John Gibson and Alice Mills examine one of the latest developments in English sanctions law in their new Law360 article, “Why Tonzip Is Notable in English Sanctions Law Development.” Analyzing the Court of Appeal’s decision in Tonzip Maritime v. 2Rivers, they explain how the ruling confirms that, where a contract allocates the risk of sanctions exposure, the relevant question may be whether there is a real and objectively reasonable risk of sanctions consequences—not only whether a sanctions breach has been established. Their analysis explores how English courts continue to emphasize practical influence, economic reality, and evidence over formal corporate structures when assessing ownership and control, while offering practical guidance on drafting sanctions clauses and documenting risk-based commercial decisions.
