Dispute Settlement in International Trade Made Simple: 4 Key Mechanisms

Introduction: Why Dispute Settlement Matters in International Trade

When goods cross borders, risks follow. A late shipment, an unpaid invoice, or a disagreement over product quality can quickly turn into a costly conflict. This is why dispute settlement in international trade is a central part of doing business globally.

International trade involves multiple countries, different legal systems, and diverse business cultures. When disputes arise, they can disrupt supply chains, damage reputations, and result in financial losses. Knowing how disputes are resolved is essential not only for lawyers, but also for CEOs, business owners, and future lawyers preparing for careers in global trade.

There are four main mechanisms for dispute settlement in international trade: Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration, and Litigation. Each has its advantages and challenges. Understanding them helps businesses choose wisely and students grasp the foundations of international commerce.

Dispute Settlement in International Trade Made Simple: 4 Key Mechanisms

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8 Essential Lessons Arbitration Counsel Helps Companies to Build Effective Dispute Strategies

 Why Arbitration Matters More Than Ever

When business relationships collapse, companies often discover too late that their contract’s dispute resolution clause is important. Arbitration, trusted for neutrality, speed, and cross border enforceability has become a core part of global commerce.

As a practising arbitration counsel advising clients before domestic and international tribunals, we have seen how a clause can protect and one can lead to procedural delay.

In here, we draw on eight lessons every company and every team of arbitration counsel should know before a dispute begins.

8 Essential Lessons Arbitration Counsel Helps Companies to Build Effective Dispute Strategies

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Contract Disputes in Vietnam: 8 Contract Matters Foreign General Counsels Must Get Right

 Introduction: Contract Disputes in the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards in Vietnam

When you discuss about contract disputes in Vietnam, most of the time, you might think about what happens when a deal goes wrong. You could go on and discuss breaches, delays, non payment, termination, or damages.

We now take a different starting point.

We talk about what happens after a dispute has already been decided, often by arbitration, and one party believes it has won and now proceed to recognition and enforcement stages in Vietnam.

Contract Disputes in Vietnam: 8 Contract Matters Foreign General Counsels Must Get Right

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5 Key Insights into the Vietnam Intellectual Property Law Amendments: What Businesses Must Prepare For

 Introduction

Vietnam Intellectual Property Law amendments have long been expected.

Why?

For sometime, we have seen clients’ feedback on the delay of the procedures i.e. registration of IP rights, refusal to possible IP violations. Many times, we come across clients feeling hopeless seeking solutions to enforcement of violations of IP rights.

Now, it seems Vietnam is moving into a critical reform period, and one of the most consequential developments is the upcoming Vietnam Intellectual Property Law amendments. This revision cycle is broader than the amendments of 2009, 2019, and 2022. It reflects Vietnam’s economic transformation and the State’s intention to strengthen innovation capacity, align with international commitments, and respond to rapid changes in the digital economy.

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10 Practical Lessons Anti Dumping Law Firms in Vietnam Rely On When Cases Get Serious

 Anti-dumping investigations in Vietnam almost never happen in isolation. By the time a case is opened, the exporter is usually already working with a law firm in its home country on trade strategy, previous investigations elsewhere, and broader market risks.

When Vietnam initiates proceedings, one more piece is added to that possible arrangement. We have seen that, the client turns to their existing advisers in their home country and asks what this new investigation means in practice. Then, the foreign counsel turns to their affiliate anti dumping law firms in Vietnam, dealing with a different set of procedures, short deadlines, and data that is not always ready for scrutiny. 

10 Practical Lessons Anti Dumping Law Firms in Vietnam Rely On When Cases Get Serious

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3 Reasons Why Commercial Mediation in Vietnam Is Worth Trying, Even When It Is Not Perfect

 Choosing the Right Tool for Dispute Resolution

For foreign companies doing business in Vietnam, disputes can arise even when contracts are carefully drafted and relationships are strong.

When that happens, the key question is not only who is right, but what is the best way forward?

Litigation and growing arbitration are familiar tools, but they are not always the most efficient or relationship friendly. An increasingly relevant alternative is commercial mediation in Vietnam, a voluntary, confidential process that allows parties to seek practical solutions with the assistance of a neutral mediator.

From our experience advising foreign clients, mediation is not a cure all, but it is often a valuable step worth trying before entering lengthy litigation or arbitration if contract agrees.

3 Reasons Why Commercial Mediation in Vietnam Is Worth Trying

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