International Commercial Agreements
Protecting your cross-border business with carefully structured contracts and strategic legal advice.
Legal Support for International Trade
International business creates opportunities, but it also creates legal risk. When a transaction crosses borders, different legal systems, currencies, regulatory frameworks and business practices can all affect the outcome. A contract that works well under Greek law may not provide the same protection when your counterparty, your assets or the performance obligations are located in another jurisdiction.
Our firm provides specialised legal advice to businesses engaged in international trade and cross-border transactions, helping clients structure their commercial relationships, negotiate effectively and protect their interests from the outset.
We advise on the drafting, review and negotiation of international commercial agreements, including international sales contracts, distribution and agency agreements, franchise arrangements, technology-transfer agreements and cross-border joint ventures.
Particular attention is given to the provisions that can determine the outcome of an international dispute: choice of law, jurisdiction and arbitration, Incoterms, payment mechanisms, limitation of liability, and force majeure and hardship clauses.
Where disputes arise, we look first for an efficient commercial solution through negotiation or mediation. When formal proceedings become necessary, we assist clients with international commercial arbitration, including proceedings before institutions such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and coordinate cross-border litigation with trusted local counsel where appropriate.
Why Choose Our Firm
International contracts require more than an understanding of domestic law. They require an appreciation of private international law, international trade rules and the commercial practices that shape cross-border transactions.
Our firm combines Greek legal expertise with an international perspective, helping businesses navigate the differences between jurisdictions and structure agreements that provide meaningful protection beyond the Greek market.
Whether you are a smaller business entering international markets for the first time or an established company managing long-term relationships with overseas partners, we provide practical legal support built around your commercial objectives.
Our Approach
We approach every international transaction with a preventive and commercially focused mindset.
Before drafting or reviewing an agreement, we seek to understand the transaction itself: your business objectives, the countries involved, the role of each party, the commercial structure and the risks that could arise during performance.
We then assess the relevant legal framework and identify the issues that need to be addressed, including:
- the applicable law;
- jurisdiction and dispute resolution;
- payment and currency risk;
- delivery and transfer of risk;
- regulatory and customs requirements;
- liability and indemnities;
- intellectual property;
- data protection;
- termination and exit rights.
During negotiations, we focus on protecting your position while keeping the agreement commercially workable.
The objective is not simply to produce a technically correct contract. It is to create an agreement that works for your business when things go according to plan — and protects you when they do not.
Core areas of expertise
International Sales Agreements
Drafting and negotiating international sales contracts, including the application of the CISG, Incoterms, delivery terms and transfer-of-risk arrangements.
Import & Export Compliance
Legal advice on customs requirements, tariffs, export restrictions and compliance with the applicable EU and international trade rules.
Payment & Trade Finance
Structuring secure payment arrangements, including Letters of Credit, bank guarantees and retention-of-title provisions.
International Disputes & Arbitration
Drafting arbitration clauses and advising on international commercial arbitration, the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards and cross-border disputes.
Regulatory Compliance
Advice on international compliance issues involving competition law, consumer protection and data protection, including cross-border transfers of personal data.
Joint Ventures & Strategic Partnerships
Legal structuring of cross-border joint ventures, technology-transfer arrangements, distribution relationships and strategic alliances.
Frequently asked questions
Which law governs an international commercial agreement?
The parties will often choose the law that governs their agreement through an applicable-law clause. Where no choice has been made, the rules of private international law determine which legal system applies; for businesses operating within the EU this may involve the relevant provisions of the Rome I Regulation.
International sales of goods may also fall within the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), unless the parties expressly exclude it. We advise clients on the most appropriate governing-law structure for their particular transaction.
How can we protect ourselves against currency and payment risk?
Cross-border transactions can expose a business to significant currency and payment risk.
Depending on the transaction, we may recommend contractual mechanisms such as currency-adjustment clauses, price-revision provisions, irrevocable Letters of Credit or first-demand bank guarantees. The appropriate structure depends on the countries involved, the creditworthiness of the parties and the nature of the underlying transaction.
Why is arbitration often used in international contracts?
International arbitration can provide a neutral forum for resolving disputes between parties from different jurisdictions, avoiding the national courts of either side.
Depending on the circumstances it can offer neutrality, confidentiality, procedural flexibility and access to specialist arbitrators. A further advantage is the international enforceability of arbitral awards under the New York Convention, which applies in more than 160 states. We advise on arbitration clauses and assist clients with arbitration proceedings where appropriate.
Can you help a Greek company expand into international markets?
Yes. We advise on the legal structure best suited to the proposed expansion, whether that involves a local subsidiary, a branch, a distributor, a commercial agent, a franchise arrangement or a strategic partnership.
We also prepare the contractual framework governing relationships with overseas partners, advise on the international protection of your trade marks and other intellectual property, and coordinate with trusted local counsel where advice under the law of the target jurisdiction is required.