82170 - Commercial and International Law

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with the main principles of business law, company law and competition law. Hence, its focus is on the different ways to carry out business activities regulated by the legal system, such as the different companies that it is possible to establish. In this context, the analysis will include the main principles of civil law jurisdictions in comparison with the principles of common law jurisdictions, and the most important international contracts, which usually are signed by companies while performing their business. A specific focus is devoted to the most important principles of the Anglo-Saxon systems of company law, such as the corporate governance theories and the corporate governance structures of companies, the responsibility of the directors and the position of the shareholders. At the end of the course students are able to: (a) find and choose the best legal solutions to carry out properly and efficiently business activities; (b) use the different types of contracts, both regulated and unregulated, in order to deal with suppliers and clients of the firms; (c) find and choose the best legal form to perform business. This course supplements the labour law course, fulfilling the learning objectives of “labour law and commercial law” integrated course, by providing the necessary legal skills to organize and manage factors of production (labour and capital).

Course contents

Course Structure and Lecture Breakdown:

Module 1: Introduction to Business and Company Law

Module 2: Sole Proprietorship and Bankruptcy Law

Module 3: Partnerships and Joint Ownerships

Module 4: Public Companies in the US and UK

Module 5: European and Italian Company Law

Module 6: Emerging Trends and Case Studies

Readings/Bibliography

S. Bruno, Foundations of Business and Company Law. US, UK, Italy and the European Context, Giappichelli, Torino, 2025.

ISBN 9791221108088

 

An essay of the student's choice:

1) A. J. Pagano, M. Spiotta, “Alternative corporate governance systems in Italian and Dutch law”, European Business Law Review, 1, 2025, Issue 1, pp. 133-150, https://kluwerlawonline.com/journalarticle/European+Business+Law+Review/36.1/EULR2025005

2) A. J. Pagano, “The implementation of the Decentralized Autonomous Organizations in the EU corporate governance system”, Business Law Review, 1, 2025, Issue 1, pp. 12-16, https://kluwerlawonline.com/journalarticle/Business+Law+Review/46.1/BULA2025004

3) A. J. Pagano, M. Spiotta, “The Implementation and transposition of the European Directive 2019/1023 in the Italian legislative context”, European Business Law Review, 1, 2024, Issue 1, pp. 139-156, https://kluwerlawonline.com/journalarticle/European+Business+Law+Review/35.1/EULR2024013

Teaching methods

1. Traditional face-to-face lessons and self-study based on teaching materials here suggested or indicated during the course.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding. Exercises carried out by the Professor during the course.

3. Making judgments. Students will be stimulated to interpret the rules during face-to-face lessons.

4. Knowledge of technical language – Communication skills. The meaning of legal terms will be explained during the course.

5. Learning skills. Starting from the rule of law, doctrinal and case-law developments related to every legal instrument will be analyzed.

Assessment methods

Practice exercises and exam simulations might be addressed during the course. The final exam is oral. Before the oral examination, the students may be required to have passed a written selection.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Jonathan Pagano