Open AccessApplication of Smart Contracts and Blockchain Platforms in Cross-Border Oil and Gas Transactions: Aggravation of Conflict-of-Laws Problem
Author(s) -
Dmitriy V. Andriyanov
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
aktualʹnye problemy rossijskogo prava
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2782-1862
pISSN - 1994-1471
DOI - 10.17803/1994-1471.2020.115.6.084-094
Subject(s) - conflict of laws , database transaction , context (archaeology) , parliament , law , smart contract , legislation , european union , business , choice of law , economics , law and economics , political science , computer science , international trade , politics , paleontology , biology , programming language
Modern international hydrocarbons turnover is becoming more autonomous and decentralized. This process is facilitated not only by the introduction into contractual practice of such network technologies as smart contracts and blockchain platforms, but also by the wide dissemination of sources of non-governmental regulation (lex petrolea). In the context of the network paradigm of private international law, the classic problem of conflict of laws is exacerbated. The author considers the conflict-of-laws aspects of the use of smart contracts based on blockchain technology in cross-border oil and gas transactions, taking into account the fact that the use of computer algorithms does not create a new contract, but is only a special form of transaction. Such “automated” transactions in the oil and gas sector involving multiple jurisdictions create uncertainty in their legal regime. In the absence of a comprehensive substantive legal regulation, and in connection with the phenomenon of lex petrolea, the conflict-of-laws method of regulation predominates. The author shares his reasoning concerning the possibility of extending the application of Regulation No. 593/2008 of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union “On the Law to be Applicable to contractual obligations (Rome I)” to smart contracts. The author concludes that existing regulation is quite applicable to smart contracts in cross-border oil and gas transactions. Another question is whether the law, which is applicable by virtue of a conflict-of-laws rule, provides for an appropriate substantive basis. To date, special legislation on smart contracts has been passed in only several American states. It is predicted that in the future, private international law will not only determine the law applicable to smart contracts, but will also be a guide to disseminating the positive experience of legal regulation of smart contracts in different countries.