Bibliographie sélective OHADA

Over the last years, academics, practitioners and policy makers have focused their attention on an emerging technology: three-dimensional printing (“3DP”). 3DP is often portrayed as a game changer, showing the potential to disrupt established socioeconomic paradigms and exert profound implications in disparate areas of law. 3DP not only is well integrated in the manufacturing industry, but also increasingly adopted at consumer level. Recent developments have made it possible for ordinary people to take an active role in the production, customization and distribution of goods, and likewise paved the way for the proliferation of new market entrants, such as 3DP online platforms. Against this background, this thesis aims to shed some light on the implications that 3DP may have for Intellectual Property Law. In particular, this work attempts to predict and grasp the consequences that the digitization of real world things may carry in the area of IP law, both from the side of protection and infringement. This contribution is intended to create general awareness about the current state of the art and likewise delineate possible future scenarios in the 3DP ecosystem. The research question at the core of the analysis is whether the current legal framework of different IPRs already offers suitable means for regulating the thin dividing line between the digital and the analogue world, or rather needs to be amended, in order to cope with such a fascinating reality. To this end, the analysis contributes insights to the best legal treatment that CAD files shall receive, in case such files embed products protected by copyright, designs, patents and trademarks. Hence, it addresses right owners’ concern that the online transmission of CAD files, combined with the ease of converting such files into the final printout, will facilitate mass-scale and worldwide infringement of all IPRs.

Administered arbitrations under ICSID are amongst the most-utilized means to resolve investor-state disputes. Part of why it is so is because the ICSID as an institution is heavily affiliated with the World Bank. This affiliation serves as a double-edged sword in ICSID’s hands: while on one side such affiliation lends ICSID the credibility any successful arbitral institutions need, on the other side ties between the two institutions are proving to become too close for comfort. This paper explores what could go and has gone wrong in the past within the current ICSID arbitration system with regards to the mechanism for challenging arbitrator(s), and whether such mechanism allows ICSID to effectively deliver what it is expected to provide.

Please refer to full text to view abstract <br>LL.M. (International Commercial Law)

No abstract available.

There has been almost no consideration of the position of women in private international law. There is very little published research applying a feminist analysis to, or even considering the position of women in, private international law. This field gives almost no attention to the particular interests, positions and experiences of women as subjects of the law, or the contribution of women as makers of the law. In the common law, private international law was largely developed in the 19th century, by male judges who were strongly influenced by commentary written exclusively by men. This chapter establishes that the apparently gender-neutral nature of private international law conceals profoundly ingrained assumptions about gender, in which the masculine is represented as a rational and sophisticated businessman, and the feminine is represented as a legally incapable wife. It then considers the gendered dimension of private international law in international family law, referring in particular to the regulation of international child abduction, international family property agreements, and international commercial surrogacy. Each of these examples demonstrates the differential impact of the law on women, indicating the need for greater awareness of and attention to gender. It concludes that while there have been some advances recently, particularly in terms of increased representation of women in making and commenting on private international law, there remains a great need for further research into the position of women as legal subjects and law-makers in this field.

This PhD thesis explores pro bono practice among large, international law firms in Europe. The central question addressed by the thesis is: does “Big Law Pro Bono” contribute to access to justice in Europe? The thesis commences with a review of the literature which both contextualizes and situates the thesis. This review also identifies gaps in the existing literature particularly related to the globalization and localization of law firm pro bono and its practice beyond the United States (i.e. its practice in other parts of the world such as Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America). After identifying issues with the current definition of access to justice, used throughout much of the existing literature, the thesis proposes a new definition which is then used throughout the thesis to evaluate pro bono practice in Europe. Towards this end, the thesis first provides historical context to law firm pro bono practice by exploring the history of pro bono, legal aid and other models of progressive lawyering across Europe. Following this, the thesis closely explores the process by which large firm pro bono practice arrived in Europe (i.e. globalization), the contemporary practice and the process by which it adapted to the European legal, social and political ecosystem (i.e. localization). Ultimately, it is suggested that large firm pro bono does not contribute to access to justice in Europe insofar as access to justice is defined narrowly - in the way that it has been conceived of in much of the existing literature. However, by embracing a broader definition of access to justice, it is possible to perceive the actual (and possible) social and political impact of large firm pro bono practice in Europe.

Please refer to full text to view abstract. <br>LL.M. (Commercial Law)

Abstract : Please refer to full text to view abstract. <br>LL.M. (Commercial Law)

The modernisation of customs regulations and practices involves a process of transformation aimed at boosting the capacity of customs agencies so that they can respond more efficiently to the ever-changing trade environment. In the context of this study, the transformation referred to is changes and adaptations of the institutional, structural, legal, practical, and managerial aspects of revenue collectors’ work. Several global changes in international trade prompted the World Customs Organization (WCO), an international customs body, to pilot projects for the modernisation of customs in order to adapt the approach of this administration to the various changes occurring in the field. These changes relate to the increasing volume of world trade, technological advances, the transformation of businesses models and the steady rise in criminal activities and security threats. The modernisation of customs with the WCO's guidance and support entails inviting and empowering member states of the WCO to align their customs regulations and practices with international standards. Customs modernisation became a topic of interest and started gaining worldwide attention when international trade experienced unprecedented changes coupled with technological advances. This has opened debates around issues relating to globalisation, such as the lowering and removal of trade barriers. There is also a necessity to ensure that customs authorities have sufficient strategic controlover imported and exported commodities. It has become imperative for all states to improve their competitiveness in customs through the revision of regulations which give rise to burdensome practices and procedures. The removal of cumbersome legislative provisions and practices will ensure an increment of efficiency in customs processes.Customs modernisation differs in developed, developing or under-developed states. Hence, the approach to customs modernisation differs from one jurisdiction to another. While some states embrace customs modernisation, others are unable, unwilling or merely reluctant to do so. There are different reasons for the variation in states’ attitudes towards customs modernisation. These attitudes are reflective of the political and economic realities prevailing in each state. Some states are open to customs modernisation but lack the financial and structural resources necessary to be vii able to engage in such modernisation. Others are plagued by corrupt syndicates which employ all the means at their disposal to defend their manipulation of customs authorities.This study analyses the modernisation of customs regulations and practices in France, South Africa and Cameroon. These jurisdictions have different economic powers, are located in different geo-economic zones, and differ in their capacity to implement customs modernisation. The study examines how the respective states incorporate modernisation into their daily customs operations, as recommended by the WCO, of which they are all member states. The study further analyses the impact of customs modernisation on the fight against customs offences in the three jurisdictions.Changes in international trade have both positive and negative impacts on customs. The negative impacts include changes in the forms and increases in the frequency of customs offences. Customs offences are breaches or attempted breaches of customs laws. States suffer financial loss, and these illegal activities threaten their security. The benefits that accrue to businesses and the quality of their products are also challenged by these unlawful behaviours. In addition, the health and safety of citizens are imperilled by customs offences such as the illicit import of counterfeit, sub-standard and dangerous goods and substances. Irrespective of their nature, customs offences have negative impacts on society.To limit and mitigate the adverse effects of customs offences on society and revenue collection, there is a need for strategic customs administrations that embrace technology and modernisation in general. France, South Africa and Cameroon have modernised their customs administrations. While these countries have incorporated the WCO conventions and tools in their respective environments, the impact of the incorporation on customs offences, in general, can be inferred from the simple implementation of these instruments and tools. vii able to engage in such modernisation. Others are plagued by corrupt syndicates which employ all the means at their disposal to defend their manipulation of customs authorities.This study analyses the modernisation of customs regulations and practices in France, South Africa and Cameroon. These jurisdictions have different economic powers, are located in different geo-economic zones, and differ in their capacity to implement customs modernisation. The study examines how the respective states incorporate modernisation into their daily customs operations, as recommended by the WCO, of which they are all member states. The study further analyses the impact of customs modernisation on the fight against customs offences in the three jurisdictions.Changes in international trade have both positive and negative impacts on customs. The negative impacts include changes in the forms and increases in the frequency of customs offences. Customs offences are breaches or attempted breaches of customs laws. States suffer financial loss, and these illegal activities threaten their security. The benefits that accrue to businesses and the quality of their products are also challenged by these unlawful behaviours. In addition, the health and safety of citizens are imperilled by customs offences such as the illicit import of counterfeit, sub-standard and dangerous goods and substances. Irrespective of their nature, customs offences have negative impacts on society.To limit and mitigate the adverse effects of customs offences on society and revenue collection, there is a need for strategic customs administrations that embrace technology and modernisation in general. France, South Africa and Cameroon have modernised their customs administrations. While these countries have incorporated the WCO conventions and tools in their respective environments, the impact of the incorporation on customs offences, in general, can be inferred from the simple implementation of these instruments and tools.

The concept of online dispute resolution came with the development of e-commerce. It is a branch which resolves the dispute between parties without interference of court. It includes arbitration mediation and negotiation. It also includes consumer to consumer disputes. With the emerging to globalisation the concept of online dispute resolution emerging day by day. The purpose of this study is to present the main facets of online dispute resolution, including a definition of the term, the types of resolution available, and the most recent legal regulations in this area. Thearticle is a study of ODR, online mediation and electronic arbitration. It includes their uses and their relationships with e-commerce. The paper is regarding primary aspects of online dispute resolution, its definition and its growth and development. It also includes the relationship between ODR and technology. Research paper isdiscussing the two forms of ODR: online mediation and electronic arbitration.

AD Recht ermöglicht die Anwendung des Instruments nichtmarktwirtschaftlicher Behandlung (NME) zwecks Bestimmung des normalen Ausfuhrpreises von importierten Waren aus Ländern deren Märkte als weitgehen von Regierungen beeinflusst und deren Preise und Kosten für diese Berechnung als unverlässlich angesehen werden. Stattdessen sollten diese Berechnungen auf der Basis von Preisen in einem Vergleichsland mit funktionierender Marktwirtschaft ( „surrogate country‟ ) erfolgen. Die vorliegende Dissertation legt dar, dass die Anwendung der NME Behandlung zum Schutz gegen unfairen Importwettbewerb nicht auf rechtlich gesicherter Grundlage erfolgt, sondern als willkürlich eingeseztes protektionistisches Instrument gehandhabt wird. Besonders die Anwendung dieser Methode auf Chinesische Exporte nach 2016 ist rechtlich fragwürdig. Die Dissertation untersucht die Rechtmäßigkeit und Zweckmäßigkeit diese Methode, erstens durch die Analyse der wirtschaftlichen Begründung des AD Rechts und der geschichtlichen Entwicklung seit seinen protektionistisch motivierten Anfängen. Sie untersucht sowohl die relevanten Regeln und Praktiken aus der Zeit vor der Gründung der WTO als auch solche die danach zur Anwendung kamen und kommt zum Schluss, dass sie angesichts des grundlegend geänderten globalen rechtlichen Umfelds nicht mehr tragbar sind. Die Autorin empfiehlt daher, dass die auf NME Behandlung bezogenen Regeln und Praktiken vollständig aufgegeben werden und im Rahmen der gegenwärtigen Bemühungen um eine Modernisierung des gesamten WTO Regelwerks durch angemessene andere Regeln ersetzt werden sollten.

Please refer to full text to view abstract. <br>LL.M. (Commercial Law)

Please refer to full text to view abstract. <br>LL.M. (Commercial Law)

Transfer pricing manipulation is a worldwide problem which results in a massive loss of revenue which is meant to finance government socio-economic programmes. South Africa is not immune to this problem. South Africa is losing billions of Rands in tax revenue due to this scourge. This research is an attempt to find ways and means which can be employed to combat or control the problem. In order to find the envisaged solutions, this research investigates the causes of the problem by analysing the weaknesses and the strong points of the arm’s length principle which is the basis of transfer pricing practice in South Africa and elsewhere. The research also investigates and analyses the corporate reasons for Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) to engage in transfer pricing with a view to demonstrating that transfer pricing is a neutral tax avoidance concept if it is applied for genuine business considerations. The investigation also entails analysing the legal framework of transfer pricing in South Africa which is embodied in section 31 of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962. The research analyses the efficacy of section 31 in dealing with the sophisticated transfer pricing manipulation schemes. In addition, an extensive reference to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Transfer Pricing Guidelines is made as South Africa relies heavily on the guidelines. A comparative analysis of selected topics is also conducted with the United States (US) and India with a view to drawing lessons from those jurisdictions. Based on the outcome of the analysis and the lessons drawn from the comparative analysis, findings are presented followed by legislative proposals or recommendations which will help to eradicate the problem. It is hoped that implementation of the recommendations taking into account the socio-economic conditions of South Africa will help to deal with the problem.

No abstract available.

With trade taking place continuously on a daily basis, its often-reported success gives the impression that all participants involved are to a certain extent somewhat successful too. This dissertation draws attention to the discrepancies that have often gone unnoticed throughout the decades and the effects that have arisen as a result. South Africa’s (SA) and the United States of America’s (US) trade relationship through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is the focus of this study, with this relationship being analysed from as far back as history has been recorded to the modern day. Least developed countries (LDCs) are an integral part of this study because most trade-related activities involve them, and they contain most of the world’s natural resources, but most importantly they also make up a large portion of the world’s population. It's baffling to see that where these factors are present, there's also inequality. Seemingly, there are efforts that deal specifically with the challenges faced by developing countries, but what is concerning is these solutions are formulated by developed countries which created them and continue to perpetuate them. The approach adopted was mostly that of contrasting events that have involved trade over the decades and a discussion of how these events have shaped international, political and trade relations, that is, the existing status quo. Examples include the two World Wars; oppressive regimes such as apartheid; and the formation of global institutions ranging from the International Trade Organization (ITO) to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The first three chapters contain an introduction, a background focus on development and the history of relations between South Africa and the United States of America. The last two chapters contain a discussion on AGOA as well as findings and recommendations that can be implemented to assist with this issue. What this dissertation was aiming to establish was the perpetual involvement of developed countries in the affairs of developing countries. This is illustrated through the renegotiation of the AGOA in 2015, where SA had to accept ultimatums set for it by the US. This dissertation further shows that such tactics are nothing new when the US is involved, as is evidenced by its involvement in major global events that have shaped the course of history. This approach is not only harmful but also stagnates development, as developing countries must adhere to agreements that sometimes are not to their benefit. The findings indicate a contradictory pattern: when solutions to challenges faced by developing countries are presented, they translate instead into a further stronghold over developing countries because of past atrocities such as colonisation and apartheid. What appears throughout the dissertation are the ever-present structures that are intended to perform functions supposed to be for the improved good of developing countries, but which result in those countries facing never-ending challenges, some of which are self-inflicted through alliances such as the AGOA with developed countries.

Transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) originate from the idea of conservation across international boundaries. Within the SADC region, they are defined as areas or components of large ecological regions that straddle the boundaries of two or more countries, encompassing one or more protected areas, as well as multiple resource use areas. While the objectives of TFCAs are manifold, key among these are biodiversity conservation, improvement of livelihoods - poverty alleviation and economic development. Within SADC, tourism is identified as a key driver of these objectives. To explore this further, the study embarks on a case study of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), the oldest and second largest TFCA in the region, involving South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. From the GLTFCA, it is established that challenges exist with the manner in which tourism development is undertaken. However, it is further established that these challenges do not necessarily stem from the tourism development itself but from the weaknesses in the governance structures of this TFCA. In particular, the exclusion of local communities as key governance actors in the GLTFCA is seen to be detrimental to conservation and perpetuates poverty. Superimposed on these weaknesses, the tourism development therefore fails to adequately promote biodiversity conservation, improvement of livelihoods - poverty alleviation and economic development in the GLTFCA. To resolve these challenges, the study explores the concept of sustainable tourism development from a legal perspective guided by the question: what is the legal framework necessary, at domestic level – in TFCA participating countries to ensure that sustainable tourism development promotes the key SADC TFCA objectives? Through the aims or policy implications of sustainable tourism development, the study determines a legal framework comprising of the relevant TFCA governance actors as well as the governance-based tools that are necessary to promote the TFCA objectives. The domestic legal frameworks of the GLTFCA participating countries are measured against this legal framework to establish whether they promote sustainable toruism development. It is established that the domestic legal frameworks of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, individually and as a whole, neither provide effectively for all relevant TFCA governance actors, especially local communities; nor for the tools that promote biodiversity conservation, the improvement of livelihoods-alleviation of poverty and economic development in the GLTFCA. Thus, the legal framework of the GLTFCA does not provide for sustainable tourism development as it should. For this reason, the study’s principal recommendation is the adoption, by all SADC TFCA participating countries, of a domestic legal framework for sustainable tourism development with specific elements which provides for the key TFCA governance actors as well as the relevant governance-based tools.

Please refer to full text to view abstract. <br>LL.M. (Commercial Law)