To the outsider, the law of the European Union (EU) can appear confusing and opaque. However, the legal system of the EU is similar to a certain extent to that of the United States. Despite the similarities, there are significant differences, too. This comprehensive resource will help lawyers understand, in depth, European Union business law. Unique in scope and depth, this guide includes references to all of the important decisions of the European courts. It is sufficiently comprehensive and analytical to serve as a useful research tool for those seeking to understand a particular area of the rapidly expanding world of EU business law. In one convenient volume, this book begins with a discussion of the institutional aspects of the EU which is essential in order to fully understand the more detailed discussion of the various business law issues throughout the book. This valuable resource includes the history of the EU, the legal foundations, and the legislative process of the EU as codified in the various EU treaties; discussion of the relationship between EU law and national law as well as the framework and operation of the monetary union; numerous aspects of EU business law including internal trade, competition, external trade, insolvency, sales agent, intellectual property, and e-commerce; current legislation relevant to EU business law; comprehensive references to all the leading EU cases interpreting and applying EU business law; and a keyword index which allows the reader to quickly identify discussions of legal issues which might be contained in different chapters.