Excellent Masters’ Thesis Valorisation Event

Barbara Rozema - De Zeggenschap van de Procesfinancier bij Collectief Verhaal van Massaschade

Abstract

Procesfinanciering door derden, zogenoemde third party litigation funding (TPLF), kan in het kader van collectief verhaal van massaschade een nuttige maatschappelijke functie vervullen door de rechtstoegang te bevorderen, maar kan ook leiden tot belangenconflicten. In het beschermen van partijen tegen overmatige invloed van de procesfinancier is een publiek belang gelegen. Voor de collectieve actie gelden eisen (3:305a-eisen) die de zeggenschap van de procesfinancier beperken. Dat kan ertoe leiden dat procesfinanciers hun toevlucht zoeken in alternatieve vormen van financiering van collectief verhaal van massaschade, waarop de 3:305a-eisen niet rechtstreeks van toepassing zijn. Enerzijds bevorderen die alternatieve mogelijkheden de rechtstoegang. Anderzijds kan het ontbreken van eisen die de zeggenschap van de procesfinancier beperken, negatieve gevolgen hebben voor de behartiging van de materiële belangen van benadeelden. In deze bijdrage wordt onderzocht in hoeverre het, gelet op de belangen van benadeelden, wenselijk is om bij de alternatieve vormen eisen te stellen die aansluiten bij de 3:305a-eisen. Ik concludeer dat die eisen geconcretiseerd moeten worden en dat vervolgens soortgelijke eisen moeten worden ingevoerd voor de alternatieve vormen.

Bio

Writing a master thesis is an instructive process in itself. However, due to my participation in the 2021 ‘Jonge Meesters’ thesis book project, I got a lot more out of it. I like to write and conduct research. The thesis book project has taught me a lot about doing research, but also about making a legal text suitable for publication. In addition, it was really nice that we got the opportunity to formally present our research to family and friends during the course of the project and, of course, that everyone can now read about our studies in the book. All of this has given me many insights that are helping me a lot while writing my thesis for the second master’s degree that I am currently finishing at Erasmus School of Law. Although I’m not exactly sure yet where I see myself in the future, I do know for certain that I will pursue a career in the field of law!

Ludo Stroo - Protection of Real Property in Augmented Reality

Abstract

Up until recently, the physical and virtual world were mostly separated from each other. However, augmented reality (“AR”) now makes it possible to add virtual objects to the physical world. Users of an AR-application can interact with these objects in real time, for example through their smartphones. The rise of AR raises different legal questions. In my thesis I explore this topic from a property law and a tort law perspective. Which different causes of action can landowners bring against an AR-developer who places virtual objects on their land without their consent? Given the fact that this question has received relatively little attention in Dutch legal literature, I first take a look at the situation in the United States, where several landowners brought a class action lawsuit against Niantic, the developer of the highly popular AR-based game Pokémon GO, on the basis of trespass and nuisance, in order to remove virtual objects from their property. I then discuss three possible causes of actions under Dutch law: infringement of property rights (‘inbreuk op eigendomsrecht’), nuisance (‘hinder’) and unjust enrichment (‘ongerechtvaardigde verrijking’). I conclude that none of the current legal options under Dutch law perfectly fit the specific nature of virtual objects in AR. To fill this gap, I suggest granting property rights over the virtual space to landowners, combined with an opt-in system by which landowners can grant permission to AR-developers to place virtual objects in the virtual space located above their land.    

Bio

Deciding between studying in the field of technology or law was a difficult decision for me to make after graduating from high school. Being young and told by friends that law was boring, I opted for the former and started as an Industrial Design Engineering student. I soon realized that I was not in the right place and tried my other option: law. This was a better fit and not so boring after all! During my studies I especially fell in love with private law areas such as contract law and property law. However, my interest in technology had not fully faded away. In my master thesis I tried to reconnect to my ‘tech roots’ by looking at the emerging field of augmented reality from a property law perspective. This fascinating technology brings our physical and virtual worlds together and kept me motivated throughout my writing process, which - to be honest - was not always easy. After obtaining my master’s degree I started working as a lecturer and researcher at Erasmus School of Law, where I hope to further develop my expertise in the field of law and technology.

Joey Oetomo - Immunity from Enforcement: a Balancing Act in Need of Correction?

Abstract

The Dutch Supreme Court takes a strict approach in applying the rules of state immunity from enforcement. As a result, creditors of states increasingly find themselves in a tough position when it comes to executing, for example, an arbitral award against a state. The rights and interests of these creditors are protected by fundamental EU rights, such as Article 6 ECHR and Article 1 First Protocol ECHR. This contribution examines the Dutch application of state immunity from enforcement in light of these fundamental EU rights of creditors of states.

Bio

During my master in Private Law at Erasmus School of Law, I developed an interest in international litigation and arbitration practice. I truly enjoyed being able to build on this interest with my research into the Dutch interpretation of the doctrine of immunity from execution and with my contribution on that subject to the the 2021 ‘Jonge Meesters’ thesis book project. A nice ending to my studies – and the kick-start of my career at Linklaters.