Owing to spread of e-commerce via Internet, Hague Conference work...

Owing to spread of e-commerce via Internet, Hague Conference working group is expected within next 3-4 weeks to unveil slimmed-down draft treaty aimed at standardizing international laws on jurisdiction and enforcement of foreign judgments in civil cases. Need for harmonization of laws dealing with cross- border disputes has increased with advent of Internet and e- commerce, observers say. Recent noteworthy cross-border litigation includes libel suit brought in Australia against U.S.- based publisher Barrons, and U.S. content industries’ suit in Cal. vs. KaZaA owner Sharman, which is located in Australia and Vanuatu. In contrast to bulky document released in June 2001 -- which proved so controversial that negotiations all but ceased -- revised draft will focus on business-to-business and choice of forum agreements, said Jeffrey Kovar, State Dept. asst. legal adviser-private international law. Experts’ group working to trim current version just completed meeting that was “cordial and business-like,” he said. Panel is making “slow but measurable progress,” he said. Its next meeting is scheduled for end of March. Informal group was created to try to reach common ground on convention.