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...]
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...]
My International Investment was Expropriated. Now What?
Investing millions of dollars with a foreign government and then having it all expropriated is not fun. It's the kind of scenario that international investors fear the most. I know because one of the largest cases in our office right now involves the expropriation of sizable investments by a foreign government. Unfortunately, given the volatility of the global … [Read more...]
Top 5 International Business Law Trends to Watch in 2013: Trend #5 International Employment.
This is the last in a 5-part series about what I see as the top 5 top international business law trends in 2013. The fifth trend to look out for in 2013 is rising international employment. In the wake of the global economic crisis, we will continue to see an increase in the migration of skilled foreign workers to more economically stable regions. One notable example, is the … [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...]