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...]
5 Top Resources for Financing Your Small Business Exports or Foreign Investments.
Here in Miami, where my practice is based, the international trade market is booming. South Florida is poised for record trade in 2013, thanks largely to solid growth in Latin America, the area's top trade partner. In the first 10 months last year, South Florida's trade with international markets reached $102.6 billion, up by $9.4 billion from a year earlier. For U.S. small … [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...]
Get the International Business Law Advisor App.
Several years ago, we introduced the International Law Advisor App for the iPhone. We are thrilled with the enormous amount of interest it has generated. The International Business Law Advisor App is available as a free download here through the iTunes App Store. Simply enter the text “International Business Law Advisor” and you’re all set! Let us know what you think and … [Read more...]
Top 5 International Business Law Trends to Watch in 2013: Trend #4 International Compliance.
This is part 4 of a 5-part series about what I see as the top International Business Law Trends in 2013. The fourth international business law trend to watch out for in 2013 is the proliferation of international compliance initiatives. A primary example is the United States' Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or “FATCA.” FACTA promises to pose a host of challenges to … [Read more...]
How to Do Business with Panama. Start with the Free Trade Agreement.
There's never been a better time to do business in Panama. The same is also true for anyone in Panama seeking to do business with the U.S. Thanks in large part to the U.S.-Panama Trade Agreement that entered into force this week, we're about to see a huge surge in business activity between these two countries. In fact, I've been fielding more calls than ever from business … [Read more...]