Non-solicitation clause

Definition

A non-solicitation clause prevents a party (or a departing employee) from approaching the other party's clients, suppliers, or personnel for a defined period and area. Unlike a full non-compete, it does not bar competing as such, only the targeted soliciting of protected relationships. To be enforceable, it must be reasonable in scope and duration; in a commercial setting it is assessed against competition-law limits.

Example

Under the non-solicitation clause the consultant may not approach the client's key staff for twelve months after the engagement.

Why this is a business risk

A non-solicitation clause that is too broad in scope or duration risks being struck down as unreasonably restrictive, leaving you with no protection at all. One that is too narrow may fail to cover the relationships that matter most. For employment relationships, Dutch courts apply strict rules: an overly wide non-solicitation clause against an employee may need to be partially set aside even if other parts are valid.

How to manage it

• Define the protected relationships specifically: named accounts, direct reports, or a defined category of clients rather than "all clients".
• Keep the duration reasonable: twelve to twenty-four months is typical in commercial agreements; longer periods face higher scrutiny.
• Distinguish between active solicitation and passive acceptance: most clauses prohibit the former but allow responding to an approach made by the protected party.
• In employment contracts, a non-solicitation clause restricting an employee requires special attention under Dutch employment law and may need compensation.

Legal references

• Mw art. 6 Dutch Competition Act: prohibition of restrictive agreements Dutch law

Unless marked otherwise, references are to Dutch law (Burgerlijk Wetboek, the Dutch Civil Code); EU instruments such as the GDPR apply across the EU. This is general information, not legal advice. Other jurisdictions treat these concepts differently. Verify the current text and your situation with a qualified lawyer.