Abstract

A English version of the Dutch article: Koops, E.J., Leenes, R.E., Marbus, R.C.P., Stuurman, C., & Verschuuren, J.M. (2005). Een heel klein artikel met grote gevolgen. Eerste verkenning van nanotechnologie & recht. Nederlands Juristenblad, 80(30), 1554-1559. The small will rule the world. The multi billion industry of ultra small - nanoparticles less than one millionth of the size of a common flea - promises radical changes and improvements in many areas of society. Should this concern lawyers? According to us: yes, it should. The properties and applications of nanotechnologies call for a reflection and (new) regulatory measures. If we do not want nanoparticles to spin off with our world, then now is the time to start developing policies on nanotechnologies.