Rick specialises in competition litigation (private enforcement) with a specific focus on follow-on cartel damages claims. He also advises on and litigates contractual and other competition law disputes in civil proceedings, including disputes on access to distribution networks and the performance and termination of contracts.

In what are often complex cartel damages claims, Rick helps clients determine the right strategy. This frequently involves a combination of cross-border claims. He uses his legal and practical skills and expertise to create an overview for the client by fulfilling a coordinating role at the required central or pan-European level.

In addtion, he also has extensive experience in advising on, negotiating and litigating many aspects relating to commercial contracts, particularly with regard to distribution, franchise, agency and e-commerce (with a focus on automotive and other high-end consumer goods).

  • Advised Volvo Cars on the European divestment of its ‘Care By Volvo’ subscription business. The business was sold in the Netherlands to Ayvens, a French fleet managing and operational car leasing company owned by Société Générale.
  • Represented LG Electronics succesfully in a competition damages case about cathode ray tubes (CRT). The multi-billion claim was brought before the Dutch civil courts by a Turkish television manufacturer in 2014. The claimant initiated parallel proceedings against the same parties in Turkey, resulting in a final judgment in which was held that the claim was inadmissible against the defendant CRT manufacturers. LG Electronics and its co-defendants successfully argued that the Dutch court should recognise that final Turkish judgment. Accordingly, the Oost-Brabant District Court declared the claims against LG Electronics, Samsung SDI and Technicolor inadmissible.
  • EU Law, Public Economic Law and Economic Business Law (with merit) (Utrecht University)
  • Postgraduate programme on EU Competition Law (with merit) (King’s College London)
  • Admitted to the Bar in the Netherlands in 2002

Expertises

Litigation
Business disputes can have a major impact on your organisation's reputation, continuity and financial position. Conflicts are becoming increasingly common due to growing regulation and social pressure. Shareholder disputes, contractual conflicts, directors' liability and collective actions invariably call for a well thought-out strategy and a thorough understanding of the sector.
Competition Litigation / Private Enforcement
Damages claims resulting from violations of EU and national competition law play an increasingly prominent role in the context of company liability.
Class Actions
Companies, financial institutions and governmental bodies increasingly find themselves confronted with mass claims in the Netherlands, often initiated by well-funded claim vehicles. Over the past decade, the Dutch jurisdiction has emerged as a popular hub for such claims.
EU Litigation
Companies operating in the EU can be confronted with complex issues of EU law such as free movement rules, EU anti-fraud law, State aid, product regulations, sanctions and trade regulations. Overcoming these issues can involve complex interactions with EU institutions and the EU Courts.
Automotive
The automotive sector is undergoing major shifts. Today’s fast-changing world means that dealer and repair networks are being restructured, leading to the gradual disappearance of traditional distribution methods and the constant amendment of EU regulations.
Retail & Consumer Goods
The inevitable shift to omni-channel selling leads to more complex distribution and data processing and requires strategic collaborations and good chain directors to create and maintain a level playing field.
Litigation
Business disputes can have a major impact on your organisation's reputation, continuity and financial position. Conflicts are becoming increasingly common due to growing regulation and social pressure. Shareholder disputes, contractual conflicts, directors' liability and collective actions invariably call for a well thought-out strategy and a thorough understanding of the sector.
Competition Litigation / Private Enforcement
Damages claims resulting from violations of EU and national competition law play an increasingly prominent role in the context of company liability.
Class Actions
Companies, financial institutions and governmental bodies increasingly find themselves confronted with mass claims in the Netherlands, often initiated by well-funded claim vehicles. Over the past decade, the Dutch jurisdiction has emerged as a popular hub for such claims.
EU Litigation
Companies operating in the EU can be confronted with complex issues of EU law such as free movement rules, EU anti-fraud law, State aid, product regulations, sanctions and trade regulations. Overcoming these issues can involve complex interactions with EU institutions and the EU Courts.
Automotive
The automotive sector is undergoing major shifts. Today’s fast-changing world means that dealer and repair networks are being restructured, leading to the gradual disappearance of traditional distribution methods and the constant amendment of EU regulations.
Retail & Consumer Goods
The inevitable shift to omni-channel selling leads to more complex distribution and data processing and requires strategic collaborations and good chain directors to create and maintain a level playing field.

Leading Partner

Legal 500

Dispute Resolution: Class Actions (2025 Edition)

"Rick Cornelissen is always willing to find a client-focused solution."

Legal 500

Dispute Resolution: Class Actions (2025 Edition)

"His deep understanding of the law and precedents, combined with his expertise and commitment to the case, ensures that you receive the highest level of service."

Chambers Europe

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

"Rick Cornelissen is incredibly experienced. He has a calm but authoritative manner and is a pleasure to deal with."

Chambers Europe

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

Ranked

Chambers Europe

Competition/European Law (2025 Edition)

Recommended

Legal 500

EU and Competition (2025 Edition)

"Rick Cornelissen is a bright lawyer who offers excellent advice for complex situations. He is articulate and has strong knowledge. He is a good negotiator and often explores non-traditional options."

Legal 500

EU and Competition (2025 Edition)

Recommended

Legal 500

Dispute Resolution: Commercial Litigation (2025 Edition)
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Publications

17 December 2024
17 December 2024
Competition Outlook 2025. Houthoff.
7 June 2024
7 June 2024
Netherlands: Big tech under security amid stricter merger control. Global Competition Review.
20 April 2024
20 April 2024
Competition Damages Actions in the EU and the UK. Edward Elgar Publishing.
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