The Laboratory of Private International Law and International Commercial Law succeeds the Centre de droit international (CRDI) - Centre of International Law. For some fifty years, the former centre, now a laboratory, has welcomed doctoral candidates and 3rd year Masters students specialising in these areas. The breakaway of the Faculté de droit de Paris (Paris Law Faculty) during the creation of Paris I and Paris II Universities did not however end the close symbiosis between the specialists of both universities who all remain present at the Centre.

The main ambition of the Laboratory of Private International Law and International Commercial Law is to follow in the footsteps of the Centre's tradition.