How are trade secrets protected under Dutch law?

Dutch term: Bescherming bedrijfsgeheimen | Legal basis: Wet bescherming bedrijfsgeheimen (Wbb)

Trade secrets in the Netherlands are protected by the Wet bescherming bedrijfsgeheimen (Wbb), implementing EU Directive (EU) 2016/943 on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information. A trade secret qualifies for protection if it is secret (not generally known or readily accessible), has commercial value because it is secret, and the holder has taken reasonable steps to keep it secret.

The Wbb provides civil remedies against unlawful acquisition, use or disclosure of trade secrets, including injunctions, damages, corrective measures and publication of the judgment. The holder can obtain interim relief through summary proceedings (kort geding) combined with evidence seizure (bewijsbeslag) to prevent further disclosure. Confidentiality clauses in contracts supplement the statutory protection.

Why it matters for international businesses

For manufacturers and technology companies with proprietary know-how, the Wbb provides a statutory baseline of protection that works alongside contractual NDAs and employee non-compete clauses.