bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Abstraction Principle: A Pillar of the Future Estonian Intellectual Property Law?
Authors: Kelli Aleksei , Hoffmann Thomas
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Intellectual property law is being reformed in various countries worldwide, among which in the European Union at present Estonia endeavours one of the most comprehensive reform projects. While legislative challenges deriving from the 'digitalization' of social interaction, globalization, and general technical progress are widely discussed in public, some of the most essential purely legal questions to be answered while drafting Estonia's new Intellectual Property Law codification would usually stay within the small circle of the working group. The question in how far the abstraction principle - one of the core principles of both Estonian and German laws - shall be applied within the new codification is one of these issues that are of interest not only to Estonian working group members and Estonian/German legal research but also to scholars of European Private Law in general, as the central task - determining the demand for protection of author's economic rights - at present is not comprehensively regulated in any European Intellectual Property Law system. After having elucidated the current German and Estonian approaches in both written law and legal practice, this paper provides a proposal for the Estonian codification procedure that may serve as model for running Intellectual Property Law reforms in other European countries as well.

Résumé: Le droit de la propriété intellectuelle est en cours de réforme dans différents pays autour du monde, parmi lesquels dans l'Union européenne à l'heure actuelle l'Estonie s'efforce l'un des projets de réforme les plus complets. Même si les questions législatives résultant de l'usage de l'internet, la mondialisation et le progrès technique général sont largement discutés en public, quelques-unes des questions les plus essentielles purement juridiques à répondre lors de la rédaction législative estonienne habituellement restant dans le petit cercle du groupe de travail au ministère. La question dans quelle mesure le principe d'abstraction - l'un des principes fondamentaux du droit estonien et allemand - doit être appliqué dans le cadre de la nouvelle codification est l'une de ces questions qui présentent un intérêt non seulement pour les membres du groupe de travail estonien et le monde scolaire estonien-allemand, mais aussi aux chercheurs de droit privé européen en général, comme la question centrale - la détermination de la demande de protection des droits économiques de l'auteur - à l'heure actuelle n'est pas réglementée de manière détaillée à ne aucun système européen de droit de la propriété intellectuelle. Après avoir élucidé l'approche actuelle allemande et estonienne par la loi et la pratique juridique, cet article-ci fournit une proposition à la procédure législative estonienne, qui peut servir comme modèle pour l'exécution de réformes du droit de la propriété intellectuelle dans autres pays européens ainsi.
The Purpose and Coherence of the Rules on Good Faith Acquisition and Acquisitive Prescription in the Draft Common Frame of Reference: A Tale of Two Gatekeepers
Authors: Salomons Arthur
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The drafters of Book VIII of the Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR) have consistently tried to formulate rules on the related topics of acquisitive prescription and good faith acquisition to further the underlying policy goals: where ordinary transfer has failed, good faith acquisition should instantly validate transfers a non domino if this is commercially desirable, supplemented by acquisitive prescription stepping in when legal certainty calls for validation at a later date. This article examines the coherence of the DCFR rules on these topics and argues that several requirements for successfully invoking the rules on good faith acquisition and acquisitive prescription are not in accordance with their respective policy goals. The resulting incoherence implies that they will not be able to perform their role as 'gatekeepers of ownership' optimally.

Résumé: Les rédacteurs du Livre VIII DCFR (ou PCCR : Projet de Cadre Commun de Référence) ont constamment tenté de formuler des règles sur les sujets connexes de la prescription acquisitive et de l'acquisition de bonne foi pour poursuivre les objectifs politiques sous-jacents: lorsqu'un transfert ordinaire n'a pu avoir lieu, l'acquisition de bonne foi devrait valider instantanément les transferts a non domino si cela est commercialement souhaitable, complétée par la prescription acquisitive qui s'applique lorsque la sécurité juridique plaide pour la validation à une date ultérieure. Cet article examine la cohérence des règles du DCFR sur ces sujets et indique que plusieurs exigences concernant l'invocation avec succès des règles de l'acquisition de bonne foi et de la prescription acquisitive ne sont pas en accord avec leurs objectifs politiques respectifs. L'incohérence qui en résulte implique qu'elles ne seront pas capables de tenir leur rôle de 'gardien de la propriété' de manière optimale.
The Impact of the Comparative Method on Lithuanian Private Law
Authors: Kadner Graziano Thomas , Selelionyte-Drukteiniene Simona , Jurkevicius Vaidas
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Lithuania, one of the three Baltic states, is among the countries in Europe that are currently facing the challenge of implementing a newly codified private law. Lithuania was the first former Soviet Republic to gain its independence in 1990. Ten years later, the Republic of Lithuania adopted a new civil code. It entered into force in July 2001 and is currently one of the most recent examples of an entirely new private law codification in Europe. This article retraces the role of the comparative legal method in the procedure of drafting the new codification. It further discusses the role of the comparative method when it comes to applying the new Code, focusing on the case law of the Supreme Court of Lithuania. The development in Lithuania shows, on the one hand, the benefits that can be gained when lawmakers use the comparative method in the process of preparing new codifications. On the other hand, the situation in Lithuania illustrates the challenges courts and judges face when it comes to using this method in applying the newly introduced codes and statutes.

Résumé: La Lituanie, un des trois pays baltes, est parmi les pays d'Europe centrale et d'Europe de l'Est faisant actuellement face à la tâche de mettre en oeuvre de nouvelles codifications de droit privé. En 1990, la Lituanie était la première des anciennes républiques soviétiques à regagner son indépendance. Dix ans plus tard, la République de Lituanie a adopté un nouveau code civil. Il est entré en vigueur le 1er juillet 2001 et compte aujourd'hui parmi les plus récents exemples d'une toute nouvelle codification de droit privé en Europe. La contribution suivante retrace le rôle de la méthode comparative lors de la préparation du Code civil lituanien. Ensuite, elle analyse le rôle du droit comparé dans la mise en pratique de ce nouveau Code, en mettant l'accent sur la jurisprudence de la Cour Suprême de Lituanie. La situation en Lituanie illustre, d'une part, les bénéfices qui peuvent être tirés de l'emploi de la méthode comparative par le législateur; elle montre, d'autre part, les défis que présente l'emploi de cette méthode pour les tribunaux quand il s'agit de mettre en oeuvre le nouveau Code civil.
UK Supreme Court Decision on Lehman Brothers Client Money: Equity or Lottery?
Authors: Gruyaert Dorothy , Van Loock Sander
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The insolvency of Lehman Brothers International (Europe) ('LBIE') gave rise to the decision of the UK Supreme Court handed down on 29 February 2012, in what has come to be known as the 'client money application'. The key issue on which the Supreme Court had to decide was the determination of the money that should be pooled for distribution to Lehman Brothers' clients. A tight three to two majority interpreted the applicable client money rules as enabling clients whose money was not segregated to share in the client money pool ('CMP') together with clients whose money was segregated. The Supreme Court thus adopted a solution that grants protection to all clients, without distinguishing between clients with mere contractual claims and clients with property rights. This decision raises important questions about the general functioning of client accounts and about the distinction between contract law and property law. In this article, these questions are discussed from a comparative civil law viewpoint.

Resumé: La procédure d'insolvabilité de Lehman Brothers International (Europe) a été l'occasion pour la Cour Suprême du Royaune Uni de se prononcer dans une décision rendue le 29 février 2012, sur ce qu'on a appelé la 'client money application'. La question clé soumise à la Cour consistait à déterminer quels fonds devaient être regroupés dans un 'pool' pour les distribuer aux clients de Lehman Brothers. Une majorité serrée de trois contre deux a interprété les règles applicables aux fonds appartenant aux clients ('client money rules') dans ce sens qu'elles permettent aux clients dont les fonds n'avaient pas été ségrégués, de partager les fonds de clients regroupés dans un 'pool' avec les clients dont les fonds avaient été ségrégués. La Cour Suprême a donc adopté une solution qui garantit la protection de l'ensemble des clients, sans faire de distinction entre les clients ayant un droit purement contractual et les clients titulaires de droits de propriété. Cette décision soulève des questions importantes relatives au fonctionnement général des comptes de clients et à la distinction entre le droit des contrats et le droit de la propriété. Le présent article traite ces questions du point de vue du droit civil comparé.
Interpretation of the General Clauses Public Policy and Good Morals in European Contract Law
Authors: Patti Salvatore
Published: April 2022

Abstract: In many national legal systems and in some supranational European sets of rules, the legal concepts of 'public policy' and 'good morals' can be found. These concepts constitute open norms, 'general clauses', which need to be interpreted in order to be applied to specific cases. This paper starts from the assumption that public policy and good morals are vehicles for social justice, especially in contract law. It is submitted that the traditional doctrines on the interpretation of the law do not fit the interpretation of such open norms, which is more a 'concretization' and 'application' than an interpretation. This paper takes a position in favour of the competence of the Court of Justice of the EU to interpret, that is, concretize such general clauses contained in Regulations or Directives. Finally, the paper highlights the public law influence on the interpretation of 'public policy' and 'good morals', especially for what the references made to fundamental rights are concerned.

Résumé: On peut trouver les concepts juridiques d' "ordre public'' et de ''bonne mœurs'' dans de nombreuses systèmes juridiques et dans quelques ensembles de règles européennes supranationales. Ces concepts constituent des normes ouvertes, "clauses générales'', qui doivent être interprétées afin d'être appliquées à des cas spécifiques. Cet article part du principe que l'ordre public et les bonnes mœurs sont des vecteurs de justice sociale, spécialement en matière de droit des contrats. Il est indiqué que les doctrines traditionnelles d'interprétation de la loi ne s'adaptent pas à l'interprétation de telles normes ouvertes, qui sont plutôt une ''concrétisation'' et une ''application'' qu'une interprétation. Cet article prend position en faveur de la compétence de la Cour de justice de l'UE pour interpréter c. à d. concrétiser de telles clauses générales contenues dans les Règlements ou Directives. Enfin, l'article souligne l'influence du droit public sur l'interprétation de l' ''ordre public'' et des ''bonnes mœurs'', spécialement en ce qui concerne les références aux droits fondamentaux.
Cross-Fertilization between Swiss and Turkish Tort Laws
Authors: Riske Olivier , Müller Christoph
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article analyses how the Swiss 'Draft Project on the Revision and Unification of Civil Liability' (Widmer/Wessner Project) has influenced the new Turkish tort law of 2012. This influence is all the more noteworthy as the Swiss legislator decided in 2009 not to pursue the Widmer/Wessner Project. This paper focuses on the following three instances: (i) the vicarious liability for organizational defects in enterprises [Art. 66 of the Turkish Code of Obligations (TCO)], (ii) the extension of the personal scope of application of the liability for constructions (Art. 69 TCO), and (iii) the general clause of strict liability for abnormally dangerous activities (Art. 71 TCO). By adopting these innovative solutions, which are still being debated among Swiss scholars, the Turkish legal system has overtaken the Swiss model, at least to the extent of these new implementations. In a not so distant future, it might thus very well be that Turkish tort law will have some influence on the Swiss tort law system instead of the opposite.

Resumé: Le présent article examine comment l'avant-projet suisse d'une loi fédérale «Révision et unification du droit de la responsabilité civile» (projet Widmer/Wessner) a influencé le nouveau droit turc de la responsabilité civile de 2012. Cette influence est d'autant plus surprenante que le législateur suisse a décidé en 2009 de ne pas donner suite au projet Widmer/Wessner. La présente contribution se concentre sur les trois exemples suivants: (i) la responsabilité pour le défaut d'organisation dans les entreprises [art. 66 du Code des obligations turc (TCO)]; (ii) l'extension du champ d'application personnelle de la responsabilité du propriétaire d'ouvrage (art. 69 TCO) et (iii) la clause générale de responsabilité objective pour des activités particulièrement dangereuses (art. 71 TCO). En adoptant ces trois solutions innovantes qui sont toujours débattues dans la doctrine suisse, le système juridique turc a dépassé le modèle suisse, en tout cas en ce qui concerne ces trois nouveautés. Dans un avenir plus ou moins proche, il se pourrait donc très bien que le droit turc de la responsabilité civile influence à son tour le droit suisse.
Das deutsche Modellgesetz für Geistiges Eigentum (GGE) - Wissenschaftlicher und gesetzgeberischer Bedarf auch für die Europäische Union?
Authors: Ahrens Hans-Jürgen
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The German Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property Law (GRUR) supported the private scientific project by which a draft Code of Intellectual Property was developed as a model law. Supporting experts from the German Federal Supreme Court, the Federal Patent Court, the German Bar and the German Patent and Trademark Office made inspiring suggestions to the scientists. The core of the code is the forming of a common general part for IP rights. The existing separated German statutes on IP are reproduced in a version adapted to the general part. Additional model rules are made for the employees' creations.

The model law can serve as a framework and provide food of thought for the future design of IP legislation of the European Union, e.g., in the field of contractual exploitation of IP rights. The German full edition was published in 2012, an abbreviated English edition in 2013, each by Sellier European law publishers.

Resumé: L'association allemande pour la protection du droit de la propriété intellectuelle (GRUR) a soutenu le programme scientifique privé visant à mettre en oeuvre un projet de Code de la propriété intellectuelle qui servirait de loi type. Des spécialistes de la Cour suprême fédérale allemande, de la Cour fédérale pour les brevets, du Barreau allemand et de l'Office allemand des brevets et des marques ont émis des suggestions intéressantes pour les scientifiques. L'essentiel du Code consiste en l'élaboration d'une partie générale commune aux droits de la propriété intellectuelle. Les lois séparées allemandes existant en matière de propriété intellectuelle sont reproduites dans une version adaptée à la partie générale. Des règles types supplémentaires ont été ajoutées pour les créations des employés.

La loi type peut servir de cadre et fournir matière à réflexion pour l'élaboration future de la législation sur la propriété intellectuelle de l'Union européenne, par exemple dans le domaine de l'exploitation contractuelle des droits de la propriété intellectuelle. L'édition complète allemande a été publiée en 2012 et une edition anglaise abrégée en 2013, toutes deux chez Sellier European law publishers.
Price Reduction in the System of Contractual Remedies
Authors: Sein Karin , Kalamees Piia
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article focuses on two aspects regarding the contractual remedy of price reduction. First, it analyses whether price reduction as a remedy can be used in case of breach of any type of contract or should be limited to the more traditional areas of application, such as a breach of sales contract, contract for work, or lease contract. At the moment, both approaches are represented in legal traditions of various countries and these differences are also present in international instruments. The authors suggest that allowing price to be reduced in case of breach of any type of contract has some significant advantages. Second, the article examines which remedies can be used cumulatively with price reduction and which remedies preclude it. This issue is discussed in the light of breach of both types of contracts - contracts for non-successive performance and contracts for successive performance. The authors are of the opinion that distinct differences exist in respect of rules governing cumulation of price reduction and other remedies contingent on the nature of the contract (non-successive/successive). The analysis of the aforementioned questions is based primarily on the regulation of the Draft Common Frame of Reference (DCFR), Common European Sales Law (CESL), German Civil Code (BGB), and the Estonian Law of Obligations Act.
Behavioural Case for Contractual Penalties under the Common Law
Authors: Dimatteo Larry A.
Published: April 2022

Abstract: One of the more important divergences between the common and civil laws relates to the enforceability of penalties in contracts. Put simply, the common law rejects penalties as being repugnant to the compensatory nature of contract damages. The civil law enforces penalty clauses as a manifestation of freedom of contract, unless the stipulated damages are determined to be manifestly excessive. This article compares these two approaches and finds the civil law rule to be the superior one. It uses insights from law and economics and, more importantly, from behavioural law and economics (BLAE) to show that penalties can be used to encourage parties to make more rational decisions. In summary, BLAE shows that penalties serve numerous functions other than punishing a party for non-performance. Penalties serve to signal the reliability of a party to provide additional resources to improve the chance of timely performance and to allocate the risk of loss to the most efficient insurer. It concludes that the common law's law of liquidated damages (penalties) should be rejected and the enforceability of penalties should only be limited by the doctrine of unconscionability.
Prescription in the Proposal for a Common European Sales Law: Is Harmonization (of European Legal Traditions) Achieved?
Authors: Arniches Paloma De Barrón
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The Draft Regulation on a Common European Sales Law (CESL) deals with prescription in Articles 178–186. This article discusses the level of legal harmonization achieved within the European Union (EU) concerning extinctive prescription. Reference is made to a number of significant inaccuracies that might substantially affect the effectiveness and implementation of the Optional Instrument, which would benefit from an amendment before becoming EU law.

Résumé: La proposition de Règlement relative à un droit commun européen de la vente (DCEV) traite des dispositions des articles 178 à 186. Cet article examine le niveau d’harmonisation juridique atteint dans l’Union européenne concernant la prescription extinctive. Il est fait référence à un grand nombre d’inexactitudes significatives qui pourraient affecter considérablement l’efficacité et la mise en oeuvre de l’Instrument optionnel, lequel pourrait faire l’objet d’une modification avant de devenir une règle de droit européen.

Zusammenfassung: Der Entwurf einer Verordnung über ein Gemeinsames Europäisches Kaufrecht (GEK bzw. CESL) befasst sich in den Artikeln 178-186 mit der Verjährung. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht den Grad an gesetzlicher Harmonisierung innerhalb der Europäischen Union im Bereich der Verjährung. Es wird auf eine Reihe von erheblichen Ungenauigkeiten eingegangen, die wesentlichen Einfluss auf die Effektivität und Umsetzung eines optionalen Instruments haben können. Das optionale Instrument würde von einer entsprechenden Anpassung der Regelungen, bevor diese EU-Recht werden, profitierten.
A Multilateral and Case-Oriented Approach to the Teaching and Studying of Comparative Law: A Proposal
Authors: Kadner Graziano Thomas
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Comparative law is a well-established discipline today. However, there remain uncertainties amongst teachers of the discipline regarding the teaching method as well as the content of the comparative law course. The following article first sets out the practical tasks, requirements, and challenges comparatists are facing today. On this basis, the author makes a proposal on how to prepare students for these challenges. He suggests teaching a multilateral and supra-national comparative method, using case scenarios and an approach of learning by doing. The author finally summarizes the numerous benefits and advantages that the proposed method of teaching, studying, and learning comparative law offers.

Résumé: Le droit comparé est aujourd’hui une discipline bien établie. Cependant, parmi les enseignants, persistent des incertitudes concernant le contenu du cours de droit comparé ainsi que la méthode d’enseignement. La contribution suivante analyse d’abord les exigences pratiques pour les comparatistes d’aujourd’hui, afin d’en déduire ensuite des conséquences pour l’enseignement de la matière. L’auteur expose l’enseignement d’une méthode multilatérale et supranationale de droit comparé. Il propose d’enseigner cette méthode à l’aide de cas pratiques et d’une approche de learning by doing. Finalement, les atouts et les multiples avantages de cette méthode d’enseignement pour les étudiants seront soulignés.
Achieving the Uniform Application of European Private Law
Authors: Reilly Kate O’
Published: April 2022

Abstract: As a consequence of the current fragmented state of the consumer law acquis in the European Union (EU), the European Commission has indicated its desire to move away from the harmonization effort that has been achieved through directives towards the realization of uniform law that can be provided by (optional) instruments. In this article, the cultural barriers to the uniform application of legal transfers within the EU are considered. Through using Japan as a case study, this contribution constructs a method that can both predict and explain the process that a legal transfer undergoes during its transplantation into a foreign legal order. The constructed model employs an interdisciplinary approach by fusing anthropological and legal theory in order to explain the aforementioned process and has, as its starting point, the role that cultural obstacles play on the mind and actions of those actors who are in the position to ensure or preclude the correct application of a transplanted legal rule. This article concludes that education is the linchpin in determining behaviour, and, consequently, which perspective among the three perspectives generated by the model shall be employed, be it enculturation of traditional cultural values or formal education received in schools, universities, and working life. Subsequently, it is argued that culture is only as powerful as the weight attributed to a concept within the mind of the actor, the deep structures of law, and its link with culture are largely irrelevant; therefore, cleavages in the uniform application of EU law will only
New Rules on Liability for Inheritance Debts in Poland: Road to a Single European Law?
Authors: Zalucki Mariusz
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Inheritance law of some European countries is going through transformation. The discussion on the future of inheritance law in Europe has not been completed yet, and it may be argued whether it has even started. One of the key issues is the area of liability for inheritance debts, as in any system of inheritance law the related rules decide about its image. A proposal to change the system of responsibility for inheritance debts has been recently enacted by the Polish legislature. The article presents the basic problems of the new Polish legislation and suggests that this could be a starting point for discussing this area on a larger, European scale.

Zusammenfassung: Das Erbrecht einiger europäischer Länder befindet sich in Transformation. Die Diskussion über die Zukunft des Erbrechts in Europa ist noch nicht beendet und man könnte sogar fragen, ob diese Diskussion überhaupt schon begonnen hat. Einer der Schlüsselaspekte ist der Bereich der Haftung für Schulden, da in jedem Erbrechtssystem die damit zusammenhängenden Regeln über deren Ausgestaltung entscheiden. Jüngst wurde vom polnischen Gesetzgeber ein Vorschlag, das System der Verantwortung für Erbschulden zu ändern, umgesetzt. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt die grundsätzlichen Probleme der neuen polnischen Gesetzgebung und schlägt vor, dass dies ein Startpunkt für eine diesbezügliche Debatte in einem umfassenderen, europäischen Kontext sein könnte.
La complémentarité du droit national, international et européen: Perspectives pour les individus
Authors: Bergé Jean-Sylvestre
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The complementarity of national, international, and European laws is one of the most powerful illustrations of the general phenomenon of global legal pluralism. This contribution to the essays collected in honour of one of the most distinguished professor in Europe who studied the cross relationships between private law and European Union law illustrates the complementarity of the laws in situations which have a (vertical or horizontal) effect on individuals.

Résumé: La complémentarité du droit national, international et européen est l’une des grandes illustrations du phénomène de pluralisme juridique mondial. Cette contribution aux articles réunis à l’honneur du plus célèbre des professeurs en Europe à avoir travaillé à l’intersection des rapports entre le droit privé et le droit de l’Union européenne, illustre l’état de complémentarité des droits qui peut exister dans les situations (verticales ou horizontales) qui affectent les individus.
Towards a Private Law Embedded in Social Theory: Eine Skizze
Authors: Grundmann Stefan
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The article starts by pointing out that the organizational contract, characterized mainly by its long-term duration and its arrangement in networks, is just as important in practice as are simple exchange contracts. Nonetheless, in contract law doctrinal thinking, legislation, and also comparative law studies, it has received much less attention. In the present essay, the question is asked whether this state of affairs may not be due to the fact, at least in part, that core developments in other social sciences – in this case particularly in institutional economics and in the new economic sociology – have not properly been taken into account. In the first main part of the essay, it is indeed argued that the concept recognized in institutional economics of a relation-specific investment (O. Williamson) could well have been the basis for developing core needs for protection and a regulation satisfying these needs. The second main part of the essay explains that the concept of ongoing reciprocity described in the new economic sociology (W. Powell) as the core characteristic and key to the success of networks can be used as a solid basis for developing legal rules and duties. Thus, the organizational contract does not only seem to be “underrepresented” in legal discourse and legislation as compared with the simple exchange contract. It also casts light on how much law and legal scholarship can benefit from the insights gathered in other social sciences.
Unification of Patrimonial Laws Governing International Trade
Authors: Lando Ole
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Should the laws of the world dealing with cross-border transactions be unified? Such unification presupposes an agreement on what we understand by ‘law’ and what its sources are. The drafters of uniform laws and lawyers who are preoccupied with comparative law often ask themselves: Is there, among the nations, a common core of legal values? If there is, this will facilitate legal unification. It will also make the international law-making easier if, in exceptional cases, a court is permitted to disregard a legal rule.

Résumé: Faut-il unifier les droits nationaux en matière de transactions transfrontières? Une telle unification présuppose une convergence de vues relativement à ce qu’il faut entendre par ‘droit’ et à l’identification de ses sources. Les rédacteurs de lois uniformes et les autres spécialistes de droit comparé se demandent souvent s’il existe un noyau de valeurs juridiques communes à toutes les nations du monde. Si c’est le cas, l’entreprise d’unification en sera facilitée. Cela rendra aussi plus aisée l’élaboration d’une règle internationale lorsque, dans des hypothèses exceptionnelles, un tribunal a la possibilité de s’affranchir d’une règle juridique.
Product Liability and Beyond: An Exercise in Gap-Filling
Authors: Reich Norbert
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article discusses the impact of product liability law on product safety regulation, with special reference to ‘medical devices’. Four aspects are highlighted in particular: first, a short reference to the experiences of and controversies in the United States on this subject; second, an analysis of the recent case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which interprets product liability law under Directive 85/374/EEC as a supplementary instrument of product safety regulation; third, an examination of the limits of product liability in cases of bankruptcy of the manufacturer, as in the case of the ‘affaire PIP’; and fourth, a discussion of the attempt to hold a so-called ‘notified body’ (i.e., the EU certification agency) liable for defective medical devices in the litigation concerning defective breast implants in terms of Directive 93/42/EEC and the relevant rules of national law. The German Federal Supreme Court has recently decided to refer the matter to the CJEU for a preliminary ruling and has argued that, under the EU effectiveness principle, product liability law has a regulatory function, especially when sensitive health issues, raised by defective medical devices implanted into the human body, are at stake – as in the ‘affaire PIP’.
Horizontal Direct/Indirect Effect or Direct/Indirect Horizontal Effect: Whats in a Name?
Authors: Timmermans Christiaan
Published: April 2022

Abstract: In private law doctrine, suggestions have been made to introduce a terminology relating to the phenomenon of horizontal effects of EU law that is different from the terminology used by EU lawyers. That terminology is designed better to accommodate the specificities of private law. By subtly changing the word order, private lawyers aim to cover under the label ‘direct horizontal effect’ only those cases in which EU law can be invoked with the consequence of directly affecting or modifying a private law relationship. Invoking European law to review national law in terms of its compatibility with European law is defined as ‘indirect horizontal effect’. This essay discusses the unfortunate consequences for legal practice of using two different sets of terminology, almost identical in wording, but substantially different in scope. A number of disadvantages of the terminology advocated by private lawyers are addressed, also in the light of the case law of the European Court of Justice. Finally, a suggestion is made to arrive at a uniform terminology attempting to accommodate both private law and EU law sensibilities.
Harmonization of Civil Procedure: Can the European Union Learn from Swiss Experiences?
Authors: Wallerman Anna
Published: April 2022

Until 2011, civil justice in both Switzerland and the European Union (EU) was decentralized. In 2011, after 150 years of debate, Switzerland finally took the step to unification by the entry into force of its first federal Zivilprozessordnung, whereas in the EU it is still debated if, how and to what extent civil procedure could be subject to harmonization. This article analyses the debate leading up to harmonization of civil procedure in Switzerland, comparing the arguments to those brought forward in the EU debate, and examines the legislative strategy employed by the Swiss legislature. It shows that the Swiss harmonization was brought about by practically oriented arguments, and that this pragmatism also characterized the legislative drafting process. It is argued that a similar development is conceivable within the EU, but that the price may be a general decrease in the level and quality of civil justice.
Dutch Trusts and Trust-Like Arrangements
Authors: Duin Hjalmar M.C. , van Veen Wino J.M.
Published: April 2022

Although the trust, as such, is not a legal concept in Dutch law and is difficult to fit into the current Dutch legal framework, there are certain Dutch legal concepts that share characteristics of a trust or that share the functionality of the trust. In this contribution, the subject matter of trusts in Dutch law is approached both from the perspective of trust characteristics as well as from the perspective of the functionality of the trust as a concept. This research is not only of interest for academic purposes, but also in the context of potential future legislation introducing the trust into Dutch law. We conclude that there is no fundamental objection against the introduction of the trust or new trust-like concepts in Dutch law. The introduction of a trust as a general concept would, however, require a substantial change of law.
The Rule in Saunders v. Vautier and the Czech Trust Law
Authors: Ambruz Vladimír
Published: April 2022

The Saunders v Vautier principle is one of the most fundamental principles of English trust law. Several scholars have addressed the prudence of civil law countries incorporating this principle when adopting trust-like instruments. More importantly for the Czech Republic, some remarks on this issue have been made in Québec - the jurisdiction which, to an extent, served as an inspiration for the Czech legislator when drafting the Czech trust-like instrument. Unfortunately, the debate on the topic is almost non-existent in the Czech Republic. This article discusses whether, as a result of the principle of Saunders v Vautier, the beneficiaries of the Czech trust-like instrument have similar rights to those of the beneficiaries of the English trust. It is suggested that it is not only civil law countries, but also some common law countries, that do not fully respect this principle. Therefore, there clearly exists a diversity of opinion regarding the question of whether beneficiaries should or should not have rights that prevail over the intentions of the settlor. This article focuses on supporting this principle and, in this light, puts forward a number of justifications for its incorporation.
Guardians of the Charitable Realm: Charitable Trust Supervision Practice and Procedure in the Common Law World
Authors: Breen Oonagh B.
Published: April 2022

This article examines the control framework for the supervision and oversight of charitable trusts in the common law world. It outlines in Section 1 the fundamental differences between private and public trusts that necessitate a separate enforcement regime for charitable trusts before exploring in Section 2 the historical and political powers and duties of the Attorney General as parens patriae of charities. In light of the limitations of the Attorney General’s effective scrutiny, Section 3 considers the emergence of alternative charity regulators – from tax authorities to independent charity commissions – comparing the relative regulatory achievements of these agencies with that of the Attorney General (AG). Section 4 turns its attention to the role of the courts and tribunals in the enforcement of the interests of donors, beneficiaries and charitable entities. The article concludes in Section 5 with a discussion of the merits and demerits of the charitable trust vis-à-vis the public benefit foundation and explores whether civil law systems intent on adopting the trust need to rethink their enforcement options when it comes to charitable trust enforcement.
Uniform Rules for European Contract Law? A Critical Assessment
Authors: Vargas-Brand Isué Natalia
Published: April 2022

The international conference ‘Uniform rules for European Contract Law? A critical assessment’ was organized by the IE University and IE Center for European Studies under the direction of Prof. Francisco de Elizalde on 23 and 24 June 2016. A group of leading academics in this field ‒ coming from different countries and legal cultures ‒ attended a conference in Segovia (Spain), on the occasion of the 30 anniversary of Spain’s incorporation into the European Economic Community (EEC)/European Union (EU), to discuss and analysed the current need for uniform rules in European Contract Law.
Case Note England and Wales, UKSC 4 November 2015, Cavendish Square Holdings BV v. Makdessi; ParkingEye Ltd v. Beavis
Authors: Giliker Paula
Published: April 2022

Abstract: The UK Supreme Court decision in Cavendish Square Holdings BV v Makdessi; ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis marks an important turning point in the treatment of penalty clauses in England and Wales. In these two conjoined cases, the Court sought to give clarity to the previously complex law on this topic and to identify its underlying principles. The cases involved both commercial parties (Makdessi) and a consumer (ParkingEye). While refusing to abolish the rule against penalties, the Supreme Court, in adopting a very restrictive approach to intervention, highlights the continuing importance of freedom of contract reasoning in the common law of contract. It also provides a good illustration of the difficulties of applying a directive (here the Unfair Terms Directive 1993/13/EEC) in the national consumer law context.
Save the Mittelstand: How German Courts Protect Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises from Unfair Terms
Authors: Ungerer Johannes , Lehmann Matthias
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article discusses the appropriateness of controlling standard terms in business-to-business (B2B) contracts. Using the example of Germany, where the Civil Code explicitly allows the control of B2B standard terms, it finds evidence that courts tend to use this control to favour small and medium-sized enterprises (the Mittelstand) in relation to bigger companies. This approach is questionable. It is suggested here that the rationale of standard terms control is not to compensate for power imbalances, which is the task of other legal institutions, such as competition law. Rather, the goal of such control should be to prevent and correct failing contractual and market mechanisms. It is further argued that clear criteria are required for assessing the fairness of standard terms in B2B relations, which are currently lacking both in German statutory provisions and in case law. Therefore, the article finds that it is not recommendable to emulate the German model on the European level. Before any clear criteria are found, the EU should not engage in the harmonization of B2B standard terms control.

Resumé: Cet article s’interroge sur la pertinence du contrôle des conditions générales des contrats entre professionnels (B2B). En Allemagne, où le Code Civil étend explicitement le contrôle des conditions générales aux contrats B2B, on constate que les tribunaux ont tendance à utiliser ce contrôle pour privilégier les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) par rapport aux grandes entreprises. Cette approche est discutable. Nous soutenons ici que les conditions générales n’ont pas vocation à compenser les déséquilibres dus aux positions dominantes sur le marché. Cela relève de la compétence d’autres institutions juridiques, comme par exemple du droit de la concurrence. L’objectif du contrôle des conditions générales devrait plutôt prévenir et corriger les défaillances des instruments de marchés ainsi que lesmécanismes de conclusions de contrats. A cet effet, il est nécessaire de fixer des critères clairs permettant de juger de la proportionnalité des clauses des conditions générales. Vu que ces dits critères font cependant défaut tant dans la législation que dans la jurisprudence, cet article recommande de ne pas s’inspirer du modèle allemand. Avant que tout critère clair se soit établi, l’UE ne devrait pas s’engager dans l’harmonisation du contrôle des conditions générales dans les contrats B2B.
Agency and Principal Dealing Under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) I & II
Authors: Busch Danny
Published: April 2022

Abstract: This article focuses on the question of whether allowing the extent of the protection afforded to an investor under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) I and II to be largely dependent on the distinction between dealing on own account on the one hand and trading on behalf of the client (and other forms of investment service) on the other, is justified. The author submits that this question must be answered in the negative. Under a future MiFID III, an investment firm which acts solely as contractual counterparty should be required to observe the same duty of care as applies in the case of the investment service of execution of orders on behalf of the client.

Résumé: Cet article traite de la question de savoir s’il est justifié de permettre que l’étendue de la protection accordée à un investisseur aux termes de MiFID I et II (NdT: Directives concernant les marchés d’instruments financiers) dépende largement de la distinction entre la négociation pour compte propre d’une part et d’autre part la négociation au nom du client (et d’autres formes de services d’investissement). L’auteur indique qu’il faut répondre à cette question par la négative. Aux termes d’un futur MiFID III, il faudrait exiger d’une société d’investissement qui agit uniquement comme contrepartie contractuelle qu’elle respecte le même devoir de prudence que celui qui s’applique dans le cas de services d’exécution d’ordres au nom du client.
Whos Afraid of Comparative Law? The (Side) Effects of Unification of Private International Law in Europe
Authors: Rühl Giesela
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Private international law and comparative have a particularly intimate relationship. This is because comparative law is both a method of studying choice of law rules as well as an essential instrument for their interpretation and application. However, the recent large-scale unification of European private international law has jammed a wedge between the former ‘allies’. In fact, when analysing current court practice and academic discourse relating to European private international law one cannot help but notice a striking lack of interest in comparative analyses. The following article sheds light on this development and argues that courts and scholars should resort to comparative analyses more often and more consistently in order to avoid the pitfalls of unification. At the same time the article provides insights into the (side) effects of the large-scale unification of an entire legal field.

Résumé: Le droit international privé et le droit comparé sont traditionellement très spécialement liés. C’est comme cela car le droit comparé est une méthode d’étudier des règles de conflit ainsi qu’un moyen essentiel pour leur interprétation et application. Cependant, la récente unification massive du droit international privé européen a semé la zizanie entre les anciens « alliés ». En fait, dans l’analyse de la pratique actuelle des tribunaux et du discours académique concernant le droit international privé européen, on ne peut s’empêcher de noter un manque d’intérêt d’une analyse comparative. L’article suivant se focalise sur ce développement et propose que les tribunaux et les juristes universitaires doivent avoir recours aux analyses comparatives plus souvent et plus systématiquement pour que des pièges de l’unification soient évités. En même temps, l’article fournit un aperçu des effets (secondaires) de l’unification à grande échelle d’un domaine juridique entier.
Remedies for Damage Caused by Vaccines: A Comparative Study of Four European Legal Systems
Authors: Rajneri Eleonora , Rott Peter , Borghetti Jean-Sébastien
Published: April 2022

Abstract: Compensation for damage caused to patients by vaccination is an increasingly prominent issue given the important public health consideration of ensuring the highest possible take-up of vaccination. This study explores the approach to vaccine damage cases in four different European countries (France, Germany, Italy and the UK), examining the variety of different mechanisms for providing redress, including specific compensation funds, social security systems, the operation of orthodox regimes of tort law and product liability, as well as in certain jurisdictions bespoke legislation for healthcare products or pharmaceuticals. The authors then go on to examine the recent case law on this topic at a Member State and European level, focussing particularly on issues relating to the notion of defect and that of causation in vaccine damage cases.

 Zusammenfassung: Der Ersatz von Impfschäden gewinnt angesichts des Bestrebens, zur Sicherung der Volksgesundheit eine möglichst hohe Impfdichte zu erreichen, ständig an Bedeutung. Diese Studie untersucht die Herangehensweise an Impfschäden in vier EU-Mitgliedstaaten (Deutschland, Frankreich, Großbritannien und Italien), indem sie die verschiedenen Mechanismen, den Geschädigten Ersatz zu verschaffen, analysiert, darunter spezielle Entschädigungsfonds, sozialrechtliche Instrumente, klassisches Delikts- und Produkthaftungsrecht und schließlich sektorspezifische Gesetzgebung. Zudem erörtern die Autoren die jüngste Rechtsprechung auf mitgliedstaatlicher wie auf EU-Ebene, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Fehlerbegriffs und der Kausalität in Impfschadensfällen.

Résumé: La réparation des dommages causés par les vaccins est une question majeure, compte tenu notamment de l’objectif de santé publique visant à obtenir une couverture vaccinale aussi large que possible de la population. Cette étude s’intéresse à la manière dont sont appréhendés les dommages imputés aux vaccins dans quatre pays européens (l’Allemagne, la France, la Grande-Bretagne et l’Italie) et envisage différents mécanismes d’indemnisation, en particulier les fonds d’indemnisation, la sécurité sociale, les règles de droit commun de la responsabilité civile ainsi que les règles spéciales applicables aux produits de santé et aux médicaments dans certains pays. Les auteurs se penchent également sur la jurisprudence en la matière, au niveau national et européen, s’intéressant particulièrement à la notion de défaut et à la caractérisation du lien de causalité dans les affaires relatives aux dommages attribués aux vaccins.