Can parties choose any court in the world?

Largely yes for commercial contracts, but mandatory protective rules for consumers and employees, plus enforceability of judgments abroad, limit the practical choice.

What is the difference between exclusive and non-exclusive jurisdiction?

An exclusive clause means only the chosen court may hear the dispute; a non-exclusive clause allows either party to sue in the named court but does not prevent proceedings elsewhere.

How are Dutch court judgments enforced abroad?

Within the EU, Brussels I bis provides automatic recognition and enforcement. Outside the EU it depends on bilateral treaties and the domestic law of the enforcement country, which may require a fresh set of proceedings.

Can a jurisdiction clause be overridden for consumer disputes?

Yes. Under Brussels I bis and Dutch law, a consumer can always sue in their own member state regardless of a jurisdiction clause, and an exclusive clause cannot deprive them of that right.

Should jurisdiction and governing law always be aligned?

It is strongly advisable. When a Dutch court applies English law (or vice versa), the proceedings become more complex and expensive because expert evidence on foreign law may be needed.

Jurisdiction

The court or location authorised to hear and decide disputes under a contract.

Définition

A jurisdiction (or forum-selection) clause designates which courts may hear disputes arising from the contract. It provides predictability and avoids parallel proceedings in multiple countries. Within the EU, the Brussels I bis Regulation generally enforces an exclusive choice of court, while consumer and employee protections may override it.

Exemple

The parties agree that the courts of Amsterdam have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute.

Pourquoi c'est un risque pour l'entreprise

A missing or poorly drafted jurisdiction clause can force you to litigate in a foreign court at great cost, or allow the other party to choose a favourable forum. Without an exclusive clause, the counterparty may start proceedings in a country where enforcement is slow or where local procedural law is unfamiliar.

Comment le gérer

Include an exclusive jurisdiction clause so neither party can forum-shop when a dispute arises.
Pick a court in a country where judgments are easily enforced, both domestically and in the counterparty's home country.
Consider arbitration instead of litigation for international deals: arbitral awards are enforceable in over 170 countries under the New York Convention.

Références juridiques

Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012, Art. 25 Brussels I bis Regulation: choice of court Droit de l'UE

Sauf mention contraire, les références renvoient au droit néerlandais (Burgerlijk Wetboek, le Code civil néerlandais) ; les instruments de l'UE tels que le RGPD s'appliquent dans toute l'UE. Il s'agit d'informations générales, pas de conseils juridiques. D'autres juridictions traitent ces concepts différemment. Vérifiez le texte en vigueur et votre situation avec un avocat qualifié.

Foire aux questions

Questions courantes sur ce terme.