GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
RAAK Design Studio BV

 

ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS

RAAK Design Studio: The limited liability company RAAK Design Studio BV, legally established in Belgium, offering product design, engineering, and development services.

Client: Any natural or legal person engaging RAAK Design Studio for the execution of work under an Agreement.

Products and Services: All services offered by RAAK Design Studio, including but not limited to product design, engineering, prototyping, consultancy, and related services as detailed in a Service Proposal.

Service Proposal: A document outlining the services RAAK Design Studio will provide to the Client and the agreed fees.

Agreement: Any written arrangement between RAAK Design Studio and the Client, including but not limited to service proposals, signed contracts, and confirmed assignments.

Intellectual Property (IP): Any intellectual or industrial property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs, whether registered or unregistered, developed in the course of providing the Services.

Confidential Information: Any information shared between the Parties that is not publicly available and relates to business operations, technical developments, projects, or strategy.

ARTICLE 2. SCOPE

  1. These Terms & Conditions apply to all offers, assignments, and agreements between RAAK Design Studio and the Client. Any deviations are only valid if agreed in writing.
  2. The Agreement outlines the scope of services, but RAAK Design Studio reserves the right to perform necessary tasks to achieve the agreed objectives.
  3. RAAK Design Studio operates independently and is free to work with other Clients, provided there is no conflict of interest.
  4. RAAK Design Studio may engage third parties for project execution when necessary. The Client will be informed of any significant subcontracting arrangements.

 

ARTICLE 3. OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE

  1. All proposals and quotations provided by RAAK Design Studio are non-binding unless explicitly stated otherwise.
  2. A proposal is valid for 30 days unless specified otherwise.
  3. The Agreement is formalised once the Client signs the Service Proposal or provides written confirmation.
  4. Any amendments to an Agreement must be confirmed in writing by both parties.

 

ARTICLE 4. PAYMENT TERMS

  1. Invoices are due within 10 calendar days from the invoice date unless otherwise agreed.
  2. RAAK Design Studio reserves the right to request an upfront deposit before commencing work.
  3. Additional costs such as materials, travel, and other expenses will be invoiced separately, subject to prior approval by the Client.
  4. Late payments will incur a 1% monthly interest charge, along with a 75 EUR administrative fee per overdue invoice. Any legal collection costs will be borne by the Client.
  5. All fees are exclusive of VAT, unless otherwise stated.
  6. RAAK Design Studio reserves the right to adjust its rates annually.

 

ARTICLE 5. CONFIDENTIALITY

  1. Both Parties agree to keep all exchanged information confidential and prevent unauthorised disclosure.
  2. RAAK Design Studio may only showcase completed work in its portfolio, website, or marketing materials with written permission from the Client.
  3. Confidentiality obligations remain in effect for five (5) years after the termination of the Agreement.

 

ARTICLE 6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

  1. The Client gains full ownership of intellectual property only after all invoices are paid in full. Until then, RAAK Design Studio retains full rights.
  2. Any non-selected concepts remain the property of RAAK Design Studio and cannot be used by the Client without prior written consent.
  3. If required, RAAK Design Studio can assist in registering intellectual property rights at an additional cost.

 

ARTICLE 7. LIABILITY & INDEMNIFICATION

  1. RAAK Design Studio provides services on a best-effort basis and cannot guarantee specific project outcomes.
  2. RAAK Design Studio is not liable for indirect damages, including loss of profits, data loss, or third-party claims.
  3. The total liability of RAAK Design Studio is limited to the total invoiced amount for the service in question.
  4. The Client indemnifies RAAK Design Studio against any claims from third parties related to the delivered services.

 

ARTICLE 8. FORCE MAJEURE

  1. RAAK Design Studio is not liable for delays or non-performance due to unforeseen circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, supplier failures, or government regulations.
  2. In such cases, obligations will be suspended, or both parties may agree to terminate the Agreement without penalty.

 

ARTICLE 9. NON-SOLICITATION

  1. The Client agrees not to hire or solicit employees of RAAK Design Studio for a period of 12 months after contract termination.
  2. In case of violation, a penalty of 30,000 EUR per hired employee applies.

 

ARTICLE 10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

  1. Both Parties commit to resolving disputes amicably. If no agreement is reached, disputes shall be settled in the competent courts of Leuven, Belgium.
  2. If applicable, mediation or arbitration may be considered before initiating legal proceedings.