The IP crime regulation in the Netherlands varies depending on the IP right. The criminal offence of counterfeiting is regulated in the Dutch Criminal Code. Criminal offences against other IP crimes are regulated in the specialised legislation. In the Netherlands, general provisions of criminal procedure apply to the investigation and prosecution of the intellectual property crimes. These crimes fall under the general rules of jurisdiction.
Verified in October 2022
Copyright violations
Counterfeiting of trademarkPenal Code:
Regeling - Wetboek van Strafrecht - BWBR0001854
Benelux Convention on Intellectual Property:
Benelux Convention on Intellectual Property (BCIP) | Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (boip.int)
Patent violations
Industrial design violations
Violations of geographical indications of origin
Violations of plant variety rights
Trade Secrets violationsPenal Code:
Wetboek van Strafrecht - BWBR0001854
Trade Secrets Act:
Wet bescherming bedrijfsgeheimen - BWBR0041459
The IP crimes’ investigation and prosecution fall under the competence of Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD). FIOD does not have exclusive jurisdiction over IP crimes. These crimes can also be investigated by the local investigation services. Usually, the complexity and the amount of seized goods determine which institution shall handle the investigation.
fiod.infodesk@belastingdienst.nl
+31 (088) 155 16 00
Postbus 19266, 3501 DG Utrecht
The IP crimes’ investigation and prosecution fall under the competence of Public Prosecutor Offices. There are no specialised units responsible for IP crimes’ prosecution.
List of Public Prosecutor’s Offices and their contact details: Contact | Public Prosecution Service
There are no specialised courts on IP crimes. This type of crime fall under general court system.
The general courts are organised in a three-tier system:
This is a public and free database. Registration is not required.
Eurojust is an agency of the European Union