eigendoms

Eigendom, in legal contexts, denotes the exclusive, lasting right of a person or entity to possess, use, dispose of, and derive benefits from a thing. In Dutch law, the term eigendom corresponds to this full ownership right. It is a core property right that enables the owner to exclude others from the use of the object, within the limits established by law. Ownership may apply to tangible goods such as land and movables, as well as, in some systems, to certain intangible assets.

Many legal traditions distinguish between real property (land and buildings) and movable property. In civil-law jurisdictions, eigendom is a broad, unitary prerogative, whereas specific instruments like usufruct or servitudes may complement ownership. In common-law systems, ownership is reflected through title and the bundle of rights that can be transferred or encumbered.

Acquisition and transfer typically occur through contract, inheritance, gift, or by operation of law (for example, through succession or registration). For real property, transfer usually requires formal deeds, notarization, and registration in a public land registry, which also records liens, easements, and other encumbrances.

Prerogatives of ownership include using or enjoying the property, excluding others, selling, leasing, bequeathing, or mortgaging it. These rights can be limited by laws, zoning rules, environmental protections, public domain, easements for others, or temporary expropriation by the state.

Remedies for infringement include civil actions to recover the property, restore possession, or obtain damages. Ownership rights are protected by constitutional guarantees in many jurisdictions and are balanced against the rights of others and the public interest.