Belgium channels most business-to-business disputes to a specialised court built for enterprises.
Which court has jurisdiction
For cross-border claims, Brussels Ia generally points to the courts of the defendant company’s seat, with special rules for contracts and torts and effect given to jurisdiction clauses.
The Enterprise Court
Disputes between enterprises are heard by the Enterprise Court (tribunal de l’entreprise / ondernemingsrechtbank), which concentrates commercial expertise in one forum.
How a claim starts
Proceedings usually begin with a writ of summons (citation) served by a bailiff, although parties can also appear voluntarily. A lawyer is customary, and the language follows the region.
Costs
The losing party typically pays a fixed procedural indemnity (indemnité de procédure) toward the winner’s lawyer costs, set by tariff rather than actual spend.
For foreign claimants
A verified Belgian colleague can confirm jurisdiction and the competent region, and bring the claim before the Enterprise Court.
Tariffs and procedure change — confirm with admitted Belgian counsel.