International Portal of the University of Alicante
on Intellectual Property &
Information Society

Links Section

Información General

Información General.
Organizaciones de Ámbito Universal

ICC International Commerce Commission (Spanish, English, French)
http://www.iccwbo.org

The ICC is a private entity that operates as a world organization of businesspeople. The site contains interesting sections relating to Information Society and E-Commerce, Intellectual Property, INCOTERMS 2000, Uniform Rules and Customs Relating to Documentary Credits, Model Contracts, Arbitration and Resolution of Disputes, Development Cooperation, Sustainable Development, codes of self-regulation of professional associations.

UNCITRAL (Spanish, English, French, Arabic, Chinese)
http://www.uncitral.org

UNCITRAL/CNUDMI is the central legal entity of the United Nations system for international commercial law. This is a basic site to learn the present state of codification (see Adopted Texts section) and most recent developments in international commercial law (see Preparatory Work section). Also, there is information regarding International Commercial Arbitration and Mediation, International Sale of Goods and Related Operations, Cross-Border Insolvency, International Payments (Convention on Grants of Credit, Convention on Guarantees, Convention of Letters of Exchange and Debt, etc.), International Transport of Goods, E-Commerce, Public Contracting, and Secured Guarantees.

UNESCO (Spanish, English, French, Arabic, Chinese)
http://www.unesco.org

Information about the history, functions, and structure of UNESCO. Access to publications and documents related to the activity of the United Nations, human rights, natural and social sciences, protection of historic and cultural inheritance and communications and information. Section on copyright.

UNIDROIT The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (English, French)
http://www.unidroit.org

Site of the independent intergovernmental organization that studies the needs and methods for modernizing, harmonizing, and coordinating private law among the nations. It prepares model laws to serve as a reference for the legislatures of the nations of the world when drafting new laws. The website includes Database of International Case Law and Bibliography relating to the UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contracts, Principles and Rules of Transnational Civil Procedure, Status reports on the Conventions drawn up by UNIDROIT and approved at diplomatic conferences convened by member States of UNIDROIT.

UPOV International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (Spanish, English, French, German)
http://www.upov.int

UPOV is an inter-governmental organization created by the International Convention for the Protection of Plant Varieties, adopted in Paris in 1961. In the section Legal Sources, it contains a repertory of legislation and caselaw on the protection of plant varieties by means of intellectual property rights.

WIPO (Spanish, English, French, Arabic, Chinese)
http://www.wipo.int

Presents the objectives, functions and general organization of the WIPO (with 179 member states and responsibility for the administration of 23 international treaties, including intellectual and industrial property treaties) and its main activities, among them promotion of creative and innovative activities, progressive development and codification of international IP law, systems and services of the global system of cooperation in protection of IP. It also deals with globalization, information technology impact, e-commerce, domain names, and biotechnology. It has a very extensive library of the legislation of many countries translated into English, French, and Spanish (Collection of Laws for Electronic Access).

WTO (Spanish, English, French)
http://www.wto.org

Page of the WTO, an inter-governmental organization that oversees the rules that govern trade between the 146 Member States. It offers up-to-date information on three major areas of trade issues: first, trade in goods (access to goods markets and related negotiations, General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT), negotiations on agriculture, anti-dumping rules and competition rules, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures, rules of origin, information technology products, subsidies and compensatory rights, customs valuations, etc.); second, trade in services (General Agreement on Trade in Services)(GATS), financial services, telecommunications, etc.); third, Intellectual Property (Agreement on Intellectual Property Aspects of Trade)(ADPIC/TRIPS). Other issues: regional trade agreements and related negotiations, civilian aircraft, e-commerce, public contracting, environment, health, and international trade.

Información General.
Ámbito Europeo

Council of Europe
http://www.coe.int

The Council of Europe, founded in 1949, is the oldest of the European political organizations. Its main objectives are the protection and strengthening of democracy and human rights, the promotion of knowledge of the multilingual and multicultural nature of Europe, and the promotion of economic and social progress. The section Legal Affairs provides legal information relevant to the fields of data protection, the fight against cybercrime, and bioethics.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo.
Unión Europea

EU Institutions (Spanish, English, French, German, Portuguese, Greek , Dutch, Italian, Swedish, Danish)
http://europa.eu/institutions/index_es.htm

Site describing the institutional structure of the EU. It contains general sections relating to the six fundamental institutions: the Commission, the Union Council, the European Parliament, the Justice Court, the Court of Accounts and the Defender of the European People. There are also specialized entities, entities that carry out inter-institutional functions, decentralized agencies, foreign policy and common security of the European Union, and Cooperation in police, legal, and criminal matters.

European Software Institute (English)

European Software Institute (ESI) is a non-profit foundation launched as an initiative of the European Commission, with the support of the Basque Government and leading European companies working in the Information Technology field.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea.
General

Centre for European Documentation (CED) (Spanish)
http://www.cde.ua.es

Page of the Centre of European Documentation of the UA. Complete collection of documentation regarding political and legal activities of the EU and the member states. EU Official Reports, Series L, C, and S; Official Bulletin of the State (Spain); other European official, autonomic, and regional bulletins; EU jurisprudence; EU documents (treaties, reports, green books and white books); subject directory; database; page with entities and institutions of the EU and Europe; and Euro page.

EURLEX (Spanish, English, French, German, Portuguese, Greek , Dutch, Italian, Swedish, Danish)
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/

Law of the European Union. Seven main sections: Official Reports, Treaties, Legislation in force, Legislation being prepared, Jurisprudence, Parliamentary questions, and Documents of public interest. Contains a search engine, a glossary and an up-to-date selection, FAQ, and a section of basic information on community law (The law of the EU, Procedures and Protagonists: ABC of community law with Glossary).

IDEA The Electronic Directory of the European Institutions (Spanish, English, French, German, Portuguese, Greek , Dutch, Italian, Swedish, Danish)
http://europa.eu/whoiswho/whoiswho.html

Electronic Annual on the Institutions of the EU. General directory of the entities and persons that work in the European institutions, with addresses and contact information.

The European Union On Line (Spanish, English, French, German, Portuguese, Greek , Dutch, Italian, Swedish, Danish)
http://www.europa.eu.int

Permanently-updated information on activities, official documents and community institutions of the EU. Under "Activities" it has an extensive page on Information Society.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea.
Estados Miembros

The public-service for the Law dissemination (French)
http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr

Information about the French Law: Constitution, codes, legislation, regulations, Official Journal, and constitutional, administrative and judicial case law. It is also possible to find European and International Law and jurisprudence. Although the website is in French it is possible to find English and Spanish version of some legal texts.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Alemania

Bundesrat of Germany (English, German)
http://www.bundesrat.de

Entity of the legislative branch that participates in the process of legislation and that also carries out a linking function between the Federal Government and the States of the Federation and the European institutions. Sections of general information about the chamber, activities, application forms, and searches.

Bundestag of Germany (English, French, German)
http://www.bundestag.de

Entity of the legislative branch that represents the will of the whole of the citizens. Sections of general information about the chamber, its members, legislation, and European and international matters.

German Law Archive (German Law in English) (English)
http://www.iuscomp.org/gla/

Hosted by the University of Oxford, the site has legislation, caselaw, articles, bibliographies, and other materials.

German laws (English)
http://www.words-worth.de/robin/german-law/

In this site you can find a lot of German laws translated in English.

German Ministry of Justice (German)
http://bundesrecht.juris.de/bundesrecht/index.html

This is the official web site from the German Ministry of Justice. On this site one can find many German laws translated into English.

Government of the Federal Republic of Germany (English, French, German)
http://www.bundesregierung.de

Site of the Office of Information and Press of the Federal Government. General information about government organization, the economy and culture.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Austria

Austrian Government Web Portal (English, German)
http://www.austria.gv.at

Portal of the Federal Chancellery. General information about institutions, state entities, culture, economy and law.

Austrian Parliament (English, German)
http://www.parlament.gv.at

Nationalrat and Bundesrat. General information sections about the chamber, its members, news, and the legislative process.

Ministry of Justice (German)
http://www.bmj.gv.at

In the website of the Ministry of Justice you will find some information about justice, courts and public authorities in Austria.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Bélgica

Belgian Judicial Government (French, Dutch)
http://www.juridat.be

Official site of the Belgian judicial government contains a search robot for all Belgian law and jurisprudence.

Belgium Federal Parliament (French, Dutch)
http://www.lachambre.be

General information sections on the chamber, its members, news, and the legislative process.

Federal Government of Belgium (English, French, German, Dutch)
http://www.belgium.be

General information about the institucional structure, e-government, and integration in Europe. Important note: Belgium, as a member of BENELUX, has ceded certain powers in the area of intellectual property law, such as the Uniform Law of Benelux on Trademarks. Consult the BENELUX pages www.bmb-bbm.org and www.bbtm-bbdm.org.

Ministry of Economy (English, French, German, Dutch)
http://www.mineco.fgov.be

This website contains information about diverse matters, including Intellectual Property and Information Society. This site also provides guidelines to protect the Intellectual Property.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Dinamarca

Denmark Legislative Branch (English, Danish)
http://www.folketinget.dk

Official web site of the Folketinget, legislative entity and the people´s representative. Information about the chamber, its members, political parties, the legislative process, and sessions.

Official Web Portal of Denmark (Spanish, English, French, German, Danish)
http://www.denmark.dk

Official Web Site of Denmark, with general information about history, main institutions, official entities, and international and European integration.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
España

Congress of Deputies of Spain (Spanish, English)
http://www.congreso.es

Legislative entity and the people´s representative. Sections with up-to-date information, information about parliamentary entities and groups, functions of the chamber, legislative initiatives, and international information.

Legal Page, University of Gerona, Spain (Spanish)
http://civil.udg.es/pagina/

A very useful general resource on the law in Spain and Latin America. News and many links. Some parts in English. Also offers legal materials for sale.

Ministry of Industrial, Tourism and Commerce (Spanish, English)

Web site of the Department of Industrial, Tourism and Commerce, entrusted department of policy related to industrial innovation and development, commerce, small and medium enterprise, energy and mining, tourism, telecommunications, audiovisuals media and development of information society.

Official Bulletin of the State (Spanish)
http://www.boe.es

The Official Publication of the laws of Spain.

Presidency of the Spanish Government (Spanish, English, French)
http://www.la-moncloa.es

Presidency of the Spanish government. General information and sections dedicated to the principal state institutions (the Royal House, Government and Ministers, Congress, Senate, General Counsel of the Judicial Power) and autonomous institutions.

Science and Technology Portal of the University of Alicante (UACit)
http://www.uacit.ua.es/

The Science and Technology Portal of the University of Alicante is an institutional Project promoted within the University of Alicante by the vice-chancellorships of Research, Development, Innovation and Institutional Relations.

Senate of Spain (Spanish, English)
http://www.senado.es

Entity of the legislative branch and chamber of territorial representation. Sections on its composition and funtioning, legislative initiatives, activities and news, and interparliamentary relations.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Finlandia

Official Web Portal, Government of Finland (English, Finnish, Swedish)
http://www.valtioneuvosto.fi

General information about history, principal institutions, official entities, and international and European integration.

Parliament of Finland (English, French, Swedish)
http://www.eduskunta.fi

Official site of the Finnish Parliament. Sections on history, functions, composition and activities of the Parliament, the European Union, and international activities.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Francia

Law of French-Speaking Countries (French)
http://droit.francophonie.org/df-web/

Droit Francophone is the portal for free access to the Law of the Inter-governmental Agency of the French-speaking World (Francofonie). It has more than 3500 annotated legal links, as well as collections of legislation and caselaw, in connection with the member states of the International Organization of the French-speaking World.

National Assembly of France (Spanish, English, French, German, Italian)
http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr

Legislative entity and the people´s representative. Information about history, composition, functions and activities of the chamber.

Official Web Portal, Civil Service of the Government of France (Spanish, English, French, German)
http://www.service-public.fr

Extensive information about French institutions, law, and government activities, especially with respect to the Civil Service. Official Reports and law codes with translations. (SEE THEIR LINK legifrance.gouv.fr, with a great deal of useful information on French laws, including texts.)

Senate of France (Spanish, English, French, German)
http://www.senat.fr

Information about history, composition, functions, and activities of the Upper Chamber.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Grecia

Official Web Portal, Government of Greece (English, Greek )
http://www.government.gr

Information about the principal international, national, municipal, and community institutions and entities.

Parliament of Greece (English, French, Greek )
http://www.parliament.gr

Information about history, composition, functions, and activities of the Parliament.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Holanda

Official Web Site, Government of Holland (Dutch)
http://www.government.nl/

Information about the principal Dutch institutions (Government, Ministries, Parliament), official entities and a special section about technological innovation. Important note: Holland, as a member of BENELUX, has ceded certain powers in the area of intellectual property, such as the Uniform Law of Benelux on Marks. Consult the BENELUX pages, www.bmb-bbm.org and www.bbtm-bbdm.org.

Parliament of Holland (English, Dutch)
http://www.parlement.nl

Two separate sections for the Senate and the Congress. Basic information in English.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Irlanda

British and Irish Legal Information Institute (English)
http://www.bailii.org

An extensive and excellent collection of legal materials from Great Britain and Ireland.

Irishlaw.org (English)
http://www.irishlaw.org

A site offered by the Law School of the University of College Cork, with extensive resources on the topic of general Irish law.

Official Web Portal, Government of Ireland (English)
http://www.irlgov.ie

Information about the main national institutions (Government, Parliament, Official Entities) and European institutions.

Parliament of Ireland (English)
http://www.irlgov.ie/oireachtas/

Information about the composition, regulations, functions and activities of the chambers.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Italia

Chamber of Deputies of Italy (Italian)
http://www.camera.it

Information related to the composition, organization, functions, regulations, activities and publications of the chamber. Basic information in German, Arabic, Spanish, French, and English.

Official Web Site of Italy (Italian)
http://palazzochigi.it

Presidencia of the Council of Ministres of Italy. Information about the main national institutions.

Republic of Italy Law (Italian)
http://www.dirittoonline.it/Link/principale1.asp

An interesting collection of links that provide the text of various Italian laws.

Senate of Italy (Italian)
http://www.senato.it

Information related to the composition, organization, functions, regulations, and legislative initiatives of the Senate, European and international matters, and publications of the chamber.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Luxemburgo

Central Legislation Service of Luxembourg (French)
http://www.legilux.public.lu/scl/

Sections on constitutional legislation, official reports, and search engines.

Economic Ministry of Luxembourg (French)
http://www.etat.lu/EC/

Ministry of the Economy, with sections dedicated to technological innovation, the protection of Copyright, Information Society and e-commerce.

Official Web Site, Government of Luxembourg (French)
http://www.gouvernement.lu

General information about the principal national institutions, especially in the section Tout Savoir sur le Luxembourg. Important note: Luxembourg, as a member of BENELUX, has ceded certain certain powers in the area of intellectual property law, such as the Uniform Law of Benelux on Trademarks. Consult the BENELUX pages www.bmb-bbm.org and www.bbtm-bbdm.org.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Portugal

Official Web Site, Government of Portugal (English, Portuguese)
http://www.portugal.gov.pt

General information about the principal international, national and community institutions. Limited information in English.

Parliament of Portugal (English, French, Portuguese)
http://www.parlamento.pt

Information about constitutional law, and the organization, functioning, and activities of the Parliament. Also accessible through www.assembleiadarepublica.pt.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Reino Unido

British and Irish Legal Information Institute (English)
http://www.bailii.org

An excellent and extensive collection of legal materials from Great Britain and Ireland.

Office of Public Sector Information (English)
http://www.opsi.gov.uk

Excellent site providing existing and pending legislation for the United Kingdom.

Official Web Site, Government of United Kingdom (English)
http://www.number-10.gov.uk

Very complete information about the institutional structure, legal resources on the Internet, present situation and historical archives.

The Law Commission for England and Wales (English)
http://www.lawcom.gov.uk

Independent body set up by Parliament in 1965 to review the law and to recommend reform when it is required. This site provides several legal materials.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Suecia

Official Web Site, Government of Sweden (English, Swedish)
http://www.regeringen.se

Information about the principal national institutions (Government, Parliament, Judiciary), official entities and legislation, and European integration.

Parliament of Sweden (English, Swedish)
http://www.riksdagen.se

Information about organization, regulations, functions and activities of the Parliament.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Chipre

Government of Cyprus (English, Greek )
http://www.pio.gov.cy

Official page of the government of Cyprus.

Parliament of Cyprus (English, French, Greek )
http://www.parliament.cy

Information about the constitution, members, organization, legislative activity, and international activity.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Eslovaquia

Government of Slovakia (English)
http://www.government.gov.sk

Web portal of the government of Slovakia. General information.

Parliament of Slovakia (English)
http://www.nrsr.sk

Information on the composition, members, funtions and activities of the Parliament.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Eslovenia

Government of Slovenia (English, Esloveno)
http://www.sigov.si

Links with the main institutions and governmental entities.

Parliament of Slovenia (English, Esloveno)
http://www.sigov.si/dsvet/

Sections of definitions, composition, activities and contacts with the institution.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Estonia

Estonia Legal Language Centre (English, Estonian)
http://www.legaltext.ee/indexen.htm

Wide range of Estonian legislation translated into English, including that related to intellectual and industrial property.

Government of Estonia (English, Estonian)
http://www.riik.ee

Sections dedicated to official entities, law, integration in Europe, and statistics.

Parlamento de Estonia (English, Estonian)
http://www.riigikogu.ee

Sections on history, legislative procedures, international activity and parliamentary news.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Hungría

Government of Hungary (English, German, Hungarian)
http://www.ekormanyzat.hu

General information about institutions, entities, culture, and economy.

Parliament of Hungary (English, Hungarian)
http://www.mkogy.hu

Sections dedicated to parliamentary activity and the integration into Europe and NATO/OTAN.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Letonia

Official Government Site, Government of Latvia (English, French)
http://www.am.gov.lv

Ministry of Foreign Affairs. General information about institutions, entities, culture and economy.

Parliament of Latvia (English)
http://www.saeima.lv

Extensive information about history, the constitution of Parliament, its members, internal organization, activities, legislation, and European integration.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Lituania

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania (English)
http://www.urm.lt

General information about government structure, other institutions and entities, economy, international relations, integration in Europe and NATO/OTAN, and cooperation in the Baltic.

Parlamento de Lituania (English, French)
http://rc.lrs.lt

Information about the composition, regulations, and political and legislative activity of the assembly.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Malta

Legal Malta
http://www.legal-malta.com

Offers a very wide range of laws of Malta, including legislation, as well as a great deal of other information about the island. Oriented towards commercial and business activities.

Legislation on Intellectual Property in Malta (English)
http://www.chetcuticauchi.com/jpc/intellectual-property/

Web page of attorney Dr. Jean-Philippe Chetcuti. Information about the legal regime for Intellectual and Industrial Property in Malta.

Malta Laws Site
http://www.legal-malta.com

Offers a very wide range of information on laws and economic activity in Malta. Includes much legislation. Oriented towards commercial and business activities.

Official Site, Government of Malta (English)
http://www.gov.mt

General information about principal institutions (Government and dependencies, Parliament, Official Entities), legislation, European integration, and e-government.

Parliament of Malta (English)
http://www.parliament.gov.mt

Information about the composition, structure, members and activities of the institution, European integration, and constitutional legislation.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
Polonia

Official Site, Government of Poland (English, Polish)
http://www.prezydent.pl

General information about the State, integration in Europe and continental defense.

Official Site, Lower House of Poland (English, Polish)
http://www.sejm.gov.pl

General information centered on the institution itself.

Official Site, Senate of Poland (English, Polish)
http://www.senat.gov.pl

General information centered on the institution itself.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Unión Europea. Estados Miembros.
República Checa

Chamber of Deputies, Czech Republic (English, French, German, Czech)
http://www.psp.cz

Sections on composition, members, structure, news and activities of the Chamber.

Official Site, Government of the Czech Republic (English, Czech)
http://www.czech.cz

National institutions (Government, Parliament, Judiciary) and references to European integration.

Senate of the Czech Republic (English, Czech)
http://www.senat.cz

Sections on members, structure, news, and integration in Europe.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo.
EFTA Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio

Official Site, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (English)
http://www.eurosur.org/EFTA/

The site has information on the Association, including the Secretariat, the Surveillance Authority, and the Court.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. EFTA Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio.
Islandia

Government of Iceland (English)
http://www.stjr.is

General information about institutions, governmental entities, jurisprudence, economy and culture.

Parliament of Iceland (English, Danish)
http://www.althingi.is

An introduction to the institution and general information about parliamentary groups, organization of its work, and contact with the chamber.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. EFTA Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio.
Liechtenstein

Government of Liechtenstein (English, German)
http://www.liechtenstein.li

General information about history, governmental structure, law, and the European Economic Space.

Parliament of Liechtenstein (German)
http://www.landtag.li

Complete information about the composition, members, regulations, activity and leglislative news and policies.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. EFTA Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio.
Noruega

Ministries of Norway (Spanish, English, French, German, Norwegian)
http://www.odin.dep.no

General information about Norway, provided by the State Information Service. In the section of the Justice Ministry there is general legal information (in English).

Parliament of Norway (English, Norwegian)
http://www.stortinget.no

Information about history, org chart, legislation, members, political parties, and parliamentary publications.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. EFTA Asociación Europea de Libre Comercio.
Suiza

Official Site of Switzerland (English, French, German, Italian)
http://www.admin.ch

Complete information about the federal structure of the nation: the history of the Confederation, governmental structure, division of powers, territorial organization, and international activity.

Parliament of Switzerland (English, French, German, Italian)
http://www.parliament.ch

Parliament of the Helvetic Confederation. Extensive information about legal and political activity in Switzerland.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo.
Otros Países de Europa

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Otros Países de Europa.
Andorra

General Council, Principality of Andorra (English, French)
http://www.consell.ad

Information about the organization, members, activities, publications and dependencies of Parliament.

Government of the Principality of Andorra (English, French, German, Dutch)
http://www.andorra.ad

Ministry of the Presidency and Tourism of Andorra. Information about the main institutions, culture, society, statistics and foreign activities.

Información General. Ámbito Europeo. Otros Países de Europa.
Mónaco

Monaco Official Site (English, French)
http://www.gouv.mc

Information about the principal institutions (the Crown, National Council, State Council, Government, Consultive Entities, Justice, the Commune), economy, culture, and education.

Información General.
América del Sur y Central y Caribe

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe.
General

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) (Spanish, English)
http://www.eclac.org

ECLAC/CEPAL is a special entity within the United Nations (UN), whose objective is to contribute to regional economic development. In the section of the Division of International Trade and Integration it provides complete information regarding International Trade, Policy and Trade Negotiations, Regional Integration and Interregional Relations.

Latin American Network Information Center (Spanish, English, Portuguese)
http://lanic.utexas.edu/

Sponsored by the University of Austin, Texas (USA), this site has a very wide range of links on general information about Latin America, including on law (under "Government").

National Law Centre for Inter-American Free Trade (Spanish, English)
http://www.natlaw.com

The Centre, a technical and educational not-for-profit entity, is the official centre of the United States for the legal implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The institution is affiliated with the University of Arizona, the Legal Research Institute of the UNAM of Mexico, and with the Technological Institute of Superior Studies of Monterrey, Mexico. The Centre also enjoys the support of the U.S. Congress and the government of Arizona. The site provides legal information and laws from Latin American countries. See the InterAm database (click the link called Access the Database).

O.A.S. Trade Unit Foreign Trade Information System (Spanish, English, French, Portuguese)
http://www.sice.oas.org

SICE is a technical division of the Trade Unit of the Organization of American States (OAS/OEA). Complete information about trade in the Americas, with references to integration processes: ALCA, TLCAN/NAFTA, MERCOSUR, y Comunidad Andina (Andean Community). Contains very extensive sections on Intellectual and Industrial Property, E-commerce, Competition Policy, Dispute Settlement, Investments, legislation from all the countries of the Americas, links with regional organizations and associations.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe.
Organismos de Integración Regional

Association of Caribbean States (ACS) (Spanish, English, French)
http://www.acs-aec.org/

Site of ACS/AEC with complete information for the consultation, cooperation and concerted action in matters involving commerce, transportation, sustainable tourism and natural disasters.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) (English)
http://www.caricom.org

Organization of regional integration established in 1958 that includes Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belice, Dominica, Granada, Guyana, Haití, Jamaica, Montserrat, Sant Kitts and Nevis, Santa Lucía, St. Vicent y the Granadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Information on the development of a common market, with sections dedicated to technology and telecommunications (Regional ICT).

Free Trade Area of the Americas (Spanish, English, French, Portuguese)
http://www.alca-ftaa.org

Official site of ALCA, initiated at the Summit of the Americas in 1994, to integrate the economies of the Western Hemisphere in a single free trade agreement. The section on Negotiation Groups contains references to Intellectual Property Rights, E-commerce, Competition Policy, and Dispute Resolution.

Latin American Economic System (Spanish, English, French, Portuguese)
http://www.sela.org/sela/

Regional intergovernmental entity created in 1975, made up of 28 countries of Latin America and the Carribean. Its objectives are to agree on common strategies in Latin America and the Caribbean in economic matters when dealing with countries, groups of countries, and international forums and entities. Sections on globalization, trade, foreign investment, regional integration, economic policy, industry, and society.

Latin American Integration Association (Spanish, Portuguese)
http://www.aladi.org

An intergovernmental entity that promotes the expansion of the integration of Latin America and has as its ultimate objective the establishment of a common market. It is the largest Latin American integration group, and includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, México, Paraguay, Perú, Uruguay y Venezuela. Information about institutional rules, regulation of foreign trade, competition law, and a web portal on E-commerce.

MERCOSUR (Spanish, Portuguese)
http://www.mercosur.org

MERCOSUR is a customs unification formed by four countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, established March 26, 1991 with the Treaty of Asunción. Complete institutional information.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe.
Los Estados

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Argentina

Chamber of Deputies of Argentina (Spanish)
http://www.diputados.gov.ar

Sections on history, organization, members, political parties, legislative activity and policy of the chamber.

Official Site of Argentina (Spanish)
http://www.presidencia.gov.ar

Presidency of the Argentine Republic. Complete information on governmental organization, economy, and national and international political activity.

Senate of Argentina (Spanish)
http://www.senado.gov.ar

Complete information on the composition, members, legislative and political activity, commisions and publications of the chamber.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Bolivia

National Congress of Bolivia (Spanish)
http://www.congreso.gov.bo

Sections on composition, members, parties, legislation, and library.

Official Site of Bolivia (Spanish, English)
http://www.presidencia.gov.bo

Sections on the composition and structure of the government, constitutional legislation, official report, and news. Important note: In some areas of intellectual property law, the member states of the Comunidad Andina have adopted decisions and agreements of the Comunidad Andina, as for example Decision 486, Common System on Industrial Property (Published in Official Gazette 600).

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Brasil

Chamber of Deputies of Brazil (Portuguese)
http://www.camara.gov.br

Complete information relating to the composition, members, political parties, political and legislative activities, legislative process, constitutional legislation, and official bulletins.

Federal Senate of Brazil (Portuguese)
http://www.senado.gov.br

Complete information on the chamber, composition, members, activities, legislative process, legislation, foreign activities, and MERCOSUR.

Official Site of Brazil (Portuguese)
http://www.brazil.gov.br

Complete information on the federal structure and composition and activities of the government.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Chile

National Congress of Chile (Spanish)
http://www.congreso.cl

Separate sections for the Chamber of Deputies (http://www.camara.cl/) and the Senate (http://www.senado.cl/). Sections on their composition, members, political parties, parliamentary activities, and legislation.

Official Diary of Chile (Spanish)
http://www.diarioficial.cl/

Site of the official State body in charge of the publications of the laws of the land. Many of the offered resources require payment, but there are some laws for free under "Actualidad Jurídica."

Official Site, Government of Chile (Spanish)
http://www.gobiernodechile.cl

Complete information on the structure of the State, political and legislative activity, information for the citizens and consumers, Defender of the People, taxes, foreign activity of the State, and references to the Free Trade Agreement with the USA.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Colombia

Official Site, Presidency of Colombia (Spanish)
http://www.presidencia.gov.co

General Information about the Country, Org Chart, Functions, Constitution, Speeches, Ministries, Secretaries, Councils, Labor Programs, International Relations, National Radio, News. Important note: In some areas of intellectual property law, the member states of the Comunidad Andina have adopted decisions and agreements of the Comunidad Andina, as for example Decision 486, Common System on Industrial Property (Published in Official Gazette 600).

Senate of Colombia (Spanish)
http://www.senado.gov.co

Sections on History, Composition, Functions, Legislative Agenda, Projects, Parties and Political Movements, Services, Statistics, and News.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Costa Rica

Official Site, Government of Costa Rica (Spanish)
http://www.casapres.go.cr

Presidency of the Republic. News, governmental organization, official bulletins.

The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica (Spanish)
http://www.asamblea.go.cr/

Complete information on history, composition, members, political parties, legislative activities, documentation, and constitution.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Cuba

National Assembly of the People´s Power of Cuba (Spanish)
http://www.asanac.gov.cu/

Official site of this entity, with information on its powers and organization. It has some legislation.

Official Gazette of Cuba (Spanish)
http://www.gacetaoficial.cu

Site of the Ministry of Justice for the official publication of the laws of Cuba.

Official Site, Government of Cuba (Spanish, English)
http://www.cubagob.cu

Information on history, governmental structure, economic and social development, foreign relations, and news.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Ecuador

DerechoEcuador.com (Spanish)
http://www.dlh.lahora.com.ec/paginas/judicial/

Site offered by the newspaper La Hora. It has a very wide offering of material on Ecuador law, including the texts of many legal codes.

Official Site, Government of Ecuador (Spanish)
http://www.presidencia.gov.ec

Presidencia of the Republic. Complete information about the structure of the State, history, constitution, territorial organization, composition of the executive, presidential activity, economy and society. Important note: In some areas of intellectual property law, the member states of the Comunidad Andina have adopted decisions and agreements of the Comunidad Andina, as for example Decision 486, Common System on Industrial Property (Published in Official Gazette 600).

Supreme Court of Ecuador (Spanish)
http://www.funcionjudicial-pichincha.gov.ec/corte/index.php

Supreme Court and National Judicial Council of Ecuador. Information on the structure of the judicial branch, the constitution, and regulatory law.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
El Salvador

Official Site of El Salvador (Spanish)
http://www.casapres.gob.sv

Official site of the Presidency. Information on government structure and activities.

Parliament of El Salvador (Spanish)
http://www.asamblea.gob.sv

Information on Legislative Representation, Constitution of the Republic, Laws of the Republic, Legislative Directory, political parties, and official reports.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Guatemala

Congress of Guatemala (Spanish)
http://www.congreso.gob.gt

Sections on composition, members, legislative activity and policy of the chamber.

Official Site of Guatemala (Spanish)
http://www.guatemala.gob.gt

Complete information on the state institutions (executive, legislative, and judicial), political activity, and news.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Haití

Haiti Embassy in Washington, D.C. (English)
http://www.haiti.org

Embassy of Haití in Washington, D.C. (USA). Complete information on the state institutions of Haiti (executive, legislative, judicial), territorial division, civil society, economy and business, and society.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Honduras

National Congress of Honduras (Spanish)
http://www.congreso.gob.hn/

Sections on the composition, members, and activities of the Congress.

Official Site, Presidency of Honduras (Spanish)
http://www.presidencia.gob.hn/

Presidency of Honduras. Sections on the composition of the government, presidential activity, news, constitution, and media. Link to the Secretary of Industry and Trade, that oversees the General Directorate of Intellectual Property that administers patents, trademarks, and copyright.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
México

Chamber of Deputies of Mexico (Spanish)
http://www.cddhcu.gob.mx

Sections on the composition, members, organization and legislative and political activity of the lower chamber. Constitution. Legislative initiatives. Federal legislation.

Presidency of Mexico (Spanish)
http://www.presidencia.gob.mx

Sections on the composition, members, organization and legislative and political activity of the lower chamber. Constitution. Legislative initiatives. Federal legislation.

Senate of Mexico (Spanish, English)
http://www.senado.gob.mx

Sections on history, composition, members, and parliamentary services. Legislative and political activity of the upper chamber. International parliamentary relations. Constitution, legal framework, and fundamental policy.

Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (Spanish)
http://www.scjn.gob.mx

Official page of the highest court in the Mexican legal system. Various databases of legislation and jurisprudence.

UNAM National University of Mexico (Spanish)
http://www.juridicas.unam.mx/navjus

Global guide on legal resources on the Internet, with special emphasis on Latin America. It offers an International Legal Navegator giving access to complete information on the legal and political organization of practically all countries and many important international organizations.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Nicaragua

Official Site, Presidency of Nicaragua (Spanish)
http://www.presidencia.gob.ni

Presidency of the Republic. Sections on composition, members, and activity of the government, publications, and news. Links to the Ministry of Industry and Trade which in turn links to the General Directorate for Competition and Transparency in the Market, which oversees patents, trademarks, copyright, and plant variety protection.

Parliament of Nicaragua (Spanish)
http://www.asamblea.gob.ni

Complete information on the composition, members, legislative activity and policy of the Parliament, legislative documentation, and virtual library. See also http://legislacion.asamblea.gob.ni for legislation.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Panamá

Legal Info Panama (Spanish, English)
http://www.legalinfo-panama.com

A private site that sells legal texts and other products. It offers a free section of Panamanian legislation.

Official Site of Panama (Spanish)
http://www.presidencia.gob.pa

Official site of the Presidency. Sections on structure and composition of the government.

Parliament of Panama (Spanish)
http://www.asamblea.gob.pa

Very complete information on history, composition, structure, members, legislation, constitution, agenda, commissions, reports, legislative process, and official report.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Paraguay

Chamber of Deputies of Paraguay (Spanish)
http://www.camdip.gov.py

Complete information on the country, the composition, members, political and legislative activity of the chamber, and legislation.

Official Web Portal of the Republic of Paraguay (Spanish)
http://www.presidencia.gov.py

Very complete sections on the powers of the State (Presidencia, Legislative, and Judicial), official report, general legislation, and news. It has a link to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, which oversees patents, trademarks, and copyright.

Senate of Paraguay (Spanish)
http://www.senado.gov.py

Complete information on the chamber, its composition, political and legislative activity, and legislation.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Perú

Congress of Peru (Spanish)
http://www.congreso.gob.pe

Sections on history, composition, and activities of the chamber. International cooperation, legislative procedures, legislation, and press.

Official Site of Peru (Spanish)
http://www.peru.gob.pe

Sections on state structure, the economy, news, a directory, and an information center. Important note: In some areas of intellectual property law, the member states of the Comunidad Andina have adopted decisions and agreements of the Comunidad Andina, as for example Decision 486, Common System on Industrial Property (Published in Official Gazette 600).

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Rep. Dominicana

Congress of the Dominican Republic (Spanish)
http://congreso.gov.do

Sections dedicated to the two chambers: Senate and Deputies. Library. Complete information on composition and legislative and political activity of the Parliament. Legislation and constitution.

Official Site, Dominican Republic (Spanish, English)
http://www.presidencia.gov.do

Presidency of the Government. Information on the principal institutions (executive, legislative, judicial), official report, and constitution.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Uruguay

Parliament of Uruguay (Spanish)
http://www.parlamento.gub.uy/palacio3/index.htm

Complete information on composition, functioning, members, legislative activity and policies of the chamber.

Presidency of Uruguay (Spanish)
http://www.presidencia.gub.uy

Presidency of the Republic. Very complete information on composition, structure and members of the Government. Legislation. Uruguay on line.

Información General. América del Sur y Central y Caribe. Los Estados.
Venezuela

Parliament of Venezuela (Spanish)
http://www.asambleanacional.gov.ve

Complete sections on organization of the Parliament, legislation and legislative procedures, and constitutional framework.

Press Secretary, Presidency of Venezuela (Spanish)
http://www.gobiernoenlinea.ve/misc-view/index.pag

The Presidency. Complete information on the structure of the State, composition of the government, official report, constitution, and international agreements. Important note: In some areas of intellectual property law, the member states of the Comunidad Andina have adopted decisions and agreements of the Comunidad Andina, as for example Decision 486, Common System on Industrial Property (Published in Official Gazette 600).

Información General.
Ambito de Norteamérica

Información General. Ambito de Norteamérica.
Organismos de Integración Regional

TLCAN (Spanish, English, French)
http://www.nafta-sec-alena.org

The Secretariat of the North American Free Trade Agreement (Canada, USA, México). Complete information on the NAFTA/TLCAN/ALENA Secretariat, versions of the treaty, national sections of the member states, y decisions of Panels.

Información General. Ambito de Norteamérica.
Los Estados

Información General. Ambito de Norteamérica. Los Estados.
EEUU

American Association of Intellectual Property Rights (AIPLA) (English)
http://www.aipla.org

Information on the activities of this private association. Excellent links page with resources on U.S. I.P. law, including legislation and regulations.

Cornell University Law School (English)
http://www.law.cornell.edu

The Institute of Legal Information of the Law School of Cornell University (USA). Complete and well-organized information on code law, judicial decisions, legislative bills, news, search engines by subject and by jurisdiction.

Federal Courts of USA (English)
http://www.uscourts.gov

Sections on the structure, composition, organization, functioning and electronic access at the different levels: Supreme Court, Appeals Courts, District Courts, Bankruptcy Court.

Findlaw.com (English)
http://www.findlaw.com

A privately-run web page with a very wide range of resources on U.S. law.

Harvard Law School Library (USA) (English)
http://www.law.harvard.edu/library/

This site has many general resources. The link _Research Guides_ is particularly useful. Some sections link to resources that require payment.

House of Representatives of USA (English)
http://www.house.gov

Sections on composition, organization, members, political and legislative activity of the chamber, legislative process, legislation, and the excellent on-line library of legislation "Thomas."

Law Library of Congress (USA) (English)
http://www.loc.gov/law

Under the section Guide to Law Online, there are many links to US state and federal resources, as well as international resources.

LLRX Legal Librarians (English)
http://www.llrx.com

A private, free site by legal librarians and other legal professionals. It offers an enormous number of articles, links, and other resources available on the Internet on U.S. law and law around the world.

Presidency of the USA (Spanish, English)
http://www.whitehouse.gov

The Presidency of the USA. General information about the political activity of the presidency, the fundamental institutions of the country (Government), other offices and government entities.

Senate of the USA (English)
http://www.senate.gov

Sections on the composition, members, political and legislative activity of the chamber, legislation and archives, and history.

Información General. Ambito de Norteamérica. Los Estados.
Canadá

Official Site, Government of Canada (English, French)
http://canada.gc.ca

Official site of the Government of Canada. Complete information on the composition, members, organization, and activities of the Government, territorial divisions, the Chambers (Senate and Deputies), and virtual library.

Parliament of Canada (English, French)
http://www.parl.gc.ca