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The Dutch government has announced a significant expansion of its foreign direct investment screening regime, adding six new technology categories to the list of "sensitive technologies" subject to mandatory notification requirements. These additions reflect growing concerns about technological competition and national security risks associated with emerging technologies that could be weaponized or create strategic dependencies.

Compared to more 'traditional' forms of prior art patent search, the need for landscape, collection and state of the art search (or SOTA) can be commonly overlooked or misunderstood.

The EU's FASTER Directive introduces a standardised digital framework to streamline withholding tax relief on cross-border portfolio income, replacing fragmented national procedures with automated processes. While focused on publicly traded shares and bonds, the directive holds particular relevance for European real estate investors who increasingly access property through listed vehicles and REITs. Expected to apply from 2030, FASTER promises faster refunds, reduced administrative friction, and enhanced tr