Lower House approves bill to implement Transparency Directive

The Lower House of the Dutch Parliament recently approved a bill to implement the European Transparency Directive. That directive aims to improve the provision of information by listed companies within the European Union.

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Notification requirement for merger? Use the online Merger Check

Kluwer Law International and Van Doorne are proud to present the online Merger Check that they developed together recently. With this user-friendly online tool, lawyers and in-house counsel can determine within just a few minutes whether an envisaged merger, acquisition or joint venture must be notified to one or more competition authorities in Europe, the US or Canada.

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Joint enforcement policy of Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and Dutch central bank

The Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and the Dutch central bank (DNB) readopted their joint enforcement policy on 10 July 2008. That policy incorporates a number of basic principles that these organisations will bear in mind when carrying out their supervision duties. It also specifies certain factors that go towards deciding on whether to apply a certain enforcement measure.

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Court allows KLM to implement online time-recording system

The Amsterdam District Court recently upheld KLM’s claims in an action against its works council regarding the implementation of an online time-recording system. This system registers the time that employees need to carry out maintenance on aircraft. The works council withheld its consent.

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Software-as-a-service: Proper contracts required

Although SaaS, a software delivery template available via the Internet, offers many options it also entails risks, particularly in the fields of privacy and continuity. By making a proper contract, you can control these risks.

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Big changes in domain names system

In Paris, the board of the domain organization ICANN has unanimously adopted the liberalization of domain name extensions. In 2009, anyone with enough money can register new top-level domains. This means that the domain name system, one of the essential pillars of the Internet, will change dramatically.

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Option for quick and simple debt collection throughout the EU

EC Regulation 1896/2006 creating a European order for payment procedure will take effect on 12 December 2008. This Regulation offers the option to claimants in any Member State to collect a debt in another EC country relatively easy. On 24 June 2008, the Dutch cabinet presented a Bill that contains the Dutch version of this new procedure.

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New mediation rules offer contractual freedom and autonomy

The new mediation rules set by the Netherlands Mediation Institute (NMI) took effect on 1 July 2008. They include new rules on conduct, complaints and disciplinary measures for recognized mediators. Both the NMI’s views and developments in the profession played an important part in reframing the rules.

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Supreme Court renders benchmark ruling: Property transfers not always taxed

The Dutch Supreme Court recently handed down a benchmark judgement that is of great importance to property investors. The Supreme Court held that in specific cases transfer of title is not subject to tax.

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New Planning Act: Clearer rules for transfer of exemptions

When property is sold, whether or not in the context of a business acquisition, the transfer of exemptions granted in respect of the plot concerned are often an issue.

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