1602 Charter

The 1602 Charter was a formal document granted by the Dutch government, allowing the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to establish trade routes, conduct commerce, and colonize parts of Asia, particularly Indonesia. It marked one of the earliest international corporate charters, giving the company legal authority and limited monopoly rights to operate in certain regions. This distinguished it as a pioneering example of modern corporate enterprise, enabling Dutch efforts in global trade and expansion during the 17th century. The charter provided legal backing, financial privileges, and outlined the company's rights and responsibilities in pursuit of profitable trade endeavors.