# Dutch — IP, Technology and IT Sub-Lexicon

Combines Dutch-language IP/technology and IT/SaaS vocabulary. Part 1 covers copyright, industrial property (patents, designs, trade marks), trade secrets and technology transfer. Part 2 covers software licensing, SaaS/cloud services, implementation projects, SLAs, data processing and cybersecurity.

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## Part 1 — Intellectual Property and Technology

Auto-generated from translation experience. Maps Dutch intellectual property,
technology transfer, and related terms to their correct English equivalents.
Dutch IP law is mostly Benelux-harmonised (for trademarks and designs via BOIP)
and EU-harmonised (copyright, patents via EPO, SPC, database, trade secrets).

## Intellectual Property Rights — General

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| intellectuele eigendomsrechten (IE-rechten) | intellectual property rights / IPRs | |
| auteursrecht | copyright | Governed by Auteurswet (Aw) |
| naburige rechten | neighbouring rights / related rights | Wet op de naburige rechten (WNR) |
| databankrecht | database right | Databankenwet — sui generis right implementing EU Database Directive |
| octrooirecht / patentrecht | patent law | Rijksoctrooiwet 1995 (ROW 1995) |
| merkenrecht | trademark law | Benelux-verdrag inzake de Intellectuele Eigendom (BVIE) |
| modellenrecht | design law | BVIE (Benelux designs) + Community Design Regulation |
| kwekersrecht | plant breeders' right | Zaaizaad- en plantgoedwet 2005 |
| topografierecht | topography / chip-design right | Wet bescherming oorspronkelijke topografieën (WBOT) |
| handelsnaamrecht | trade name right | Handelsnaamwet — protects business name independently of trademark |
| bedrijfsgeheim | trade secret | Wet bescherming bedrijfsgeheimen (Wbb) — 2018, implementing EU Directive |
| portretrecht | portrait right / right of publicity | Auteurswet Art. 19–21 — unique Dutch concept |
| slaafse nabootsing | slavish imitation | Tort-based protection beyond registered IP under BW 6:162 |

## Copyright (Auteursrecht)

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auteurswet (Aw) | Copyright Act | |
| auteur / maker | author | |
| werk | work | |
| werk van letterkunde, wetenschap of kunst | work of literature, science or art | Aw Art. 10 |
| oorspronkelijkheid / eigen intellectuele schepping | originality / own intellectual creation | EU test per Infopaq |
| eigen, oorspronkelijk karakter | own, original character | Dutch/Benelux test |
| persoonlijk stempel | personal stamp / author's own intellectual creation | Classical Dutch test |
| exploitatierechten | economic / exploitation rights | Reproduction, communication to public, distribution |
| verveelvoudigingsrecht | reproduction right | Aw Art. 13 |
| openbaarmakingsrecht | right to communicate to the public | Aw Art. 12 |
| persoonlijkheidsrechten / morele rechten | moral rights / personality rights | Aw Art. 25 |
| recht op naamsvermelding | right of attribution / paternity | |
| recht op eerbied voor werk | right of integrity | |
| afstand van moreel recht | waiver of moral rights | Limited waivability |
| duur van het auteursrecht | duration of copyright | Life + 70 years |
| werkgeversauteursrecht | employer's copyright | Aw Art. 7 — employer of employee is deemed author |
| collectief werk / verzamelde werken | collective work | Aw Art. 8 |
| filmwerk | cinematographic work | Aw Art. 45a-g — special regime |
| uitvoerende kunstenaar | performing artist | Protected under WNR |
| producent van fonogrammen | phonogram producer | |
| omroeporganisatie | broadcasting organisation | |
| overdraagbaarheid | transferability | Aw Art. 2 — written deed required for assignment |
| akte van overdracht | deed of assignment | |
| licentie | licence | Non-exclusive licence — no statutory form; exclusive licence requires written agreement |
| uitgeefcontract | publishing agreement | |

## Wet Auteurscontractenrecht (WAC)

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wet auteurscontractenrecht (WAC) | Authors' Contract Act | 2015, as amended — protects individual creators |
| billijke vergoeding | equitable remuneration | Individual creator's right to equitable fee |
| bestsellerbepaling | bestseller provision | Aw Art. 25d — creator can claim additional fee for disproportionate success |
| non-ususbepaling | non-use provision | Aw Art. 25e — creator can reclaim rights if licensee does not exploit |
| opzegging wegens non-usus | termination for non-use | |
| proportionaliteitstoets | proportionality test | |
| vermoeden van overdracht | presumption of transfer | Film regime, Aw Art. 45d |
| transparantieplicht | transparency duty | DSM Directive implementation — 2021 |

## Patent Law (Octrooirecht)

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rijksoctrooiwet 1995 (ROW 1995) | Kingdom Patents Act 1995 | |
| octrooi / patent | patent | |
| Nederlands octrooi | Dutch patent | Registration system, no substantive examination |
| Europees octrooi | European patent | EPC route; validates per state |
| octrooiaanvraag | patent application | |
| Octrooicentrum Nederland (OCNL) | Netherlands Patent Office | Part of RVO |
| uitvinding | invention | |
| nieuwheid | novelty | |
| inventiviteit / uitvinderswerkzaamheid | inventive step / non-obviousness | |
| industriële toepasbaarheid | industrial applicability | |
| octrooihouder | patent holder / proprietor | |
| uitvinder | inventor | |
| octrooigemachtigde | patent attorney | |
| conclusies | claims | |
| beschrijving | description | |
| tekeningen | drawings | |
| prioriteitsrecht | priority right | |
| Rijksoctrooiwet-oppositie / vernietiging | invalidity action | |
| inbreuk op octrooi | patent infringement | |
| letterlijke inbreuk / equivalente inbreuk | literal infringement / doctrine of equivalents | |
| dwanglicentie | compulsory licence | |
| aanvullend beschermingscertificaat (ABC) | supplementary protection certificate (SPC) | For medicines and plant protection products |
| werknemersuitvinding | employee invention | ROW 1995 Art. 12 — employer owns if within scope of employment |
| Unified Patent Court (UPC) / Eenheidsoctrooigerecht | Unified Patent Court (UPC) | Operational since June 2023; local division in The Hague |
| Eenheidsoctrooi / Europees octrooi met eenheidswerking | Unitary patent | |

## Trademarks and Trade Names

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Benelux-verdrag inzake de Intellectuele Eigendom (BVIE) | Benelux Convention on Intellectual Property | Unified Benelux regime for trademarks and designs |
| BOIP / Benelux Bureau voor de Intellectuele Eigendom | Benelux Office for Intellectual Property | Benelux trademark/design office |
| merk | trademark / mark | |
| woordmerk | word mark | |
| beeldmerk | figurative mark | |
| vormmerk | shape mark | |
| kleurmerk | colour mark | |
| positiemerk | position mark | |
| klankmerk | sound mark | |
| bekend merk | well-known mark | Extended protection |
| onderscheidend vermogen | distinctive character | |
| inburgering | acquired distinctiveness | |
| depotdatum / registratiedatum | filing date / registration date | |
| verwarringsgevaar | likelihood of confusion | |
| absolute weigeringsgronden | absolute grounds for refusal | |
| relatieve weigeringsgronden | relative grounds for refusal | |
| oppositie | opposition | |
| vervallen wegens niet-gebruik | lapse for non-use | 5-year non-use |
| EU-merk | EU trademark / EUTM | At EUIPO |
| Madrid / internationaal merk | Madrid / international registration | |
| handelsnaam | trade name | Handelsnaamwet — independent of trademark registration |
| handelsnaaminbreuk | trade name infringement | |

## Designs

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Benelux-model | Benelux design | |
| Gemeenschapsmodel | Community design | Registered / unregistered |
| tekening of model | design | |
| nieuwheid en eigen karakter | novelty and individual character | |
| niet-ingeschreven Gemeenschapsmodel | unregistered Community design | 3-year protection |
| modelrechtinbreuk | design infringement | |
| reparatieclausule | repair clause | |
| zichtbaarheidseis (samengestelde voortbrengselen) | visibility requirement (complex products) | |

## Trade Secrets and Know-How

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wet bescherming bedrijfsgeheimen (Wbb) | Trade Secrets Protection Act | 2018; implements EU Directive 2016/943 |
| geheim karakter | secret character | |
| commerciële waarde | commercial value | |
| redelijke maatregelen | reasonable steps | |
| onrechtmatige verkrijging | unlawful acquisition | |
| onrechtmatig gebruik | unlawful use | |
| onrechtmatige openbaarmaking | unlawful disclosure | |
| inbreukmakende goederen | infringing goods | |
| verbod / recall | injunction / recall | |
| schadevergoeding / winstafdracht | damages / disgorgement of profits | |
| know-how | know-how | |

## Domain Names and Internet

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| domeinnaam | domain name | |
| .nl-domeinnaam | .nl domain name | Registered via SIDN |
| SIDN (Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland) | SIDN | Registry operator for .nl |
| WIPO-domeinnaamarbitrage | WIPO domain name arbitration | UDRP |
| SIDN-geschillenregeling | SIDN domain name dispute resolution procedure | |
| ingebruikneming te kwader trouw | bad-faith registration | |

## Licensing and Technology Transfer

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| licentie / licentieovereenkomst | licence / licence agreement | |
| exclusieve licentie | exclusive licence | |
| niet-exclusieve licentie | non-exclusive licence | |
| sole licence | sole licence | |
| sublicentie | sub-licence | |
| royalty / licentievergoeding | royalty / licence fee | |
| minimumroyalty | minimum royalty | |
| royalty-report | royalty report | |
| auditrecht | audit right | |
| verbeteringen | improvements | |
| grant-back | grant-back | |
| territorium | territory | |
| veld van gebruik | field of use | |
| licentieblokkering | licence lock-in | |
| Groepsvrijstellingsverordening technologieoverdracht (TTBER) | Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation | EU competition law |
| geen-uitdaging-clausule | no-challenge clause | Scrutinised under competition law |
| ketenlicentie / bench-marking | chain licence / benchmarking | |
| sourceruccode-escrow | source code escrow | |
| vernieuwing / revival | renewal / revival | |

## IT / Software / Data Contracts

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| softwarelicentie | software licence | |
| open source / open bron | open source | |
| open source-licentie | open source licence | |
| GPL / BSD / MIT / Apache | GPL / BSD / MIT / Apache | Retained as English |
| broncode / bronbestanden | source code | |
| objectcode | object code | |
| programmeerbare chip / embedded software | embedded software | |
| softwareontwikkelovereenkomst | software development agreement | |
| waterval / agile ontwikkeling | waterfall / agile development | |
| opleveringstoets / acceptatietoets | acceptance test | |
| service level agreement (SLA) | service level agreement | |
| onderhouds- en supportovereenkomst | maintenance and support agreement | |
| hostingsovereenkomst | hosting agreement | |
| cloudovereenkomst | cloud agreement | |
| gegevensoverdracht / datamigratie | data migration | |
| interoperabiliteit | interoperability | |
| gebruikersrechten / end user licence agreement (EULA) | end user licence agreement / EULA | |
| fair-use | fair use (contractual) | |
| intellectueel eigendom bij freelancers | IP in freelance engagements | No automatic assignment under Aw — express assignment required |

## Notes for Translators

- **IE-rechten vs IP-rechten**: Both are used; "intellectuele eigendomsrechten" is formal, "IE-rechten" is standard abbreviation. Translate as "intellectual property rights (IPRs)". Do not calque "IE" as "IE" in English — always "IP".
- **Auteurswet terminology**: "Auteur" and "maker" are both used for "author" — "maker" is the Aw statutory term and broader (includes corporate makers under Art. 7-8). "Werk" is the protected subject-matter; translate as "work". Do not substitute "work" with "creation" — it is a specific legal term.
- **Aw Art. 7 werkgeversauteursrecht**: Employer of an employee automatically owns copyright in works created within the scope of employment. Unique feature of Dutch law — contrast with French/German approaches where personality rights make assignment difficult. Does NOT extend to freelancers/commissioned works — a major practical consequence. Flag in freelancer/commission translations.
- **Aw Art. 45d film regime**: Statutory presumption of transfer of exploitation rights to the film producer, except music rights. Directors, scriptwriters, etc. retain claim to equitable remuneration. Unique regime — preserve in translation with gloss.
- **Persoonlijkheidsrechten / morele rechten**: Moral rights. Partial waiver permitted (e.g., name-attribution waivable in employment context), but full waiver of integrity right (against distortion harmful to honour/reputation) is not effective. This differs from US regime and is closer to French/German approach. Flag "full waiver of moral rights" clauses as potentially unenforceable.
- **WAC (2015 Authors' Contract Act)**: Protective regime for individual creators (natural persons only, not companies). Key features: equitable remuneration right, bestseller clause (Art. 25d), non-use clause (Art. 25e), transparency duty. Applies mostly in publishing, music, film. Flag any contract with individual creator for WAC check.
- **Portretrecht (Aw Art. 19-21)**: Uniquely Dutch concept — the depicted person's right to object to publication of their portrait if they have a reasonable interest. Not a property right (no registration); more akin to right of publicity / privacy. Translate as "portrait right" with gloss; avoid "image right" which is trademark-like.
- **Slaafse nabootsing**: Slavish imitation — tort-based protection under BW 6:162 against close copying of products not protected by registered IP, if the imitator creates unnecessary confusion. Unique Dutch case-law doctrine (HR Hyster Karry Krane; HR Lego/Mega Brands). Translate as "slavish imitation" with explanation; no exact common-law equivalent.
- **Handelsnaamrecht**: Trade name protection is independent of trademark registration. Acquired by use, not registration. Protection against confusingly similar names used by competitors in same region/sector. Claims under Handelsnaamwet are distinct from trademark claims. Always translate as "trade name right" not "trademark".
- **BVIE / Benelux trademarks**: Benelux has unified trademark and design regime via the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP). There is no separate "Dutch trademark" — all registrations are Benelux. Dutch parties can also register EUTMs (EUIPO). Always use "Benelux trademark" where appropriate.
- **Databankrecht**: Sui generis right in databases per EU Database Directive (96/9/EC). Protects substantial investment in obtaining/verifying/presenting contents. 15-year term, renewable. Translate as "database right"; distinct from copyright in database structure.
- **Rijksoctrooiwet / ROW 1995**: Dutch patent law. Kingdom Act (applies also to Caribbean Netherlands). Translate as "Kingdom Patents Act 1995" or simply "Dutch Patents Act 1995" for clarity.
- **Eenheidsoctrooi / UPC**: Unitary Patent in operation since June 2023. UPC has Dutch local division in The Hague and PharmaChem central division. Translate "Eenheidsoctrooi" as "Unitary patent"; UPC/Eenheidsoctrooigerecht as "Unified Patent Court".
- **Werknemersuitvinding (ROW 1995 Art. 12)**: Employee inventions within scope of employment belong to employer; employee entitled to reasonable compensation if invention outside salary expectations. Similar to but not identical to German Arbeitnehmererfinderrecht. Flag for negotiation in employment/consulting contracts.
- **Aanvullend beschermingscertificaat (ABC) / SPC**: Supplementary protection certificate extending patent protection for medicinal products (up to 5 years) to compensate for regulatory delay. EU-harmonised regime. Translate as "supplementary protection certificate" / "SPC".
- **Wbb (Wet bescherming bedrijfsgeheimen)**: Trade Secrets Act 2018 implementing EU Directive. Introduces statutory framework for trade secret protection. Key for technology transfer and employment contexts. Translate as "Trade Secrets Protection Act"; see separate NDA sub-lexicon.
- **Proprietary assignment formalities**: Aw Art. 2 requires written deed for copyright assignment ("akte" signed by author) — a notarial deed is not required but a signed written instrument is. Same for patents (written deed). Verbal assignments are ineffective. Flag any verbal/implied IP transfer in translation.
- **Licentie in Dutch**: Non-exclusive licences have no statutory form requirement (can be oral or implied). Exclusive licences require written agreement for registration purposes. Licensee's standing to sue infringers: only if registered (Aw Art. 27a, ROW 1995 Art. 67).
- **TTBER**: Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation — EU competition law safe harbour for tech licences. Translate as TTBER (retain English). Key for drafting patent/know-how licences, especially with exclusivity or grant-backs.
- **Belgian IP**: Belgian IP law largely parallels Dutch for trademarks/designs (Benelux regime), copyright (EU directive implementation in Book XI Code of Economic Law), patents (national + EPC + Unitary). Belgian moral rights regime is more protective than Dutch — full waiver is invalid. Flag Belgian documents for cross-check.
- **Essentially facility / FRAND**: "Fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory" — standard for standard-essential patents. Retained as English "FRAND" in Dutch practice.
- **Source code escrow**: Common in Dutch IT contracts. Provider deposits source code with third party (e.g., NCE Escrow) to be released to customer on specified trigger events (bankruptcy, sustained breach). Translate as "source code escrow"; preserve English term.

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## Part 2 — IT, Software and SaaS

Auto-generated from translation experience. Maps Dutch IT, cloud, SaaS, and
software-service terms to their correct English equivalents. Dutch IT contracts
interact with overeenkomst van opdracht (BW 7:400), aanneming van werk (BW 7:750)
where customisation is commissioned, general obligations law (BW Book 6), GDPR,
and sector-specific rules (Wbni/NIS, DORA for financial services).

## Core Contract Types

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IT-overeenkomst | IT agreement | |
| softwareovereenkomst | software agreement | |
| softwareontwikkelingsovereenkomst | software development agreement | |
| softwarelicentieovereenkomst | software licence agreement | |
| end user licence agreement (EULA) | end user licence agreement | Retained English term |
| SaaS-overeenkomst | SaaS agreement | |
| IaaS / PaaS / SaaS | IaaS / PaaS / SaaS | Retained English abbreviations |
| onderhoud, ondersteuning en beheer (O&O&B) | maintenance, support and management | |
| managed services-overeenkomst | managed services agreement | |
| integratorovereenkomst | systems integrator agreement | |
| reseller-overeenkomst | reseller agreement | |
| distributieovereenkomst | distribution agreement | |
| OEM-overeenkomst | OEM agreement | |
| API-voorwaarden | API terms | |
| datalicentie | data licence | |
| modelovereenkomsten ICT (ARBIT, GIBIT, ARVODI-ICT) | government IT model agreements | ARBIT for algemene rijksinkoopvoorwaarden IT; GIBIT for municipalities |

## Software and Development

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| software | software | |
| standaardsoftware | standard software | |
| maatwerksoftware | custom / bespoke software | |
| broncode | source code | |
| firmware | firmware | |
| embedded software | embedded software | |
| copyleft | copyleft | |
| proprietary / eigendomssoftware | proprietary software | |
| afleveringsdatum | delivery date | |
| oplevering | delivery / hand-over | |
| voorlopige oplevering | provisional acceptance | |
| definitieve oplevering | final acceptance | |
| in productie nemen / go-live | go-live | |
| deployment | deployment | |
| implementatieplan | implementation plan | |
| ontwerp / functioneel ontwerp / technisch ontwerp | design / functional design / technical design | |
| specificaties | specifications | |
| wijzigingsverzoek / change request | change request | |
| change advisory board (CAB) | change advisory board | |
| versie / release / patch | version / release / patch | |
| nieuwe release / upgrade | new release / upgrade | |
| update | update | |
| hotfix | hotfix | |
| bug / fout / gebrek | bug / defect | |
| refactoring | refactoring | |
| technische schuld | technical debt | |

## Acceptance Testing and Warranties

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| acceptatietest / acceptatieprocedure | acceptance test / acceptance procedure | |
| acceptatiecriteria | acceptance criteria | |
| factory acceptance test (FAT) | factory acceptance test | |
| user acceptance test (UAT) | user acceptance test | |
| systeemintegratietest | system integration test | |
| testplan / testrapport | test plan / test report | |
| goedkeuring / aanvaarding | approval / acceptance | |
| afkeur | rejection | |
| herstel / recovery | remediation / recovery | |
| garantieperiode | warranty period | |
| garantiebepaling | warranty provision | |
| verborgen gebrek | latent defect | |
| gebrek uit oude levering | defect from earlier delivery | |
| non-conformiteit | non-conformity | |
| klachtplicht / onverwijlde melding | duty to notify / prompt notification | BW 6:89 / 7:23 — risk of losing rights if not timely |
| ingebrekestelling | notice of default | BW 6:82 — step required before ontbinding / damages |
| verzuim | default | |

## Service Levels

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| dienstniveau / serviceniveau | service level | |
| kritieke prestatie-indicator (KPI) | key performance indicator (KPI) | |
| beschikbaarheid / uptime | availability / uptime | |
| geplande uitval / ongeplande uitval | scheduled / unscheduled downtime | |
| onderhoudsvensters | maintenance windows | |
| responsietijd | response time | |
| hersteltijd | resolution time / time to restore | |
| incident | incident | |
| probleem | problem | |
| P1/P2/P3/P4 | P1/P2/P3/P4 (severity) | |
| service credit / servicekorting | service credit | |
| malusregeling | malus scheme | Service credits framework |
| enige en uitsluitende remedie | sole and exclusive remedy | Service credit clauses |
| measurement period / meetperiode | measurement period | |
| rapportage | reporting | |

## Hosting, Cloud and Infrastructure

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| hosting | hosting | |
| cloud computing | cloud computing | |
| publieke cloud / private cloud / hybride cloud | public / private / hybrid cloud | |
| multi-tenant | multi-tenant | |
| datacentrum | data centre | |
| redundantie | redundancy | |
| georedundantie | geo-redundancy | |
| back-up | back-up | |
| herstelpunt / herstelpuntdoelstelling (RPO) | recovery point objective | |
| hersteltijddoelstelling (RTO) | recovery time objective | |
| disaster recovery | disaster recovery | |
| bedrijfscontinuïteit | business continuity | |
| Business Continuity Plan (BCP) | Business Continuity Plan | |
| failover | failover | |
| load balancer | load balancer | |
| kritische infrastructuur / kritieke infrastructuur | critical infrastructure | |

## Data, Privacy and Security

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| persoonsgegevens | personal data | GDPR |
| bijzondere persoonsgegevens | special categories of personal data | |
| gegevensverwerking | data processing | |
| verwerker / verwerkingsverantwoordelijke | processor / controller | |
| verwerkersovereenkomst | data processing agreement | GDPR Art. 28 — mandatory |
| subverwerker | sub-processor | |
| doorgifte aan derde landen | transfers to third countries | |
| standaardcontractbepalingen (SCC) | standard contractual clauses | |
| aanvullende beschermingsmaatregelen | supplementary measures | Post-Schrems II |
| bindende bedrijfsvoorschriften (BCR) | binding corporate rules | |
| AP (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) | Dutch Data Protection Authority | Supervisory authority |
| datalek | personal data breach | |
| meldplicht datalekken | personal data breach notification | 72 hours to AP; possibly to data subjects |
| data-inventaris / verwerkingsregister | record of processing activities | GDPR Art. 30 |
| DPIA / gegevensbeschermingseffectbeoordeling | data protection impact assessment | |
| FG / functionaris gegevensbescherming | DPO / Data Protection Officer | |
| pseudonimisering / anonimisering | pseudonymisation / anonymisation | |
| encryptie / versleuteling | encryption | |
| technische en organisatorische maatregelen (TOM) | technical and organisational measures | |
| ISO 27001 / SOC 2 / NEN 7510 | ISO 27001 / SOC 2 / NEN 7510 | NEN 7510 is Dutch healthcare IS standard |
| Wbni / NIS2 | Dutch NIS Act / NIS2 Directive | Cybersecurity regulation |
| Wet beveiliging netwerk- en informatiesystemen (Wbni) | Network and Information Systems Security Act | NIS1 implementation (under update for NIS2) |
| Cyberveiligheidswet (Cbw) | Cybersecurity Act | NIS2 implementation (in legislative pipeline) |
| Nationaal Cyber Security Centrum (NCSC) | National Cyber Security Centre | |
| vitale aanbieder / essentiële entiteit | vital provider / essential entity | NIS2 category |
| belangrijke entiteit | important entity | NIS2 category |
| DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) | DORA | Financial-services operational resilience regulation |

## Liability, Indemnity and Exit

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| aansprakelijkheid | liability | |
| aansprakelijkheidsbeperking | limitation of liability | |
| directe schade | direct damage | Often defined narrowly in IT contracts |
| indirecte schade / gevolgschade | indirect / consequential damage | Often excluded |
| gederfde winst | loss of profit | |
| verlies van gegevens | data loss | |
| vrijwaring voor IE-inbreuken | indemnity for IP infringement | |
| defence-and-indemnify | defence and indemnity | |
| garantie op rechten | warranty of rights / title warranty | |
| exitclausule / exitplan | exit clause / exit plan | |
| transitiebijstand | exit assistance / transition assistance | |
| data-portabiliteit | data portability | |
| teruggave / migratie van data | return / migration of data | |
| broncode-escrow | source code escrow | |
| escrow-agent | escrow agent | |
| triggergebeurtenis | trigger event | For escrow release |
| verwijdering na beëindiging | deletion after termination | |
| bewijs van vernietiging | certificate of destruction | |

## Intellectual Property in IT Contracts

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IE-rechten op maatwerk | IP rights in custom development | |
| eigendom van maatwerk / custom IP | ownership of bespoke/custom IP | No automatic transfer — express assignment needed (Aw Art. 2) |
| gebruiksrecht / licentie | right of use / licence | |
| eeuwigdurende licentie | perpetual licence | |
| onherroepelijke licentie | irrevocable licence | |
| royaltyvrij | royalty-free | |
| niet-overdraagbaar | non-transferable | |
| feedback-licentie | feedback licence | |
| generieke tools / generic IP | generic tools / generic IP | Often retained by developer |
| open source-componenten | open-source components | |
| open source-compliance | open-source compliance | |
| SBOM / software bill of materials | software bill of materials (SBOM) | |

## Public Sector / Government IT

| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ARBIT / ARBIT-2022 | General Government Terms for IT | Model contract terms for central government IT procurement |
| GIBIT | General Municipality Terms for IT | |
| ARIV | General Purchasing Conditions (non-IT) | |
| Forum Standaardisatie | Standardisation Forum | Mandatory "comply or explain" open standards list |
| "pas toe of leg uit"-lijst | "apply or explain" list | Dutch government's open standards policy |
| BIO (Baseline Informatiebeveiliging Overheid) | Government Information Security Baseline | |
| Rijkswaardering | central government valuation | |
| aanbestedingsdossier | tender dossier | |

## Notes for Translators

- **Opdracht vs aanneming van werk in IT**: Critical choice. Custom software development is often treated as "aanneming van werk" (BW 7:750 et seq.) — result-based obligation to produce the software. Service/maintenance typically "opdracht" (BW 7:400) — best-efforts. Different default rules on termination, payment, warranties. Many Dutch IT contracts are hybrid — flag the characterisation where it drives translation choices.
- **Oplevering terminology**: Dutch IT uses construction-law language. "Oplevering" = delivery/hand-over; "voorlopige oplevering" = provisional acceptance (after acceptance testing); "definitieve oplevering" = final acceptance (after warranty period). Analogous to construction-contract delivery. Translate consistently.
- **Klachtplicht (BW 6:89 / 7:23)**: Dutch buyer/customer has duty to give prompt notice of defects. If too slow, rights may be forfeited. Shorter than in many jurisdictions. Critical in IT where defects may be discovered late. Translate as "duty to notify" and flag in risk sections.
- **Ingebrekestelling (BW 6:82)**: Before seeking damages or rescission for non-performance (other than impossibility or fixed date non-performance), customer typically must put provider in default by written notice granting reasonable cure period. Unique civil-law concept. Translate as "notice of default" with gloss.
- **ARBIT / GIBIT**: Dutch government model contracts. ARBIT (latest version ARBIT-2022) for central government IT purchasing; GIBIT for municipalities. If translating these or documents referring to them, preserve acronyms with expanded names on first use.
- **"Pas toe of leg uit"**: Dutch government's "apply or explain" rule for open standards (managed by Forum Standaardisatie). Suppliers to government must comply or justify non-compliance. Translate as "apply or explain" or "comply or explain".
- **Wbni / NIS2**: NIS1 Directive implemented via Wet beveiliging netwerk- en informatiesystemen (Wbni). NIS2 Directive implementation via proposed Cyberveiligheidswet (Cbw) pending as of late 2025. Flag the applicable version based on document date. Translate as "Network and Information Systems Security Act" / "Cybersecurity Act".
- **DORA**: Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 on digital operational resilience for the financial sector — entered application January 2025. Affects financial institutions' IT contracts (mandatory exit, subcontracting notification, security testing). Always flag DORA relevance for financial-services IT contracts. Retain acronym.
- **Source code escrow**: Common in Dutch IT. Typically tripartite (supplier-customer-escrow agent, e.g. NCE Escrow, Escrow4all). Release triggers: bankruptcy, unremedied breach, supplier discontinuation. Translate as "source code escrow"; preserve technical English terms.
- **Service credit as sole remedy**: Dutch market practice to make service credits the "sole and exclusive remedy" for SLA breaches, subject to intent/gross negligence carve-outs. Under BW 6:248(2) and 6:94, exonerations/service-credit caps may be set aside if "unacceptable". Flag aggressive exonerations.
- **Verwerkersovereenkomst**: GDPR Art. 28 processor agreement, typically annexed to IT/cloud contract. Mandatory content: subject, duration, nature/purpose, type of data, obligations of processor, subprocessor flow-down. Include verwerkersovereenkomst assessment in any IT contract translation.
- **Transfers to third countries**: Post-Schrems II (2020), transfers to US and other non-adequate countries require SCCs plus supplementary measures. US Data Privacy Framework (2023) now reduces but does not eliminate complexity. Cloud contracts almost always implicate third-country transfer analysis.
- **Exit-clausule**: Regulatory expectation (especially DORA, EBA outsourcing guidelines) for mandatory exit/transition-assistance provisions in IT contracts for financial institutions. Increasingly market practice more broadly. Translate as "exit clause" / "transition assistance clause".
- **Open source compliance**: Dutch IT contracts increasingly require disclosure of open-source components (SBOM) and compliance with licence terms. Copyleft licences (GPL family) can create viral risk. Flag OSS representations and indemnities carefully.
- **AVG / GDPR terminology**: "AVG" (Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming) = GDPR. "Uitvoeringswet AVG (UAVG)" = Dutch GDPR implementation act. Use GDPR in English translations; retain UAVG with gloss if specifically referenced.
- **Data loss**: In Dutch IT, "verlies van gegevens" is typically excluded from contractual "direct damage" — often categorised as indirect. Market-standard clauses. Translate consistently — watch for customer-favourable "data loss is deemed direct damage" carve-backs.
- **Belgian IT contracts**: Belgian market uses similar concepts but Belgian Code of Economic Law applies, not BW. Belgian equivalents: GDPR Act (AVG-wet), Code on Electronic Communications, NIS2 transposition through the Law on Cybersecurity of 26 April 2024 (in force October 2024). Flag Belgian documents.
- **English terms retained**: Dutch IT practice retains many English terms directly: SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, SLA, KPI, SBOM, DevOps, release, deployment, refactoring, downtime, uptime. Preserve in translation.
- **ARBIT IE-clause**: ARBIT 2022 provides for assignment of IE-rechten in maatwerk (bespoke development) to the government — a Dutch public-sector negotiating standard. For private sector contracts, always check whether IP in custom development is assigned, licensed exclusively, or retained by vendor.
