Copyright Statement & Legal Notice

Effective date: June 3rd 2025

The name “Circle of Business”, the accompanying visual model, and the underlying methodology are original works created by Bart van den Belt and are protected under full copyright law. To avoid any misunderstanding, the applicable terms and conditions are set out below.

Article 1 – Ownership and protection

1.1 The name Circle of Business, the visual model, and the methodology were developed by Bart van den Belt and are the intellectual property of Bart van den Belt Holding B.V.
1.2 These elements are protected under copyright law and, where applicable, design rights.
1.3 The visual representation of the model has a distinct character. Earlier black-and-white design registrations (2020, under the name MKB Canvas) form the legal foundation. New registrations in color and/or without text are being considered to strengthen protection.
1.4 Protection applies to the content, structure, terminology, educational principles, and graphical layout of the model.

Article 2 – Use by affiliated organizations

2.1 The Circle of Business model has been licensed by Bart van den Belt Holding B.V. to BusinessCoach International B.V., including all affiliated and subsidiary companies.
2.2 These entities are authorized to use the model in their services, trainings, software, and communications, in accordance with these terms and within the scope of their license agreement.

Article 3 – Permitted use by third parties

3.1 Third parties may use the model for personal development and to improve their own business.
3.2 It is permitted to create content about the model—such as blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media posts—provided that the sole purpose is to inform or inspire others, and not to commercially exploit the model.
3.3 In such cases, proper credit must always be included: Circle of Business, developed by Bart van den Belt.

Article 4 – Prohibited use without prior permission

Without explicit written permission from Bart van den Belt Holding B.V. or a formal license agreement, it is strictly prohibited to:

4.1 Use the name Circle of Business in any commercial context, including but not limited to business coaching, consulting services, training programs, or other business-related offerings.
4.2 Copy, distribute, or integrate the visual model or the underlying methodology—wholly or in part—into commercial products, programs, or services.
4.3 Use the structure, terminology, or content of the Circle of Business methodology to create derivative methods, frameworks, trainings, or software within a professional context.
4.4 Register or use trademarks, trade names, program titles, domain names, or social media accounts that could cause confusion with Circle of Business or any of its variations.

Article 5 – Enforcement of rights

5.1 Any unauthorized use of the model or the name will be regarded as an infringement of copyright and/or design rights.
5.2 In the event of such infringement, Bart van den Belt Holding B.V. reserves the right to take legal action without prior notice, including civil proceedings, claims for damages, and demands for immediate cessation of use.
5.3 Public correction (rectification) may be required, and legal enforcement may include cease-and-desist letters or court orders.
5.4 All rights resulting from the use of the Circle of Business name, model, or visual assets remain exclusively with Bart van den Belt Holding B.V.

Article 6 – Reservation and amendment of usage rights

6.1 Bart van den Belt Holding B.V. reserves the right to change, revoke, or update permission for use of the model or brand at any time, without justification.
6.2 In the event of misuse, confusion, or damage to the brand’s positioning, legal action will be taken immediately.
6.3 These terms and conditions may be updated or supplemented periodically.

Article 7 – Licensing and contact

For questions regarding licensing, collaboration, or use of the Circle of Business model in a commercial or educational context, please contact:
legal@circleofbusiness.com.