The present paper intends to give a brief comparative view of the state of the law in Spain, France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany and Italy, with respect to the incorporation by reference of an arbitral clause. For each jurisdiction, we have analyzed the relevant rule of law, to determine, first, whether it is a material rule or a conflict of laws rule; and, second, the formal requirements for the validity of the incorporation of the arbitral clause. The trend in most modern jurisdictions is to flexibility, and normally the actual knowledge of the document that is incorporated by reference is not required.
Iurgium [previously Spain Arbitration Review]