Insights

IP law in the European Union is always "on the move", and we expect this to be no different in 2026. This article outlines the most anticipated developments across all areas of IP law. From landmark cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to pivotal legislative reforms, we explore the key trends and decisions that will shape the future of IP in the EU.

With the new Energy Act (Energiewet) entering into force on 1 January 2026, the Electricity Act 1998 (Elektriciteitswet 1998) and the Gas Act (Gaswet) are now integrated into a single legal framework. The Energy Act modernises Dutch energy law to reflect the energy transition, evolving market dynamics and updated EU regulations. A key question is how it will affect transactions in the energy sector, especially given the new approval requirements and notification obligations that may be triggered. We outline below the key implications, particularly the new notification obligations for changes of control or for permit transfers.

Our CRD VI Explained report, produced in collaboration with the Best Friends (BonelliErede, Bredin Prat, Hengeler Mueller, Slaughter and May and Uría Menéndez), distils what CRD VI changes matter most, where implementation will bite, and how supervisory practice is likely to evolve.

De Brauw advised TenneT Holding on the sale of a 25.1% stake in TenneT Germany for EUR 3.3 billion to Kreditanstalt für Wiederanbau (KfW), acting on behalf of the German State. The German State has also committed to participate in primary equity contributions up to an amount of EUR 2.3 billion to uphold its stake once further capital contributions are made. With this transaction, TenneT Germany is valued at an enterprise value of approximately EUR 40 billion representing an EV/RAB multiple of 1.09. This transaction marks another significant milestone contributing to a robust and resilient European electricity system and therefore shaping the future of critical energy infrastructure.

De Brauw advised Baker Tilly Netherlands, a leading accountancy and advisory services firm, and Inflexion, a leading European mid-market private equity firm, on the merger of Baker Tilly Netherlands with Baker Tilly Belgium. With this merger, Baker Tilly Netherlands and Baker Tilly Belgium become an international firm for audit and advisory services. This transaction marks a significant step in building an international platform and strengthening the international strategy of Baker Tilly Netherlands and Baker Tilly Belgium. Closing of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory conditions and works council consultation.

De Brauw acted as Dutch counsel to Platinum Equity on its acquisition of Solo Group, a European market leader in business-to-business personalizable products, from company founder Alain Milgrom and management. Solo's management retains a stake in the business.