International Business Transactions

• Semester: Spring 2023
• Course ID: 493D
• Credit Hours: 4
• Unique: 29310

Description

International business transactions (IBTs) have become increasingly important in today's global economy, raising a host of complex legal and policy issues: What law(s) should govern international business contracts? Should the US impose tariffs on imports from China? Should it continue to participate in international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), and trade agreements such as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)? What effects, if any, are likely to ensue as a result of the United Kingdom’s decision to “exit” the European Union (EU)?

This survey course is designed to provide you with a broad overview of the skills and understanding you will need to advise clients on these issues and more. We will focus on three primary types of IBTs:

• international trade transactions (import-export agreements)
• international technology transfer agreements (intellectual property license agreements); and
• foreign direct investment (establishment or acquisition of a foreign business operation).

There are no prerequisites.

At the end of the semester you should be able to understand the following concepts and apply them to specific fact situations:

• the main types of IBTS and their basic characteristics;
• sources of IBT law (e.g. domestic law; foreign law; customary international law; treaties such as the WTO, USMCA, CISG and the New York Arbitration Convention);
• regulatory issues raised by IBTs (e.g. customs law; trade remedies; export controls; foreign investment restrictions; corporate social responsibility rules)
• contractual issues raised by IBTs (e.g. choice of law; dispute settlement; payment & transportation)