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Sub practice
Sub practice

Trade Law and Disputes

Allen & Overy’s Trade Law and Disputes team helps clients in advisory and contentious matters relating to international trade, a complex area in which the movement of goods and services between jurisdictions is increasingly affected by government actions. 

We advise on international trade law, trade-related disputes, trade defences, customs rules and tariff applications, supply chains, the interpretation of customs codes and export and import controls.

A&O’s expert lawyers have worked on trade and sanctions-related issues for OFAC, the European Commission and the UK’s Department of International Trade, amongst other government agencies. We have an in-depth understanding of how trade organisations and regulators work.

Our experience includes:

  • Assessing potential risks associated with particular contracts, relationships or proposed business ventures, including in relation to sanctions, export controls, anti-corruption, and foreign direct investment.
  • Advising on the impact of free trade agreements and World Trade Organisation (WTO) law on the cross-border movement of goods and services.
  • Advising on trade defence issues covering all aspects of anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguarding measures and related disputes.

Unusually for a law firm, we have experience of contentious proceedings before the WTO. We represented the Republic of Cuba in its challenge to Australia’s Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011 - the first time that Cuba has challenged another country’s commercial legislation at the WTO. Of the matters currently pending before the WTO, this case attracted the largest number of claimants.

News and insights

Central London at night

Publications: 03 March 2023

An expansion of the corporate criminal liability net: the new “failure to prevent” criminal offence

Following an intense and lengthy period of speculation, on 8 February 2023 the UK Government confirmed the introduction of a new “failure to prevent” corporate criminal offence. The new offence will…

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Waves crashing against rocks on the shore

Publications: 29 November 2022

Human Rights Committee rules in favour of Torres Strait Islanders in case on impacts of climate change

The U.N. Human Rights Committee ruled in a watershed case that Australia has failed adequately to protect indigenous Torres Strait Islanders from the adverse effects of climate change.

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Big Ben

Publications: 07 October 2022

The UK’s Foreign Influence Registration Scheme: further enhancing the UK’s national security toolbox

On 8 September 2022, the UK Government introduced the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) by way of amendment to the National Security Bill (the Bill).  

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Stairway

Publications: 03 February 2022

Webinar: International sanctions update, February 2022

Tuesday 15 February 2022, 1pm-2pm GMT/8am-9am EST/9pm-10pm HKT.

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Awards and achievements

  • Tier One, Public International Law, Legal 500 UK 2022

  • Band 1, Dispute Resolution, Global Multi-Jurisdictional, Chambers Global 2022

  • International Arbitration Firm of the Year, Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2020

  • Leading firm (top tier) ranking in the “Leaders League” table for International Arbitration (Spain) 2022

 

Recognition

Related content

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International Arbitration Review

Recent developments and emerging trends in international arbitration law and policy