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Florentine Sikking
Florentine Sikking is a specialized Dutch media law attorney who represents legal interests in matters concerning media, reputation protection, copyright and contracts in the media and entertainment industry in the Netherlands.
As a media law specialist, Florentine Sikking advises entrepreneurs and media companies on legal risks in today’s media landscape. She handles proceedings before Dutch civil courts, the Dutch Media Authority and the Netherlands Press Council. Additionally, she advises on European regulations such as the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and the Dutch Media Act.
Reputation protection forms a core area within Dutch media law. Florentine Sikking initiates preliminary injunction proceedings when publications are unlawful, for example in cases of inaccurate reporting or false online reviews. Under Article 6:162 of the Dutch Civil Code, a wrongful act can constitute grounds for damages. The Dutch court weighs press freedom against the right to protection of one’s good name.
In preliminary injunction proceedings under Dutch law, a ruling typically follows within 2-4 weeks, allowing reputation damage to be limited quickly. Florentine Sikking demands rectification, removal or a publication ban. The Dutch court can also impose a penalty payment of €5,000 per day for non-compliance.
An entrepreneur faced unfounded accusations in a trade publication. Florentine Sikking initiated preliminary injunction proceedings and demanded rectification within 48 hours. The Dutch court granted this claim in full.
Dutch Contract advice encompasses distribution agreements, production contracts and license agreements for television, film and online content productions. In approximately 65% of cases, thorough contract advice prevents disputes over intellectual property rights.
Florentine Sikking analyzes which rights are transferred and which conditions apply. She ensures that copyrights are properly protected under the Dutch Copyright Act. Option agreements in the film industry typically contain option fees starting at €10,000 with final payments upon actual production.
Need certainty about your media contracts? Florentine Sikking analyzes your agreements and advises on the best strategy under Dutch law.
Copyright automatically protects original works such as texts, photos, videos and music from the moment of creation under the Dutch Copyright Act. The limitation period for copyright infringement is five years pursuant to Article 3:310 of the Dutch Civil Code.
In cases of infringement, Florentine Sikking analyzes whether unauthorized reproduction or public disclosure has occurred. She then sends a cease and desist letter, followed by legal action if necessary. Platforms such as YouTube have specific copyright procedures where legal assistance accelerates the process.
Protection of trade secrets constitutes a growing area of focus. When confidential information is unlawfully published, Florentine Sikking can demand a publication ban before Dutch courts.
The Dutch Media Act regulates public and commercial broadcasters, advertising rules and protection of minors. Violations can lead to fines up to €900,000 or revocation of broadcasting licenses in the Netherlands.
Advertising rules determine the maximum number of advertising minutes per hour and transparency requirements. Florentine Sikking verifies whether commercial content complies with these regulations. When the Dutch Media Authority takes enforcement action, she handles the defense. Formal instructions can include penalty payments up to €150,000.
Approximately 75% of media claims now have an online component. Google search results can be removed based on the ‘right to be forgotten’ under the GDPR. Florentine Sikking analyzes whether information is no longer relevant or inaccurate and conducts proceedings when Google rejects removal requests.
Platform liability is regulated by the Digital Services Act, fully applicable since February 2024. Platforms must comply with notice-and-action procedures. In case of non-compliance, they can be held liable for damage caused by unlawful content under Dutch and European law.
Legal proceedings include preliminary injunctions for urgent matters and proceedings on the merits for definitive rulings. Preliminary injunctions in the Netherlands deliver a ruling within 2-4 weeks. Proceedings on the merits take an average of 12-18 months but provide definitive rulings on damages.
Florentine Sikking also appears before the Netherlands Press Council and the Dutch Advertising Code Committee. Rulings from the Press Council carry reputational weight and can serve as evidence in civil proceedings.
The Digital Services Act introduces transparency obligations for platforms. Non-compliance can result in fines up to 6% of global annual turnover. The European Media Freedom Act, expected in 2025-2026, protects media pluralism against political and commercial pressure.
Florentine Sikking advises on place of establishment, applicable law and compliance with European obligations within this evolving regulatory framework in the Netherlands.
Contact Florentine Sikking for personal legal advice on your media law matter under Dutch law.
Florentine Sikking has registered the following main (and sub) areas of law in the register of areas of law of the Dutch Bar Association:
By virtue of this registration, she is obliged to obtain ten training points in each registered main area of law every calendar year according to the standards of the Dutch Bar Association.
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