Breach of contract

Definição

Breach of contract occurs when a party does not perform a promised obligation (on time, in full, or at all) and has no valid excuse such as force majeure. Depending on severity, the other party may claim damages, suspend its own performance, or dissolve the contract. Under Dutch law a breach (tekortkoming) gives rise to damages under article 6:74 and, for sufficiently serious failures, a right of dissolution under 6:265.

Exemplo

A supplier delivers software a month late and outside spec; the customer may claim resulting losses and, if the delay is material, dissolve the agreement.

Porque é um risco para a empresa

Breach is where contract value leaks away. When the other side underdelivers, the cost lands on you: delayed projects, rework, lost revenue, and the time and legal fees of enforcing your rights. The harder problem is usually evidence. Months later, few teams can show exactly what was promised, when it was due, and what was chased, which is precisely what you need to claim damages or dissolve.

Como gerir

• Record the agreed obligation, deadline and acceptance criteria the moment you sign, so "late" or "defective" is provable later.
• Send a written notice of default (ingebrekestelling) with a reasonable cure period before you claim damages or dissolve.
• Keep dated evidence of the shortfall and your communications about it in one place.
• Decide whether the breach is serious enough to dissolve, or whether suspending your own performance is the better remedy.
• Escalate on a fixed timeline, so a claim does not weaken while you wait for the other side to fix it.

Referências jurídicas

• BW 6:74 Dutch Civil Code: damages for breach Direito neerlandês
• BW 6:265 Dutch Civil Code: dissolution Direito neerlandês

Salvo indicação em contrário, as referências remetem para o direito neerlandês (Burgerlijk Wetboek, o Código Civil neerlandês); os instrumentos da UE, como o RGPD, aplicam-se em toda a UE. Esta é informação geral, não constitui aconselhamento jurídico. Outras jurisdições tratam estes conceitos de forma diferente. Verifique o texto em vigor e a sua situação com um advogado qualificado.