Business risks

Australian companies are advised to spend time investigating the market, obtain professional advice where appropriate and thoroughly investigate the issues in entering the market and before establishing business relationships.

Australian firms wishing to operate in this market should commit to the highest level of corporate behaviour and familiarise themselves with Australia's laws and penalties pertaining to bribery of foreign officials.

Bribery of foreign public officials is a crime. Australian individuals and companies can be prosecuted in Australia for bribing foreign officials when overseas. Further information on the regulations governing bribery of foreign public officials is available.

For further information on frauds, scams, personal and asset security, intellectual property protection and other business risks please read more about legal issues.

Intellectual property protection

The Israeli legal system is comparable to most Western legal systems with the main difference being the existence of religious courts for marital matters. In general, the court system is well regarded, reliable and impartial. Specialised local IP lawyers should be called upon for specific advice, preferably before entering a binding contractual relationship.

A good source for intellectual property laws, regulations and treaties and Israel can be found on the World Intellectual Property Organisation website.

Dispute resolution

Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, handled outside the regular court system, are also common and widely used, as well as the main court system.

Similarly, commercial contracts can contain a clause for dispute resolution which can be based on arbitration or the use of a neutral legal system in a third country.

Seek legal advice on dispute resolution from local commercial lawyers, preferably before entering a binding contractual relationship.