Rivista del Diritto Commerciale e del diritto generale delle Obbligazioni

Abstract: Beyond the discrete exchange: contratto di durata and relational contract – Italian contract law and remedies have traditionally been shaped by the concept of contracts as discrete exchanges. In recent years, however, scholarly interest in long-term contracts has grown significantly, fueled by debates on business contracts and the impact of recent extraordinary events, such as pandemics and inflation, which have threatened the continuity of many contractual relationships. Against this background, this essay clarifies the differences between the notions of contratto di durata and relational contract – two concepts often conflated in Italian literature on long-term contracts. Drawing on doctrinal studies, sociology of law and law and economics, the essay explores the origins, defining features, and primary functions of these two notions, arguing that they embody distinct conceptual frameworks that should not be used interchangeably. Finally, it evaluates the relevance of these concepts to the academic debate on remedies for changes in circumstances during contract performance.  

Sommario: 1. Introduzione. – 2. La categoria del contratto di durata: la sistemazione di Oppo. – 3. Segue. Il suo accoglimento nella dottrina successiva. - 4. Le critiche più recenti. – 5. I bersagli della teoria relazionale. Il diritto contrattuale classico e il paradigma dello scambio discreto. – 6. La teoria del contratto relazionale in prospettiva sociologica: l’analisi di Macneil. – 7. La teoria del contratto relazionale in prospettiva economica: incompletezza, investimenti specifici e opportunismo contrattuale. – 8. Conclusioni sull’uso delle nozioni di contratto di durata e di contratto relazionale, con particolare riferimento al tema delle sopravvenienze e della conservazione del contratto.  

Keywords: discrete exchange — long-term contract — relational contract — sociology of law — law and economics — remedies for changes in circumstances.