Inside out: the outer limits of the CISG in times of change — smart contracts, AI, digital assets and cryptocurrency

Lisa Spagnolo*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter explores smart contracts, AI, digital assets and cryptocurrencies, discussing whether they are or should be considered inside or outside of the CISG's scope. It considers choices facing parties engaging with these developments, in particular focussing on the choice between the CISG as uniform law and domestic law in terms of relative agility to keep pace with change and provides guidance in terms of choice of law clauses that will effectively implement their choice. It concludes by briefly discussing interpretation of CISG provisions aimed at states and a rule of thumb for otherwise grid-locked views about the CISG's scope.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRoutledge handbook on transnational commercial law
EditorsBruno Zeller, Camilla Baasch Andersen
Place of PublicationLondon ; New York
PublisherRoutledge, Taylor and Francis Group
Chapter3
Pages73-103
Number of pages31
ISBN (Electronic)9781003394822
ISBN (Print)9781032496467, 9781032496474
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Publication series

NameRoutledge International Handbooks
PublisherRoutledge

Keywords

  • CISG
  • Vienna Sales Convention
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence)
  • Digital assets
  • Smart contracts
  • Smart contracts law
  • Digital currency
  • Blockchain
  • Interpretation methodology

Cite this