An internationally significant group of experts in private international law (conflict of laws) participated in a Lancaster University Law School funded workshop organised and chaired by Dr Mukarrum Ahmed with Professor David Milman on 21 June. The event facilitated the engagement/exchange of expertise on a broad range of private international law (conflict of laws) topics of contemporary practical importance.

The workshop proceeded as follows:

12.30 pm

Welcome and comments on agenda by Dr Mukarrum Ahmed (University of Lancaster)

Opening of proceedings by Professor Catherine Easton (University of Lancaster)

Professor Paul Beaumont FRSE (University of Stirling), ‘HCCH Jurisdiction Project’

Professor Paul Torremans (University of Nottingham), ‘CJEU case law on Article 7.2 Brussels I Regulation and its application to online copyright cases’

Dr Kirsty Hood KC (Discussant)

1.45 pm – 3.00 pm

Professor Zheng Sophia Tang (Wuhan University and Newcastle University), ‘The challenge of emerging technology to International litigation’

Professor Veronica Ruiz Abou-Nigm (University of Edinburgh), ‘Sustainability and Private International Law’

Dr Mihail Danov (University of Exeter), ‘Private International Law and Competition Litigation in a Global Context’

3.00 pm – 3.15 pm Break

3.15 pm – 5.00 pm

Dr Jayne Holliday (University of Stirling), ‘The non-recognition of transnational divorces’

Dr Chukwuma Okoli (University of Birmingham), ‘Implied Jurisdiction Agreement in International Commercial Contracts’

Dr Michiel Poesen (University of Aberdeen), ‘The interaction between UK private international law and liability arising out of the use of artificial intelligence’

Mr Denis Carey (University of Lancaster), ‘The Consultation on the Reform of the Arbitration Act 1996’

In addition to the expert speakers, the list of confirmed attendees (either in person or online) included:

Professor Gerard McCormack (University of Leeds)

Professor Louise Ellen Teitz (Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island)

Professor Geert Van Calster (KU Leuven)

Professor Maria Margherita Salvadori (University of Torino)

Ms Melissa Ford, Secretary and Diplomat Lawyer (Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law)

Ms Ning Zhao, Principal Legal Officer (Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law)

All in all, it was an afternoon well spent with high quality talks followed by incisive dialogue amongst the participants and attendees. The workshop also provided an ideal opportunity for the participants to catch up with some other well established and emerging colleagues in the field over lunch and tea. During the course of the proceedings, it was highlighted that such strategic events, which promote the systematic study of private international law should become a more frequent occurrence. It is anticipated that the torch lit here in Lancaster will be carried forward in successive events that foster debate on the central issues affecting the future of private international law. The Law School wishes to thank all the participants and attendees for making this event a success.