This course builds upon the course "Introduction to Intellectual Property Law" and is designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of copyright law in an international context. It teaches the students how copyright is created and analyses the different types of work (music, film, book etc.) as well as the moral and economic exploitation rights connected to them. Discussions are lead by current case examples. Throughout the course a global perspective is maintained in so far as the International, European and German rules are looked at in comparison. Participants will gain theoretical as well as practical knowledge regarding contentious issues in the creation and enforcement of copyright law in the international arena. Again, means of enforcement through traditional civil litigation and through ADR are discussed. As a highlight, the course features an intensive workshop on contract negotiation (= dispute prevention). In this workshop, negotiation theory is presented alongside with the training of practical skills. The workshop is held in co-operation with Yvonne Draheim, a lawyer from Lovells, who gives an initial lecture on copyright agreements. The case scenario requires the active participation of the students.

To top

This course analyses specific areas of European law which are decisive for the development of the internal market. Beginning with a repetition of the fundamental freedoms and the impact of the jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice, there will be a focus on state aid, public procurement, merger control and customs law, looking at the role of law in creating a single European market. What safeguards does EU law provide for to control member state interests in law enforcement? What is the role of the European Court of Justice? How can private entities enforce the application of EU law in the member states and by member state authorities? Students will take different perspectives in case studies, acting for companies, national authorities or the European Commission.

To top

The great majority of international business transactions are performed by the parties pursuant to agreement. However, when difficulties arise, parties often still seek redress through national courts. The International Litigation I course addresses the sources of international litigation law, jurisdiction to prescribe, personal and subject-matter jurisdiction concepts, and international service of process and production of evidence.

To top

This course on International Sales Contracts deals with the law applicable to such contracts which form the backbone of the globalized economy. It focuses on the CISG, the United Nations Convention of International Sales, which is applicable in more than 70 countries representing approximately 70 % of the world trade in goods. The course will first explain the economic needs for a harmonization of the law applicable to sales transactions and give an historical overview of the different initiatives leading finally to the adoption of the CISG in 1980. Subsequently the major topics in international sales transactions will be discussed on the basis of the CISG. These include the CISG’s sphere and scope of application, the conclusion of contracts, the use of standard terms, the rights and obligations of seller and buyer and the remedies for breach of such obligations. The final case study will deal with specific problems arising from the application of the CISG to e-commerce transactions. The lecture is intended to give the students a good overview on the problems encountered in cross border sale transactions, the solutions provided for by the CISG and on what parties should take into account and regulate when drafting such contracts.

To top

For a variety of reasons, U.S. law not only regulates domestic American affairs, it also has a significant impact on law and business far beyond the borders of the United States. The Introduction to U.S. Law course is designed to introduce non-U.S. students to United States law, legal concepts, and culture.  Topics covered include finding and working with U.S. attorneys, the organization of the legal profession, the structure of the judicial system, the selection of judges, and U.S. trial procedure.

To top