I received a call last week from a gentlemen with an established business in Country X who sought my advise for obtaining an L1 intracompany visa to work in the U.S. It was clear from my conversation with him that he already knew how the L1 Visa could benefit his international business. In today’s fast-paced, global economy there is no better vehicle for allowing companies to … [Read more...]
International Litigation: Why Apple Will Lose this Lawsuit in Belgium.
Engaging in international business is thrilling. However, one must always be mindful that the contractual provisions governing a business transaction will many times conflict with the laws of another country. Just several days ago I posted an article cautioning international e-commerce companies that a forum selection clause in a consumer contract will not be recognized in … [Read more...]
Chinese State-Owned Firms Abroad: Like Arnold Schwarzeneggar or Danny Devito?
For years now the international business community has been hearing the familiar refrain of how difficult it is for private-owned firms to keep up with Chinese state-owned enterprises (or SOE). I mention this because The Wall Street Journal’s China real Time Report has a provocative article out today, Chinese State-Owned Firms Not so Muscular Abroad. For whatever reason, the … [Read more...]
2013 is Going to be a Huge Year for U.S. Trade Policy. Here's Why.
Back in November it was widely speculated that Obama’s second term would be punctuated by an aggressive pursuit of free trade initiatives. In recent weeks, it’s become clear that free trade will indeed take center stage in Obama's second term. I mention this because I just read an excellent piece over at the Council for Foreign Relations website, Opportunity Knocks for Obama … [Read more...]
International E-Commerce Contracts and the European Union. Mind that Forum Selection Clause.
Last week I got a call from the owner of an internet company based in the U.S. I'll call him "Owner X." You see, Owner X was concerned that his company may be the target of a consumer rights lawsuit in the European Union. Owner X told me that he had an iron-clad forum selection and choice-of-law provision in the contract governing the transaction. Of course, this provision … [Read more...]
Key Principles for International Law Firms to Follow.
The American Lawyer just did a great piece on how the most successful international law firms operate. The article, The 7 Key Steps International Law Firms Should Take in 2013 to Ensure Themselves a Bright Future, lists a number of principles that a modern international firm should follow for success in the age of globalization. While the article is directed at firms with … [Read more...]