Under US law, boycotts from foreign states and international organizations that aim to prevent trade with a US ally can be illegal. Penalties under the law exist and are enforced by a number of federal agencies including the Department of Commerce and the Treasury.

This CLE course will highlight the mandates under federal law that might restrict trade or require the revision of contracts with a boycotting state.

Additionally, it is unlawful for a company to support calls for a boycott or divestment of a particular foreign country on discriminatory or racist grounds and this course will show specific examples of lawsuits that have been filed against such companies. The course thus offers an overview of approaches to legally combat boycott actions, and the potential for lawsuits under state law.