Reports indicate that corruption within Syria’s public procurement processes is widespread, affecting territories under the control of various factions involved in the civil conflict. These procurement mechanisms are systematically exploited to advance the interests of government officials and affiliated business entities. In many instances, tenders are not publicly disclosed but are instead selectively distributed to individuals with political connections.

The Syrian Arab Republic is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). In fact, the country is not a member of the WTO.

Syria enforces a comprehensive boycott of Israel, which constitutes a total prohibition on Israeli investment in Syria rather than a mere restriction on foreign equity participation. The Arab League, of which Syria is a member, has maintained a boycott of Israeli enterprises since its inception in 1948. Syrian law obliges compliance with, and cooperation in, this international boycott. In this context, Art. 1 of Law No. 286 of 1956 provides that it is prohibited for any natural or legal person to conclude, either directly or indirectly, any form of agreement with entities or individuals residing in Israel, affiliated with it by nationality, or acting on its behalf. It also prohibits dealings with domestic or foreign companies and establishments that maintain interests, branches, or general agencies in Israel.

Pursuant to Arts. 4 and 7 of the Executive Instructions for Investment Law No. 18, an investor is required to obtain an investment licence in order to establish a new economic enterprise within the communication and technology sector. The granting of such a licence constitutes formal authorisation to commence the establishment of the investment project. The Syrian Investment Agency issues the licence following a series of prescribed procedures, which include the submission of an economic and technical feasibility study for the proposed undertaking. In accordance with Art. 8, the investment licence shall only be conferred after the investor’s application has been duly examined by the competent authorities from a technical perspective.

Art. 6.4 of Law No. 18 of 2012 stipulates that, in cases where the patent applicant does not reside within the Syrian Arab Republic, it is mandatory to appoint a representative domiciled in the country to act on their behalf throughout the patent application and registration procedures. In addition, Art. 4 outlines the categories of individuals and entities eligible to benefit from the provisions of the law, subject to the prevailing national legislation and international agreements to which Syria is a party. Specifically, the law applies to Syrian nationals regardless of their place of residence, as well as to non-Syrians who maintain a headquarters or domicile within Syria or are nationals of countries that are parties to industrial property agreements in force in Syria. Additionally, it applies to nationals of Arab League member states, provided that reciprocal treatment is afforded.

The Syrian Arab Republic is a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

The Syrian Arab Republic has a copyright regime under the Law on the Protection of Copyright and Related Rights. However, the exceptions do not follow the fair use or fair dealing model, thereby limiting the lawful use of copyrighted works by third parties. Arts. 33 to 46 set out a closed list of exceptions, which include, among others, temporary copies made as part of broadcasting or technical transmission; quotation for purposes of teaching or research with attribution; limited reproduction within non-profit educational institutions; and the making of backup or interoperable copies of computer programs by a lawful user.

It is reported that there is a severe shortage of original software editions in Syrian markets. As a result, the majority of software available consists of unauthorised copies. Software piracy is therefore practised not only by consumers but also by marketers. In addition, it is reported that software piracy is socially accepted in Syria, which undermines the enforcement of legal frameworks and contributes to a reluctance to implement deterrent regulations governing intellectual property rights.

The Consumer Rights Directive 2011/83/EU provides an updated framework aimed at encouraging online sales. The Directive has been implemented by the Law (2005:59) on distance and off-premises contracts.

Sweden has not signed the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts.

Sweden has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Commerce.

Sweden has not adopted national legislation based on or influenced by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Signatures.

The EU Directive on Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) covers traditional broadcasting services as well as audiovisual media services provided on-demand, including via the Internet. Art. 13.1 provides for Member States to secure a minimum 30% share of European works in the catalogues as well as "ensuring prominence" of those works. "Prominence" involves promoting European works by facilitating access to such works using any appropriate means to ensure their prominence. The Directive has been implemented by Member States in different ways, ranging from very extensive and detailed measures to a mere reference to the general obligation to promote European works.
In Sweden, the EU Directive was transposed into domestic law through the amendment of the Radio and Television Act in November 2020 (SFS 2020:875). According to Chapter 5, Section 8 of the Act, providers of on-demand television must ensure that at least 30% of their catalogue consists of programmes of European origin and that these programmes are effectively promoted. Sweden has not introduced financial contribution obligations for VOD service providers.
Furthermore, under Chapter 5, Section 7, at least 10% of the annual transmission time or 10% of the programming budget must be allocated to European programmes produced by independent producers, with a significant portion of these programmes being completed within the past five years. The term "transmission time" refers to the period during which programmes are broadcast, excluding news, sports, games, announcements, teleshopping, and broadcasts consisting solely of text. Additionally, unless specific reasons prevent it, television broadcasts should include a substantial number of Swedish programmes featuring artists and creators active in Sweden.

The Gambling Act (2018:1138) establishes licensing requirements for the provision of online gambling services. Chapter 4 (Section 4) includes the requirement for third-country license applicants to have a physical representative who is a resident of Sweden.

It is reported that the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), the executive authority for the supervision and administration of services in the telecommunications sector, is independent from the government in the decision-making process.