multiples countries.

Trademarks, copyright and designs

  • Acting before the European Court of Justice in relation to bad faith filings and lack of intent-to-use.
  • Successfully representing the oldest gaming-studio in the Netherlands in a trade mark dispute surrounding a blockchain video-game.
  • Acting for the central bank of The Netherlands in a trademark dispute against a commercial bank using a confusing similar trademark.
  • Successfully representing an upcoming fashion label against The Sting upholding an injunction for copyright infringement in appeal.
  • Successfully representing an award winning furniture manufacturer against claims of copying minimalist design.
  • Handling cancellation-, opposition- and appeal proceedings before EUIPO for numerous (international) clients, including appeals before the General Court and the Court of Justice.

Internet / digital

  • Dealing with a range of cybercrime and online threats from e.g. cybersquatters, 'bulletproof' hosts and platforms facilitating on-line piracy.
  • Obtaining a landmark decision on Google Adwords before the European Court of Justice.
  • Acting for a major sat nav operator against jailbreaking sat nav devices and pirating maps.
  • Cracking down on Europe’s biggest online platform for illegal streaming of football matches, securing victory both in first instance and appeal.
  • Acting for FIFA in connection with illegal streaming of the FIFA World Cup against bad hosts, securing various court orders against multiple ISPs.
  • Obtaining a landmark decision for Premier League against notorious hosting provider Ecatel.
Languages
  • English
  • Dutch
  • German
  • Greek
  • French

Awards and Recognitions

What others say:

  • Chambers: "Alexander Tsoutsanis is a very pleasant person to work with. He is kind, approachable and seemingly always available."; "Fast, goal-oriented and leads us to very good results within a few days. Communication with him is really easy."; "Alexander Tsoutsanis is always able to find a creative yet practical solution to complex matters. His ability to navigate through what can sometimes be a legal minefield is second to none."
  • IAM Patent 1000: “He is super-bright and generous with his time and knowledge, and evaluates all potential solutions in coming up with a plan. In-house lawyers can move forward without delay thanks to his quick replies”; “engine of success in complex litigation’’; “Alex brings a focused approach to cases and devises grounded legal strategies that are well adapted to clients’ business needs. He alleviates the burden of litigation.”; "prolific litigator"; "smart and creative - knows how to push a case forward to get the best result.”; “sharp and clear in his analyses, consistent in his policy and strong in his line of defense.”
  • Legal 500: "next generation partner"; "Alexander is prepared to roll up his sleeves and invest in the success of the client"; ‘‘a trusted pair of hands when it comes to IP litigation, mixing action with reflection. He is tenacious in preparation, while also keeping in mind strategic aspects.’’
  • WTR 1000: ‘‘smooth-talking, confident practitioner who knows how to get results"; “fearless in unexplored legal areas.”
Education and Academia
  • Senior Researcher / Lecturer, Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam, 2012-2017 (part-time)
  • Leiden University, Assistant Professor, 2005-2012 (part-time)
  • UC Hastings, San Francisco, Visiting Assistant Professor, 2009