Digital Inheritance in the Netherlands

Abstract

Our accumulation of assets is increasingly digital. What happens to these digital assets upon our death? In this Country Report, the topic of a digital inheritance is discussed in the context of Dutch law. It includes general rules on succession and their application to digital assets, which includes a brief exploration of contracts for digital services, the issue of non-transferable (IP) licenses and legatees and the application of data protection law and privacy rights after death.

Keywords: Succession, Property Law, Digital Assets, Digital Service, Licenses, Intellectual Property, Inheritance