Can costs of failed negotiations be recovered?

Only where the contract was not concluded due to the other party's culpable conduct; merely walking away does not entitle reimbursement.

Which proposal counts as an offer?

One addressed to specific persons and expressing readiness to perform upon acceptance; an announcement to an indefinite circle is only an invitation to offer.

How is a disputed clause interpreted?

According to the understanding customary at the parties' place of residence; where these differ, the acceptant's place of residence is decisive.

Can a contract be refused?

Freedom of contract is the rule, but a dominant party bears a duty to contract, and a consumer cannot be refused without justification.

Sports Contract Negotiation in Georgia

Sports Contract Negotiations Under Georgian Law

The negotiations that fill a transfer window — between club and player, sponsor and athlete — proceed in Georgia under the general rules of the Civil Code: no separate procedure exists for concluding sports deals. Importantly, negotiation is not a legally neutral process: Article 317 states directly that an obligation may arise also on the basis of the preparation of a contract — culpable conduct at the negotiation stage already entails liability. Below we examine the legal framework of negotiations: freedom of contract, the rules of offer and acceptance, the significance of silence in business relations, and the interpretation of disputed clauses.