What are your research topics?
I study various themes related to business law, with contract and company law as well as dispute resolution between businesses as my specialities. In my output, I have explored, among other things, contractual business activity, disputes relating to limited liability companies and sustainability.
I have a pragmatic approach, which means that I approach research problems by asking how legal rules work in practice and how they should be developed to promote fairness and economic efficiency in society.
In addition to domestic law, I am specialised in Nordic and American business law. In fact, I have previously worked as a professor of Nordic law.
Where and how does the topic of your research have an impact?
Among other topics, I have investigated extensively and diversely the relevance of what is known as the principle of equality in limited liability companies and limited liability housing companies. In communities such as these, disputes between shareholders are very common and often based on someone thinking that another party is guilty of abusing their authority or another dismissible action.
Through my research, I have brought clarity to what equality fundamentally means in limited liability company law, how equality disputes should be handled and what kinds of risks are associated with disputes.
What is particularly inspiring in your field right now?
At the moment, I am interested in, among other things, how agreements employed by businesses anticipate unexpected changes in circumstances, such as negative interest rates, or performance barriers brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
I am also excited about producing new textbooks for my teaching field, which is property law.
Ville Pönkä is the professor of private law at the Faculty of Law.
Read about the other newly appointed professors.