The International Distribution Institute Project

One of our lawyers pointed out the IDI, a European-based service, to me. I haven’t had a chance to use the subscription service myself, but it looks like a fabulous resource. From the English brochure:

The main purpose of the IDI Project is to set up, develop and keep updated a website (www.idiproject.com) on international distribution, where those who are engaged in establishing distribution networks and in drafting, negotiating and managing distribution contracts:

• can find all the legal information they need for doing their job, and
• can exchange views and share experiences with other people having the same problems.

The term «International Distribution» intends to cover all types of agreements regarding the cross-border distribution of goods or services, and in particular:

• commercial agency (including sales representatives and similar agreements);
• distributorship (concessionnaires, exclusive importers, and the like);
• franchising, selective distribution, etc.;
• occasional intermediaries, brokers and similar contracts.

From the same brochure, a description of the services available on-line:

The main services provided through the IDI website are the following:

• Domestic, EU and international legislation on distribution and related matters;
• High quality model contracts;
• International arbitration case law regarding distribution;
• Bibliography;
• Country reports drafted by selected experts;
• News on matters concerning distribution (legislation, international conventions, initiatives of international bodies, court and arbitration cases, etc.);
• CVs of IDI country experts and Council members.

In addition, IDI organizes each year an Annual Conference (free of charge for its members) on a topical issue: the first annual conference took place in Paris on May 13, 2005 and dealt with agency and distribution contracts within the enlarged EU.

Subscription cost, which includes membership in the IDI, is 500 Euros for a single user with subsequent users at the same premises of the same organization an additional 100 Euros. Those who attend their annual conference receive a discount. If you have a conference travel budget it is worth checking out–last year was Paris in May; this year was Venice in June. I’m not sure how one becomes an “IDI country expert” to have your CV made available, but I’m sure if you ask them they will get back to you.

Incidentally, we were having a wee problem connecting to the site this morning so we emailed them, and they called us back from Italy with assistance. Great customer service!