The class will analyze private law problems of cross-border transactions, starting with a brief introduction to the differences of legal systems and advantages and challenges of forum shopping. Harmonization of private law is the next topic, dealing more specifically inter alia with the examples of the UN Sales Convention, the Unidroit Principles of International Commercial Contracts and the Incoterms. Past and current efforts of harmonizing contract law within the EU will also be presented. Selected aspects of contract law will be discussed from the perspective of various national systems as well as the Sales Convention, the Principles of European Contract Law, and the Unidroit Principles of International Commercial Contracts. The second half of the class will be devoted to conflicts of laws that may arise in business settings, and how the Rome I and II Regulations resolve these.

On successfully completing the course, students will understand the basics of cross-border contracting and examines in particular problems of conflict of laws (Internationales Privatrecht). The Convention on the International Sale of Goods (UN-Kaufrecht) will be compared to other international instruments.

Lecture following Powerpoint slides with active participation of the students.

There will be two written multiple-choice quizzes at the end of each weekend (Saturday early afternoon, worth 15% each towards the final grade) and one written final exam, the latter counting 70% towards the final grade. Details will be explained in class. Active participation. Attendance is compulsory.

Please contact me by e-mail at b.a.koch@uibk.ac.at!

Materials for both weekends will be available for download.