Know your rights
Everyone has the right to own, use, dispose of and bequeath his or her lawfully acquired possessions. No one may be deprived of his or her possessions, except in the public interest and in the cases and under the conditions provided for by law, subject to fair compensation being paid in good time for their loss. The use of property may be regulated by law in so far as is necessary for the general interest.
Intellectual property shall also be protected.
This right is enshrined in article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
What to do if your rights have been breached
The authorities of EU countries are bound to comply with the Charter of fundamental rights only when implementing EU law. Fundamental rights are protected by your country's constitution.
Addressing your complaint to the relevant national authority, government, national courts or a specialised human rights body.
Related rights
Chapter 2 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is on freedoms. This chapter also contains the following rights
- right to liberty and security
- respect for private and family life
- protection of personal data
- right to marry and right to found a family
- freedom of thought, conscience and religion
- freedom of expression and information
- freedom of assembly and of association
- freedom of the arts and sciences
- right to education
- freedom to choose an occupation and right to engage in work
- freedom to conduct a business
- right to property
- right to asylum
- protection in the event of removal, expulsion or extradition