Part I Contents, History, and Structure of International Economic Law, I The Law of International Economic Relations: Contents and Structure

Subject(s):

Competition — Intellectual property — International investment law — Goods — Environmental disputes

This chapter is an overview of the contents and structure governing the laws at play in international economic relations. International Economic Law encompasses a complex architecture of rules governing international economic relations and transboundary economic conduct by States, international organizations, and private actors. It essentially refers to the regulation of cross-border transactions in goods, services, and capital; monetary relations; and the international protection of intellectual property. To some extent, it also addresses the movement of companies and natural persons as well as aspects of international competition. Although there is consensus on the core subjects, the content of ‘international economic law’ remains controversial and leaves room for subjectively coloured choices.