Unit 1019: Global Business Law

1. Introduction to Global Business Law

1.1 Definition and Scope

• Overview of global business law
• Importance in international commerce

1.2 Differences Between Domestic and International Law

• Jurisdictional distinctions
• Enforcement challenges

1.3 Sources of International Law

• Treaties and conventions
• Customary international law
• General principles of law
• Judicial decisions and scholarly writings

1.4 Importance of Understanding Global Business Regulations

• Risk management
• Compliance requirements
• Impact on business strategy

2. International Trade Law

2.1 Legal Principles Governing Cross-border Trade

• Principles of non-discrimination and most-favored-nation treatment

2.2 Key Treaties and Agreements

• World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements
• Regional trade agreements

2.3 Trade Barriers

• Tariffs and quotas
• Non-tariff barriers

2.4 Customs Regulations

• Import/export controls
• Classification and valuation

2.5 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Trade

• WTO dispute settlement process
• Role of international courts and tribunals

3. International Contracts

3.1 Formation of International Contracts

• Offer, acceptance, and consideration
• International conventions (e.g., CISG)

3.2 Terms and Conditions

• Payment terms
• Delivery and risk of loss
• Force majeure

3.3 Choice of Law and Jurisdiction

• Selection of governing law
• Jurisdiction clauses
• Forum selection

3.4 Enforcement Mechanisms

• Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments
• International arbitration

4. Intellectual Property Law in the Global Context

4.1 Types of Intellectual Property (IP) Rights

• Patents
• Trademarks
• Copyrights
• Trade secrets

4.2 International IP Protection Frameworks

• Paris Convention
• Berne Convention
• TRIPS Agreement

4.3 Challenges in Protecting IP Globally

• Jurisdictional enforcement issues
• Counterfeiting and piracy

4.4 Strategies for Safeguarding IP Assets

• Registration and monitoring
• Licensing agreements
• Litigation and dispute resolution

5. Foreign Investment Law

5.1 Legal Frameworks Regulating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

• National investment laws
• Bilateral investment treaties (BITs)

5.2 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

• Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS)
• Arbitration under ICSID

5.3 Expropriation Laws

• Definitions and protections
• Compensation standards

5.4 National Security and Investment Controls

• Screening mechanisms
• Impact on foreign investors

6. Anti-corruption and Compliance in Global Business

6.1 Overview of Anti-corruption Laws

• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
• UK Bribery Act

6.2 Compliance Programs

• Due diligence processes
• Training and monitoring

6.3 Ethical Business Practices

• Corporate social responsibility
• Reporting and whistleblowing mechanisms

6.4 Mitigating Legal Risks

• Risk assessment
• Internal controls

7. International Business Dispute Resolution

7.1 Litigation in Domestic Courts

• Jurisdictional challenges
• Enforcement of judgments

7.2 International Arbitration

• Arbitration agreements
• Arbitration institutions (e.g., ICC, LCIA)

7.3 Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

• Mediation processes
• Benefits and limitations

7.4 Enforcement of Arbitral Awards

• New York Convention
• Recognition procedures