13 Paris

Subject(s):

UNCITRAL Model Law — Recognition and enforcement — Arbitral tribunals — Awards — Place of arbitration

This chapter evaluates the merits of Paris as a venue for international arbitration proceedings. It discusses the history and development of arbitration in France; the processes and rules involved as well as the role of courts in the conduct of arbitration proceedings; and rules for arbitral awards. It concludes that the new French arbitration regime, resulting from the January 13, 2011 reform, continues to distinguish French arbitration law from the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law. This new regime confirms the longstanding supportive approach of France towards arbitration, as an appropriate and adapted mean to resolve international commercial disputes in particular. Yet on certain issues, such as the possibility of waiving the right to challenge awards or the computation of the time limit to introduce such challenges, the innovative provisions of the new French regime have yet to be tested in the courts.