ICC Model International Franchising Contract as a Source of Lex Mercatoria

The lex mercatoria has gained increasing importance in the field of international commercial law. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a leading organization among those that have made important contributions to the development of lex mercatoria within this field. In our study general information is given about the concept of lex mercatoria and the sources of new lex mercatoria; additionaly, the general properties of both model contracts and ICC model contracts are explained. Then, after brief information is given on franchising which is the most preferred method of distribution and marketing in the world today, the scope and the features of the ICC Model International Franchising Contract which has been prepared for the convenience of the parties of international franchise agreements is examined.