The Life Sciences sector is rapidly growing all around the world. It's a sector where issues not only develop quickly but can also have a major social and economic impact. This can be seen in areas such as biotechnology and in the development of innovative medicines, medical devices and foodstuffs. In addition to large existing companies (Big Pharma), the Life Sciences sector is also characterised by many start-ups offering innovative products, particularly in the medical device industry. Houthoff’s Life Sciences Team supports some of these innovative start-ups through the Houthoff Incubator Programme. 

Our Life Sciences Team works for companies and organisations in the areas of biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, biomedical technologies, innovative foodstuffs, health claims, cosmetics, and medical devices. They focus on providing legal support for R&D, marketing, product transfer and protection, and technologies.

Companies in the Life Sciences sector have to meet complex regulations and compliance rules. This may involve technical product requirements, or rules for market access on issues like obtaining the right licence, registration or certification. The sector is also subject to regulations relating to the use of big data, medical information and personal data. Good manufacturing and distribution practices need to be observed throughout the chain. Companies working in the sector can find it challenging to effectively balance innovation and compliance.


We understand the importance of protecting your products in the global economy through intellectual property rights, including patents and trademarks. Protection of trade secrets and know-how is essential. Parties seek our advice on the protection and exploitation of their intellectual property rights, infringement and invalidity disputes, licences, agreements regarding R&D projects, and the protection of trade secrets and know-how. The Life Sciences Team also advises on matters at the interface between market protection and free parallel trade within the internal EU market and under the Specific Mechanism. 

Correct registration, CE marking and the distribution of pharmaceutical and medical devices and other life science products are very important for our clients. That is why our specialists also advise clients on all aspects of the marketing of medicines, medical devices, biocides and pesticides. Houthoff’s Life Sciences Team employs a multi-disciplinary approach, understands the scientific, ethical and business challenges of the sector, and offers practical and commercially applicable advice.
  • Assisting the interbranch organisation pharmaceutical of wholesale companies in the process of influencing decision making at EU level.

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Fleur Tuinzing-Westerhuis

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Amsterdam
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Brussels
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Brussels
Advocaat | Counsel