Law Blogs Maastricht
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Destination ‘dark patterns’: On the EU (digital) legislative train and line-drawing
13 April 2023, by Constanta Rosca
The IMCO Committee is trying to amend the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29) to include a ban on dark patterns. The proposed amendments are part of the EU’s plans to empower consumers for the green transition and the Parliament is expected to address the proposed amendments on 17 April 2023.
AI tools as trustworthy public interest technologies under recent EU legislative instruments
14 March 2023, by Anna Medvedova
Technological developments challenge consumer protection in the digital sphere. One adaptation that could make the digital environment become safer and more trustworthy is to provide consumers with explanations of AI-based algorithm mechanisms used by intermediary platforms.
The Instagram zombie accounts
31 March 2023, by Constanta Rosca
Over the weekend of March 25-26, TikTok users started sharing videos of their experiences trying to delete their Instagram accounts on Android devices. Users took issue with not being able to delete their accounts via the Instagram app and having to use a desktop/mobile browser to complete the process.
FullCompensation: transparent research for fairer pain and suffering damages
9 March 2023, by Andrea Parziale
In scientific research, transparency is key.
This is why I have made the study design and protocols for my project FullCompensation - Rationalising Full Compensation of Non-Pecuniary Damages to Reconcile Equal Treatment and Personalisation publicly available on Dataverse and the Open Science Framework.
Student-Edited Law Reviews and the Development of Legal Science
7 March 2023, by Agustín Parise
We Write to be Read, should always resonate in the mind of authors of research papers. The contents of Student-Edited Law Reviews (SL Reviews) is decided by students. These reviews offer a forum for outstanding research papers by law students.
MaRBLe Seminar on AI-assisted Consumers: Shedding Light on Dark Patterns
6 March 2023, by Esra Kaplan
How does EU consumer laws address dark patterns on the Internet? This topic has been part of the scholarly debate during the panel discussion “The AI-assisted consumer”, organized on 6 December 2022 in collaboration with Glaw-Net and IGIR.
Digital Vulnerability of the AI-Assisted Consumers
17 February 2023, by Aleksandra Dymacz
The widespread use of AI-assisted technologies in the digital sphere has given rise to the concept of digital vulnerability, as a contextual vulnerability experienced by internet users. This phenomenon sparks debate about whether the current legislative framework is sufficient to ensure effective protection.
Latest blogs
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The EU-funded project FullCompensation aims to make the compensation of pain and suffering damages more equitable and efficient. To this end, the project led to the development of a model legislative proposal and guidelines, based on comparative and empirical evidence. These documents are intended...
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The EU-funded project FullCompensation aims to make the compensation of pain and suffering damages more fair and efficient. To offer judges better guidelines for this, it is essential to understand how judges actually award pain and suffering damages. Reading the case law and interviewing judges...
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The scientific study of law–when consisting of the drafting of a research paper–undergoes a series of stages, running a cycle that matures and evolves. Four stages can be identified in that cycle, namely those related to the researching, writing, reasoning, and testing processes. Researchers can...
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Law students have to be global citizens and curious. Students have to be open-minded and eager to engage with otherness, going places. They have to start by visiting the library – it is free and takes readers to many places. Global citizens can benefit significantly from embarking in a study tour...
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ChatGPT’s rapid virality sparks both enthusiasm for using the product and concerns about consumer protection. Protecting consumers in the age of AI was also a central topic at the AI-Assisted consumer seminar, co-organized by MaRBLe, GLaw-Net, and IGIR.
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The IMCO Committee is trying to amend the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29) to include a ban on dark patterns. The proposed amendments are part of the EU’s plans to empower consumers for the green transition and the Parliament is expected to address the proposed amendments on 17 April...
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Over the weekend of March 25-26, TikTok users started sharing videos of their experiences trying to delete their Instagram accounts on Android devices. Users took issue with not being able to delete their accounts via the Instagram app and having to use a desktop/mobile browser to complete the...
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Technological developments challenge consumer protection in the digital sphere. One adaptation that could make the digital environment become safer and more trustworthy is to provide consumers with explanations of AI-based algorithm mechanisms used by intermediary platforms.
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In scientific research, transparency is key.
This is why I have made the study design and protocols for my project FullCompensation - Rationalising Full Compensation of Non-Pecuniary Damages to Reconcile Equal Treatment and Personalisation publicly available on Dataverse and the Open Science...
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We Write to be Read, should always resonate in the mind of authors of research papers. The contents of Student-Edited Law Reviews (SL Reviews) is decided by students. These reviews offer a forum for outstanding research papers by law students. SL Reviews have strengths, while they face challenges...
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How does EU consumer laws address dark patterns on the Internet? This topic has been part of the scholarly debate during the panel discussion “The AI-assisted consumer”, organized on 6 December 2022 in collaboration with Glaw-Net and IGIR.
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The widespread use of AI-assisted technologies in the digital sphere has given rise to the concept of digital vulnerability, as a contextual vulnerability experienced by internet users. This phenomenon sparks debate about whether the current legislative framework is sufficient to ensure effective...
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Content creators, exercising their freedom of expression, may use trade marks in their content in a way that might damage the interests of trade mark proprietors (e.g. use of Nike shoes in a porn movie). How does EU trade mark law address these different interests?
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The European Patent Convention defines subject-matter that is not eligible for patent protection, such as methods for doing business. However, when implemented by a computer, non-eligible subject matter becomes eligible for patent protection. Is this desirable?
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Only a short drive from Maastricht, border stones still mark the borders of Neutral Moresnet, a small condominium that was the result of a very peculiar round of border negotiations and for over a hundred years was a tax haven, a gambling paradise and a would-be Esperanto state.
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EU trade mark law excludes certain signs from becoming registered trade marks. In particular, shapes cannot be registered if they are necessary for achieving a technical result. In 2015, the amended Regulation broadened this exclusion to ‘another characteristics'. But what is now covered exactly?
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In this piece, I will use two memes to begin to unpack what I think is the common denominator of contemporary populist rhetoric. I will explain that the real substance of this rhetoric is the creation of a false moral equivalence, revealing a nihilism. Finally, I will suggest how this false moral...
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Throughout the EU, the rights of asylum seekers come under pressure. Overdue policy changes remain stuck in negotiations because of lacking political will. It is up to the European Commission to step up and protect the fundamental rights of asylum seekers.
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The debate on the implications of Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia recently intensified after a report concluded that the Dutch forces had used extreme violence. Reactions to the report reveal that the issue remains controversial and challenging to discuss. The findings in the report do however...
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Frank Dobbin and Alexandra Kalev’s new book, Getting to Diversity, offers data-backed evidence to substantiate what I have long suspected to be true: Many diversity and inclusivity trainings (e.g. mandatory implicit bias training, active allyship training, etc.) not only have little to no effect...
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An important part of becoming a fully-fledged academic is the development and curation of a research line. A research line is the main research topic and the thread throughout (large parts of) a career. It could be law and technology in private law, globalisation in public law, human rights in...
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This blog includes a brief description of a METRO seminar held on 30 May 2022, where a draft research design of FullCompensation was shared for feedback. This seminar was the first scientific deliverable of the project and set the ground for its further development.
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Suppose that you get injured in an accident. In that case, you are entitled to damages. Damages are money that the injurer (or their insurer) must pay to you to make you ‘whole’. The aim of damages is, basically, to fully compensate you. Sounds easy? Believe me, it’s not!
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Digital platforms are one of the key developments in facilitating industry 4.0 and are at the center of the multifold benefits the consumers derived through this. An important feature of the digital platforms is the presence of high sunk costs and low marginal costs (UNCTAD, 2019). This occurs since...
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Digitalization has gradually changed business models and reshaped human lifestyles. The rise of business models based on the collection and processing of consumer data allows undertakings to charge business customers and final consumers different prices for the same goods or services, offered at...
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The drafters of EU Computer programmes Directive were aware of the competition law implications of extending protection to the interfaces necessary to enable interoperability of programs and devices. Neither the U.S. Congress nor the CONTU seemed to think of interoperability. So the U.S. Copyright...
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In April 2020, the French competition authority adopted an interim decision against Google obliging it to enter into negotiations with press publishers to establish the amount of remuneration for the use of publications protected by the related right for press publishers, as foreseen by the DSM...
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Can firms undertake costly litigation to protect its brand's core market against infringers? Trademarks are an important intellectual property that plays a significant role in commercialization of a product. Despite several international treaties that aim to protect this right for a firm...
Upcoming events
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05 Oct 06 Oct09:00 - 21:30
17th GREIT Conference
We are excited to announce that the Group for Research on European and International Taxation (GREIT) will hold its conference “National (Tax) Autonomy and the European Union: Revival or Demise?” on 5 and 6 October 2023 at Maastricht University.
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07 Oct09:30 - 16:30
Bachelor's Open Day
Find out more about one of the most international universities in Europe, experience our unique approach to teaching and immerse yourself in your programme of choice.
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11 Oct16:00 - 18:00
Maastricht Foundations of Law Colloquia
On 11 October, our speaker is Aileen Kavanagh, Professor of Constitutional Governance, Trinity College Dublin - Title: The Collaborative Constitution.
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12 Oct09:30 - 10:30
Preventing instead of breaking barriers – How to minimise the risk of emerging obstacles to cross-border cooperation
In this workshop you will learn more about three examples or projects that address the issue of reducing the risk of emerging obstacles in cross-border cooperation. You will have the opportunity to share challenges and opportunities with speakers from ITEM, the Euro-Institut and the Centre for Cross...
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12 Oct 28 Mar13:30 - 17:15
Experience Day European Law School
During the Experience Day you will receive more information about the European Law School programme and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system.
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19 Oct16:00
Environmental Law Lecture Series
This lecture series provides a set of important insights from environmental law scholars on how EU environmental law helps to achieve the aim of a high level of environmental protection in the European Union and across the world.
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26 Oct 27 Oct09:00 - 17:00
ICON-S BENELUX Chapter Inaugural Conference
Crises, Challenges, and the Future of Public Law
The newly founded ICON-S Benelux Chapter will organize its Inaugural Conference on 26-27 October 2023. The conference will take place in Maastricht (NL), hosted by Maastricht University - Faculty of Law, with a fully in-person program of panels...
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26 Oct12:00 - 19:00
Elverding Conference 2023
Enhancing sustainable business and corporate regulation in the EU
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03 Nov00:00
Fiscal Symposium 2023
Will be postponed to 1 November 2024.
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03 Nov10:00 - 15:00
Graduation Ceremonies Bachelors
We are proud to hand the diploma's to our graduates on this festive day.
The graduates will receive an invitation from Law Events Office to register. -
17 Nov00:00
ITEM Annual Conference 2023
Infrastructure and mobility: 'Strong connections with neighbouring countries towards a sustainable and liveable society across the border'
The next ITEM Annual Conference will take place in cooperation with Province of Zuid Holland on Friday 17 November 2023 in The Hague.
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18 Dec 20 Dec00:00
JURIX 2023
36th International Conference on Legal Knowledge and Information Systems
In focus
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Watch our latest video on Simeonovi v. Bulgaria, ECtHR Grand Chamber by Anna Pivaty. Fair trial=accurate and reliable outcomes?
March 29th 2017 -
Commentary on a criminal procedure case by Dorris de Vocht. ECtHR case Hokkeling v. The Netherlands
September 25th 2017 -
Case Law Network Analysis by Gijs van Dijck How can network analysis lead to a new way of studying court decisions?
August 8th 2017 -
Aalt Willem talks about his new book: The ballot box. About 100 years of universal suffrage and proportional representation
August 16th 2017 -
Commentary by Christina Peristeridou on a criminal procedure case. ECtHR judgment in Buzadji v. Moldova on pre-trial detention.
January 26th 2018 -
In this video, Jan Smits takes you on an intellectual journey and talks about his book: Advanced introduction to Private Law.
May 30th 2017
Faculty of Law Publications
Law Blogs Maastricht contributors

Antonia Waltermann
Assistant Professor at the department of Foundations and Methods of Law at Maastricht University.

Prashant Sabharwal
University tutor, currently contributes to the teaching of the Comparative Government course at the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.

Mark T. Kawakami
Joined MEPLI to research the human rights violations in the global supply chain and the role of the private sector/private law in the quagmire.

Jan Smits
Professor of European Private Law and academic director of the Maastricht European Private Law Institute.
Read full profile

Alexander Hoogenboom
Scientific Coordinator at the Institute for Transnational and Euregional cross-border cooperation and Mobility (ITEM), Researcher at the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.

Lisa Waddington
Professor in European Disability Law and International and European Law at Maastricht University.

Fons Coomans
Professor of Human Rights at the UNESCO Chair in human rights and peace at Maastricht University.

Aalt Willem Heringa
Professor of Comparative Constitutional Law at Maastricht University and director of the Maastricht Montesquieu Institute.

Marjon Weerepas
Associate Professor in Tax Law and Member of Maastricht Centre for Taxation. She is also connected with ITEM.

Raymond Luja
Professor of Comparative Tax Law at the Law Faculty of Maastricht University.

Thu Nguyen
PhD candidate at the Department of Public Law and a fellow of the Montesquieu Institute.

Sascha Hardt
Assistant Professor of Comparative Constitutional Law and a fellow of the Montesquieu Institute Maastricht.

Michael Faure
Professor of Comparative and International Environmental Law at the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.

Anne Pieter van der Mei
Associate Professor in EU Law. Director of the master’s Programmes European Law School, Globalisation and Law and International laws.

Sofie Wolf
Lecturer in Constitutional and Administrative Law at the Department of Public Law, Maastricht University.

Matteo Bonelli
PhD researcher at the International and European Law Department of the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.

Nadine Gorissen
Lecturer at the Tax Law Department at the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.

Arjan Thomassen
Assistent Professor of Tax Law at the Law Faculty of Maastricht University.

Jan Willems
Assistant Professor International and European Law at Maastricht University. Expertise within the field of children's rights.

Vigjilenca Abazi
Postdoctoral Researcher at Maastricht University and coordinator of the Centre for European Research in Maastricht.

Bram Akkermans
Associate Professor in European Private Law and Associate Director of the Maastricht European Private Law Institute.

Sarah Schoenmaekers
Assistant Professor at Maastricht University, post doc researcher at the Open University in Heerlen and a practising lawyer in Belgium.

Constantijn van Aartsen
PhD fellow at the Institute for Corporate Law, Governance and Innovation Policies (ICGI).

Marcel Schaper
Assistant Professor of Tax Law. Marcel teaches international and European Tax Law in Maastricht University.

Natasja Reslow
Joined the Department of European and International Law in 2014.

Samantha Renssen
Assistant Professor of Corporate and Insolvency Law at Maastricht University.

Andrea Ott
Associate Professor of European Union Law at the Law Faculty of Maastricht University.

Hans Nelen
Criminologist and since January 2007 he has been working as a Professor of Criminology at the UM.

Sandra Nascimento da Nobrega
Junior lecturer and researcher at the Department of Public Law at at the Law Faculty of Maastricht University.

Elise Muir
Associate Professor and Veni research fellow in European Law. She is associate director of the Maastricht Centre for European Law (MCEL).

Lotte Meurkens
Assistant Professor Private Law at the Law Faculty of Maastricht University.
Read full profile

Guayasén Marrero González
PhD candidate at the Private Law Department at UM and affiliated to the IUS COMMUNE Research School.

Hans van den Hurk
Started Sustainable Tax Solutions in conjunction with Quantera Global since January 2015.

Jasper Korving
Teaches International and European Tax Law and Cross-border taxation of human capital at Maastricht University.

Eveline van der Linden
Assistent Professor of Public Law at Maastricht University.

Sieb Kingma
Sieb Kingma is junior teacher at the Department of Tax Law at the Law Faculty of Maastricht University.

Dersim Yabasun
PhD researcher at the International and European Law Department and affiliated to the MACIMIDE research group.

Rankie ten Hoopen
Assistant Professor Healt Law at the Law Faculty of Maastricht University.

Remy Jorritsma
Lecturer in Public International Law at the department of International and European Law at UM.

Oswald Jansen
Professor of European Administrative Law and Public Administration at the Law Faculty of Maastricht University.

Nicola Gundt
Assistant Professor Labour Law at the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.

Marie-Therese Gold
Marie-Therese Gold is a PhD researcher supervised by Bruno de Witte and Monica Claes at the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.

Malva Driessen
Assistant Professor Social Law at the Departement of Public Law, Maastricht University.

Thera Dieleman
Assistant Professor Private Law at the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.

Sjoerd Claessens
Senior Lecturer in EU Law. He is a member of the board of the joint law curriculum of Maastricht University.

Jacques Claessen
Assistant Professor Criminal Law and Criminology at the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University.
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