• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.131-149
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• 2010

Since the Arbitration Law of China took effect in 1995, arbitration has grown with the economy. At the end of 2009, there were 202 arbitration institutions in China. Among them, China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission(CIETAC) has adopted online arbitration and has settled internet domain name disputes since 2001. CIETAC Domain Name Dispute Resolution Center(DNDRC) has accumulated abundant experiences of online arbitration in the field of domain name disputes. Based on those experiences, on 1 May 2009, CIETAC implemented the CIETAC Online Arbitration Rules(Rules') to regulate the resolution of e-business disputes as well as other business disputes. With this background, this article aims to study the status quo, practices and issues of online arbitration conducted by CIETAC. For the purpose of the article, a general picture of online arbitration is outlined first, followed by introducing the steps of the online arbitration procedure. According to the 'Rules', the entire arbitration process is conducted using online communication methods which are cost-effective and efficient. To facilitate the development of online arbitration, legal barriers need to be removed. This article considers main legal issues of online arbitration in China and proposes amendment to Chinese Arbitration Law, in particular, the recognition of the validity of electronic arbitration agreements and awards.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.47-64
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• 2011

The China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission(CIETAC) released online arbitration rules which apply the resolution of disputes over electronic commerce transactions, as well as other economic and trade disputes in which the parties agree to do. The evidence submitted by the parties may be electronic evidence created, sent, received or stored by electronic, optical or magnetic means. Electronic evidence with a reliable electronic signature shall carry the same effect and probative force as a document with a hand-written signature. Where a case is tried in a tribunal, the arbitration tribunal shall conduct an online trial hearing using internet video conference or other electronic or computer communication means. Unless the parties have another agreement, summary procedure shall apply to cases where the amount in dispute exceeds RMB 100,000 but no more than RMB 1 million, or where the amount in dispute exceeds RMB 1 million and a party submits a written application for summary procedure after obtaining the written consent of the other party. Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, fast-track procedure shall apply to cases where the amount in dispute does not exceed RMB 100,000 or where the amount in dispute exceeds RMB 100,000 and a party submits a written application for fast-track procedure after obtaining the written consent of the other party. Notable features of the Online Rules are as follows; first, there is not detailed consideration for online arbitration. Second, communications between the parties and the tribunal are allowed only through the Secretariat. Third, elaborate provisions regarding the electronic submission and transmission of documents is provided for. Forth, various factors must be considered by the tribunal in deciding the evidence's reliability. Fifth, reasonable endeavours is levied on CIETAC to keep data communications secure and encrypted. Sixth, the tribunal has the right to investigate and collect relevant evidence. And finally different procedures are provided for in consideration of the various types of E-commerce.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.215-237
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• 2011

There are more than two hundred arbitral institutions in China. Some of them are active in the development of online arbitration system, such as CIETAC and Guangzhou Arbitration Commission(GAC). GAC, founded in 1995, is the second largest arbitral institution in China which accepts more than 4,000 cases a year. With extensive experiences in arbitration, GAC has conducted online arbitration procedures since 2007. Moreover it opened the whole process of online hearing to the public through the Internet. With this background, this article aims to support the development of online arbitration through the analysis of GAC practices. To meet the purpose, status quo, rules and procedure of online arbitration of GAC are outlined, followed by introducing nine cases conducted by GAC. The scope of GAC online arbitration is comparatively narrow and the institution is still under the government supervision. But the practices of GAC proved that online arbitration is fully admissible and effective under the current legal framework.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.29-47
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• 2014

In recent years, with the rapid development of electronic commerce, companies engaging in e-commerce want to take advantage of fast and easy way to solve ever-growing disputes online. South Korea's e-commerce disputes are mainly solved by mediation process of Korea E-commerce Mediation Committee. The whole process of online mediation can be carried out by the network, with the advantages of high efficiency and speed. On the other hand, the introduction of CIETAC's online Arbitration Rules in China meets the actual needs. Especially the requirement of hearing trials' procedures should be easier and faster, making the dispute can be resolved in a short time. Furthermore, the whole process from applying to ruling is conducted online, which meets the needs of e-commerce business that want to solve the disputes faster and more efficient. In addition, the cost of online arbitration is much lower than the average arbitrations. The implementation of the CIETAC's Online Arbitration Rules, will further promote the development of e-commerce in China. With the increase of trade volume between China and Korea, the e-business are also increasing. Although South Korea has not yet implemented online arbitration until now, CIETAC's effort for combining arbitration and mediation have good implications for development Korea's e-commerce online dispute system to promote e-Commerce between Korea and China.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.49-97
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• 2014

This study is about the availability of Chinese internal arbitration institutions by Korean invested companies. Generally, Chinese internal arbitration institutions lack independence from government. However, because parties seeking an arbitration award have ways to get neutrality from internal arbitration institutions that guarantee party autonomy, these Korean companies can use Chinese internal arbitration institutions to resolve disputes in China. Special attention should be given to the following. First, because Korean companies invested in China are legally in the same position as Chinese companies, unless foreign-related factors intervene, when disputes occur with Chinese companies or individuals, the disputes correspond to internal dispute, and when it comes to choosing the arbitration institution, these Korean companies must choose either a Chinese internal arbitration institution or foreign-related arbitration institution. Second, most Chinese internal arbitration institutions still lack independence from government, which can influence the fairness of arbitration in the future. Therefore, Korean companies invested in China should think about alternative ways to get a minimum impartiality in arbitration cases. Third, the parties are allowed to choose arbitration rules freely in Beijing, Xian, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou arbitration commissions. Therefore, in arbitration cases, the parties can get impartiality by choosing arbitrators according to the arbitration rules which they agree on, or by choosing partially modified arbitration rules of those arbitration commissions. Fourth, in order to get an impartial arbitration award from Chinese internal arbitration institutions in China, it is important for Korean lawyers or arbitration experts -- fluent in Chinese -- to be registered in the List of Arbitrators of Chinese internal arbitration institution by way of signing a MOU between the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board, or the Korean Association of Arbitration Studies and arbitration commissions such as those of Beijing, Xian, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou which comparatively do guarantee party autonomy. Fifth, because application of the preservation of property before application of arbitration is not approved in China, in practice, in order to preserve property before application of arbitration, it is best to file another suit in China based on other legal issue (e.g., tort) independent from the contract which an arbitration agreement is applied to. Sixth, in arbitration commissions which allow different agreement regarding arbitration procedures or arbitration rules, it is possible to choose a neutral arbitrator from a third country as a presiding arbitrator via UNCITRAL arbitration rules or ICC arbitration rules. Seventh, in the case of Chinese internal arbitral award, because the court reviews the substantive matters to decide the refusal of compulsory execution, the execution rate could be relatively lower than that of foreign-related cases. Therefore, when Korean companies invested in China use Chinese internal arbitration institution, they should endure low rate of execution. Eighth, considering the operational experiences of public policy on foreign-related arbitration awards so far, in cases of Chinese internal arbitration award, the possibility of cancellation of arbitral award or the possibility to refuse to execute the award due to public policy is thought to be higher than that of foreign arbitral awards. Ninth, even though a treaty on judicial assistance in civil and commercial matters has been signed between Korea and China, and it includes a provision on acknowledgement and enforcement of arbitral award, when trying to resolve disputes through Chinese internal arbitration institution, the treaty would not be a big help to resolve the disputes, because the disputes between Korean companies invested in China and the party in China are not subject to the treaty. Tenth, considering recent tendency of conciliation by the arbitral tribunal in China and the voluntary execution rate of the parties, the system of conciliation by the arbitral tribunal is expected to affect as a positive factor the Korean companies that use Chinese internal arbitration institution. Finally, when using online arbitration, arbitration fees can be reduced, and if the arbitration commissions guaranteeing party autonomy have online arbitration system, the possibility of getting impartial arbitration award through them is higher. Therefore, the use of online arbitration system is recommended.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.25-46
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• 2015

Cross-border consumer disputes are on the increase as cross-border trade between consumers and businesses continues to grow. Cross-border consumer disputes are difficult to solve, because there are different languages, laws and institutions between the parties. These consumer disputes can be solved more easily by Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in comparison with utilizing court processes. ODR is a branch of dispute resolution which uses technology to facilitate the resolution of disputes between parties. It primarily involves negotiation, mediation or arbitration, or a combination of all three. In this respect it is often seen as being the online equivalent of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). On 18 June 2013, the new legislation on Alternative Dispute Resolution and Online Dispute Resolution has been published - the "Directive on Consumer ADR and Regulation on Consumer ODR". The new legislation on ADR and ODR will allow consumers and traders to solve their disputes without going to court, in a quick, low-cost and simple way. The United Nations working group for online dispute resolution of cross-border electronic commerce transactions (UNCITRAL Working Group III) has been underway since 2010 to continue its work on procedural rules for ODR.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.115-133
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• 2022

This article examines the Practical Suggestions for Promoting of Virtual Hearings in International Arbitration. COVID-19 had an prompt and meaningful impact on the practice of international arbitration. Nevertheless arbitral institutions, arbitral tribunals, and other participants learned quickly how to deal with this new challenge. The use of virtual or online hearings has been gaining popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Either with the help of arbitral institutions or by themselves, the parties realized that the only way to safeguard a hearing at all was to run it virtually. In fact, hearings by video conference or other technical means seemed to be the magic solution. One of the leading arbitration institutions, i.e. the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris has amended its Arbitration Rules to accept the subjects of recent international arbitration practice. Other arbitral institutions have similarly amended their respective rules. Many recent and adaptable institutional arbitration rules, either expressly or implicitly, allow for hearings to be conducted remotely. The trend has already been set by the leading institutions as ICC, LCIA, ICSID, SCC SIAC, and many more will follow. In short, enthusiasts of virtual hearings even believe that virtual hearings are "the new normal".

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.3-25
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• 2005

The companies' management strategies of the electronic commerce market are different from those of the traditional market. The main difference between the electronic commerce market and the traditional market is an IT network system which is a companies' management strategies in the electronic commerce market. This study focuses on the examination and analysis of the companies' management strategies which are constituted through influence on the effectiveness of the IT network system in the electronic commerce market and Promoting Arbitration System in The Era of Digital Economy this study is to introduce several alternative policies of the Government and companies to such formated IT network system of the electronic commerce market in the future. It's also suggested that the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board (KCAB) fully cover consideration and arbitration, while KCAB for Electronic Commerce activates its proper role of consulting and ad hoc arbitration by using electronic information. E-commerce sets up the probability that its merchants and customers will not exist in the same legal jurisdictions. The confusing application of laws and wide geographical dispersion of these parties will necessitate a faster and cheaper dispute resolution methodology. Therefore, online ADR may be effective for e-commerce dispute resolution. The examples of online ADR operation are the cyber mediation of Electronic Transaction Dispute Resolution Committee, the cyber mediation of Korean Commercial Arbitration Board, the cyber mediation of Click N Settle, the online ADR of BBB online, and the cyber arbitration of virtual Magistrate. The paper points out the last one as the most desired practice. This study results are how to minimize the disputes and the method of dispute settlement. Therefore, a role of arbitration proposed and emphasized. To protect the dispute in advance, it's suggested to revise rules timely following on technical changes, and emphasized that the dispute has to lead to arbitration settlement not for consuming unnecessary time and finance for enterprises and consumers.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.323-365
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• 1999

The digital revolution is happening much more quickly and Internet Commerce and Electronic Commerce is having a profound influence on the global trade and internal commerce, revolutionize the way of doing business, especially retail and direct marketing. Owing to Internet, an increasing share of business transactions occurs online. Electronic payment is essential for the smooth progress of the electronic commerce as electronic payment plays the important role in the electronic commerce, that is, the value transfer resulting from the electronic commerce. So far, there have not been a considerable emphasis on the risks residing in the electronic payment and money. So, this paper deals with the risks in the electronic payment and money, in particular technical risks and social risks, and the reliability-increasing schemes to prevent the risks in the electronic payment. The reliability-increasing schemes relate to the security of the electronic payment systems and certification authority and key management, transaction rules between the parties concerned in the electronic payment.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.133-156
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• 2004

The rapid development of the internet may not have occurred without techniques of linking and framing, which provide users flexible and easy access to other website. These techniques have enabled internet users to navigate the internet efficiently and sort through the products, services and information available on the internet. The Advent of the global information structure and the do-called EC revolution raise countless new issues and questions. There are no limitations regulating the expressions on the cyberspace due to internet's of quality anonymity? diversity? spontaneity. Therefore, the freedom of speech is expanded in both areas of time and space, which was impossible with the old communicating system. Although online technology raises many new legal issues, the law available to help us resolve them, at least today, is largely based on the world as it existed before online commerce became a reality. Thus the challenge is to predict how these new legal issues may be resolved using the current law. As a result of the drastic change of the environment for international trade of which that has taken took place in parallel with the global information technology revolution on a global basis, the scope of issues to be addressed which should be resolved by the conflict of laws principles has been remarkably expanded, and various new issues of an entirely which are quite new in its type and nature have arisen been raised. Further more in addition, the old act prior act was regarded as insufficient in that it lacked rules on international governing law to adjudicate, or international adjudicatory governing law, where as the expectation of the public was that the private international law should function as the basic law of the legal relational encompassing rules on governing law given the increase of It international disputes. for the move the private international law has also attracted more attention from the korean.