International
Business Transactions
Emerging business clients justifiably
view international commerce as risky business -- with the
complications, expense, and mystery involved.
However, if a firm starts small, takes
one step at a time, has realistic goals, develops solid contacts, and
takes advantage of available resources, international success is
achievable.
Such firms need to be aware of the
resources available to them to minimize legal risk and maximize profit
in business deals through local, but experienced international legal
counsel.
Bruce Beal is an international
business lawyer with more than 20 years of experience, including 8
years abroad.
You
want an international lawyer who proactively manages your business
legal affairs, and who focuses on preventing legal problems,
especially litigation, while facilitating your international business
objectives. A good international lawyer knows how to advise
about, and prepare for, risks without unduly frustrating your
international business goals.
Among the international issues you may
be confronted are:
- Should we deal direct or through a
contract manufacturer importer?
- What are the drawbacks of setting up
our own affiliated firms in a foreign jurisdiction?
- Does the foreign representative have
the authority to do our deal?
-
Are our firm's agreement forms binding upon the foreign party?
- Are the foreign parties' agreement
forms binding upon our firm?
- What is a foreign tax holiday?
- What treaties apply to our firm's
business in varying nations?
- What recourse do we really have, if
they don't perform?
- Do we need a foreign government
agent or partner?
- Does the US Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act apply to us?
- Can we register our trademarks
internationally?
- Can they steal our patents?
- Why doesn't the Uniform Commercial
Code apply there?
- Is international arbitration really
advantageous for us?
- If we need to litigate, do we do it
here or there?
Bruce Beal has performed legal
work for transactions involving millions of dollars in, and involving,
many nations and their firms, including Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Viet
Nam, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Egypt, Greece, the UK, Germany,
France, Sri Lanka, and many others.
He is available to assess your risks
and benefits of international transactions and counsel you wisely.
You need to be advised of the complex intertwining of US and
foreign laws and customs.
He can assist in finalizing
negotiations, reviewing and drafting documents, and closing your deal.
The risk and costs of potential disputes between you and
foreign parties will be greatly reduced thereby.
Caveat:
The purpose of this article is to provide information, rather than
advice or opinion. It is accurate to the best of my knowledge as of
the date of the article. I have no duty to update this article. The
information, examples and suggestions presented in this article have
been developed from sources believed to be reliable. This article
should not be viewed as a substitute for the guidance and
recommendations of a retained professional and should not be construed
as legal or other professional advice. In addition, I do not endorse
any actions addressed herein, unless they are produced or created by
me. I recommend consultation with me or other competent legal
counsel and/or other professional advisors before applying this
material to any particular factual situations.
