Law in International Business 2600-IBP-LinIB

The course addresses key legal rules and regulations material in the field of international trade. The overall goal of the course is to raise students’ awareness of the fact that the legal surrounding shapes the way of running business internationally. No previous legal studies are necessary to participate in the course, as the subject matter will be adjusted to students of non-legal studies to the extent possible. Course participants will be accustomed with two basic legal systems of the Global North, i.e., common law and continental law. Their basic rules and key differences will be presented. Thus, participants will be introduced to the foundation of the legal terminology pertaining to international business activity. These concepts will be broadened in the area of contracts and corporations – using comparative methodology, by introducing key legal institutes of these areas of law in both systems, such as definition of contract, validity requirements, contract formation rules, termination, rescission, avoidance, breach and liability rules. Key corporate vehicle types, their rules of operation and differences will be presented as operating in systems based on selected legal systems. Additionally, the basic framework for international business which follows from the activity of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as well as such international treaties as TRIPS, CSIG or treaties for the avoidance of double taxation. Students will learn about basic rules of protection of intellectual property and issues related to corporate social responsibility. Apart from presentation, the course will employ such methods as individual and team work on selected international and national case law, writing assignments, role play and simulation of court, arbitration and mediation proceedings.