Maarten Meulenbelt

MAARTEN MEULENBELT focuses his practice on EU regulatory affairs, litigation and competition law issues affecting the life sciences sector in Europe.

In addition to advising on EU life sciences matters, Maarten also handles competition litigation at the EU and national levels. He has extensive litigation experience before the EU Courts, national courts and competition authorities, the European Commission and national regulatory authorities in several EU Member States. Maarten has significant competition law experience in a variety of sectors.

Maarten represented the trade association EUCOPE in Case T-547/12, TEVA v. EMA,  to defend regulatory data protection for combination products, the German Parkinson Patient association in Case C-148/15, regarding the compatibility of national pricing laws with EU law, and is representing Vanda Pharmaceuticals in Case T-211/18, regarding the standard of review applied by the European Medicines Agency. He is currently representing one of the intervening parties in Case T-738/16 on the compatibility of the Privacy Shield with EU data privacy laws.

Maarten writes and speaks widely on legal issues affecting the life sciences industry and is featured prominently in the life sciences and competition rankings of leading bar publications, such as Chambers, Who’s Who Legal and Best Lawyers. Most recently, Maarten was featured in Chambers Europe 2020, where he has been described by interviewees as “very good” and “a nice man to work with.” Clients in the previous 2019 edition report that he has “a huge knowledge of case law” and “is very knowledgeable about the industry and can help in relation to a number of different areas.” In the 2018 edition, clients underline that “it is always a pleasure to work with him. He is very knowledgeable and provides pragmatic and usable advice.” Clients also comment that “he is a great on strategy and knowing the law as it pertains to our case. He also has a great network of contacts within the industry.” (Chambers Europe 2017) Maarten has been recognized in the LMG Life Sciences Guide for regulatory and non-IP litigation enforcement. Who’s Who Legal 2018 ranked him as one of the Top 5 “Thought Leaders” in Europe for Life Sciences. Sources describe Maarten as “outstanding,” “a prominent practitioner in the space,” and their “first choice” thanks to his “extensive experience and expertise.” Most recently, he has been named a “Thought Leader – Global Elite” for Life Sciences in Who’s Who Legal: Thought Leaders 2019 and has been recognized in the 2020 edition of Best Lawyers in Belgium for Competition/Antitrust and Regulatory Practice.