NDA under Dutch law
NDAs work differently under Dutch civil law than under common law systems. Make sure yours actually holds up.
How does an NDA under Dutch law differ from common law?
An NDA under Dutch law is a confidentiality agreement structured according to Dutch civil law principles, including an enforceable penalty clause (boetebeding), which works differently than penalty clauses under common law systems.
An NDA drafted for a common law jurisdiction doesn't automatically work the same way under Dutch law. One key difference is the penalty clause: Dutch law generally enforces a contractual penalty (boetebeding) even if it exceeds actual damages, while many common law systems only enforce penalty clauses that represent a genuine pre-estimate of loss, otherwise striking them down entirely. Get this wrong, and the clause you're relying on for protection may not work the way you expect.
At EenvoudigRecht, we draft NDAs in English that are properly enforceable under Dutch law. You answer a few questions online about your situation, and receive your NDA for a fixed price.
Veelgestelde vragen
How is an NDA under Dutch law different from a common law NDA?
One key difference is the penalty clause. Under Dutch law, a contractual penalty clause (boetebeding) is generally enforceable even if it exceeds your actual damages, though a judge can moderate an excessive penalty. In many common law jurisdictions, penalty clauses are often unenforceable unless they represent a genuine pre-estimate of loss.
What are common mistakes in NDAs drafted for a different legal system?
Common problems are a vague description of what counts as confidential information, an unrealistic duration for the confidentiality obligation, and a penalty clause that doesn't align with Dutch legal standards, which can weaken your position in a dispute.
Can I choose Dutch law to govern my NDA even if I'm not based in the Netherlands?
Yes, in principle. As long as both parties agree, an NDA can be governed by any law they choose, including Dutch law, through a governing law clause, even if one or both parties are based outside the Netherlands.
Does a broad definition of confidential information offer more protection?
An overly broad definition of confidential information can make the NDA harder to enforce in practice. Courts may be reluctant to protect information that isn't clearly and specifically described as confidential.
How much does an NDA cost?
We work with a fixed price you know in advance. You answer a few questions online about your situation, and receive an NDA in English, drafted to be enforceable under Dutch law.
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