International Business Law

International business law is multi-faceted and complex — it is about execution, timing, and robust processes across borders. We support companies, investors, and business owners in cross-border matters, from contract drafting and supply chain management to foreign trade compliance (export controls, sanctions, customs) and the prevention and resolution of disputes. Our aim is a legally sound, pragmatic solution that works operationally — even when multiple legal systems and stakeholders are involved.

How do you draft international contracts that remain workable in day-to-day business? How do you reduce risk in supply chains, distribution, and trade compliance without losing speed?

How We Support You

• International contracts and contract management

• International supply chains and distribution

• Foreign trade law: export controls, sanctions, and customs

• International dispute resolution and arbitration

• Market entry and cross-border structuring

  
  

Key Areas of Advice

International Contracts & Contract Management

How do you make international contracts legally robust — and still workable for sales, procurement, and operations?

In cross-border relationships, governing law, jurisdiction, and well-drafted clauses often determine whether a contract holds up in a dispute. Topics such as the CISG/UN Sales Convention, Incoterms®, and cross-border enforcement are frequently part of the practical reality.

• Drafting and negotiation of cross-border agreements (supply, services, cooperation)

• Governing law, jurisdiction, and arbitration clauses, including enforceability

• Managing CISG issues and common pitfalls when choosing German law

• Standardisation: templates, contract playbooks, approval and escalation processes

• Prioritising contract risks: “must-have” clauses vs negotiable points

  
  

International Supply Chains & Distribution

How do you protect international supply and distribution relationships without overburdening your processes?

International supply relationships are rarely just buying and selling. Terms, Incoterms®, liability, force majeure, and price and adjustment mechanisms must align with your operational reality.

• Supply and framework agreements for international supply relationships, including performance and liability concepts

• Distribution structures (e.g., dealer/agent models) and international rollouts

• Contract and claims management along the supply chain

• Documentation and process “hygiene” for audits, financing, and future transactions

• Interfaces with product/regulatory topics and compliance (risk-based)

  
  

Foreign Trade Law: Export Controls, Sanctions & Customs

How do you ensure trade compliance — especially with fast-changing sanctions and export control regimes?

Export controls, EU sanctions, dual-use topics, customs and trade measures are key risk areas for internationally active businesses. Many firms group these under “trade compliance” — and that is exactly where we provide hands-on, operational support.

• Export control and sanctions compliance (EU/national; dual-use, embargoes, product classification)

• Customs and trade-related topics (e.g., anti-dumping/trade barriers, WTO aspects — as relevant to the matter)

• Contract-based risk checks (e.g., sanctions clauses, end-use/end-user, compliance representations)

• Building and optimising compliance processes and training (role-based, practical)

• Support in authority proceedings/authorisations and in critical situations (deal-dependent)

  
  

International Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

How do you prevent and resolve cross-border disputes efficiently — and enforce your position?

When matters escalate, strategy, documentation, and the right forum (state courts vs arbitration) are decisive. In cross-border disputes, arbitration is often a highly practical tool — and it starts with well-drafted clauses from the outset.

• Dispute prevention through contract design: escalation steps, evidence preservation, clear performance definitions

• Negotiation support in conflict situations (settlement strategy, risk and cost management)

• Proceedings before state courts and arbitral tribunals, including cross-border coordination

• Drafting arbitration clauses and enforcement strategies

• Interfaces with compliance/trade topics in sensitive matters (risk-based)

  
  

Market Entry & Cross-Border Structuring

How do you structure international activities so that governance, liability, and scalability align?

Whether market entry, a joint venture, or an international group structure: the right setup determines speed, control, and future flexibility.

• Structuring advice for cross-border setups (subsidiary, branch, JV/cooperation)

• Governance and representation rules in international constellations

• Coordination of international counsel with “one-point” project management (timeline, responsibilities, deliverables)

• Interfaces with contracts, compliance, and, where relevant, transactions

• Documentation and data room readiness for financing, growth, and exit

  
  

Our Full-Service Approach

International business law is about managing interfaces: contract law, commercial and corporate law, compliance/regulation, data protection, and, depending on the setup, tax and employment law. We connect these threads and coordinate trusted partners where needed — so decisions can be made quickly and implemented cleanly.

You benefit from:

• clear communication and accessible advice

• pragmatic implementation instead of “paper solutions”

• structured project management with timelines, responsibilities, and milestones

• advice focused on risk minimisation, scalability, and enforceability

  
  

Contact

Ulrich Baumann - Partner
+49 89 23 23 73 6-16
ulrich.baumann@oikon.law

Dr. Jur. Anna Tönies-Bambalska
+49 89 23 23 73 6-27
anna.bambalska@oikon.law