International Law

In a world that is increasingly smaller and flatter, your best opportunities for new markets, investors, and production facilities may lie across town—or on the other side of the globe. It is essential your corporate counsel not only understands this but also has the experience and flexibility to support you wherever business takes you.

 

We advise clients on the unique risks and opportunities that exist in various countries and work with our clients and local counsel in the respective jurisdiction on a multitude of legal matters such as the following:

 

Representative Experience

Transactional

Advised a leading U.S. software development company in connection with its international expansion currently in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Advised a leading designer of nuclear power plants and nuclear power plant systems on the proper structure for its Asian operations, negotiated agreements with strategic partners in the region, advised on the best means to transfer assets and employees without triggering undesirable tax and social welfare obligations, and how best to protect intellectual property being transferred into the region with minimal tax impact.

Represented a leading distribution and supply company in its efforts to expand outside the U.S. into Central and South America, negotiated distribution agreements, and worked with local counsel to establish enforceable restrictions and protections for the company’s intellectual property.

Negotiated a joint venture for a U.S.-based technology startup company with an established Brazilian counterpart and negotiated and drafted agreements pursuing joint business opportunities in Brazil and beyond.

 

Litigation and International Arbitration

Defended Russian shoe manufacturer in a trademark infringement lawsuit commenced by its former U.S. distributor in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. After the Court initially granted the plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction, which enjoined our client from selling its world-famous shoes in the U.S., we successfully persuaded the Court to issue an order reversing itself and vacating the injunction.

Litigated a settlement in the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) resulting in American investors retaining control of an international oil and gas exploration company in Kazakhstan.

Litigated in the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London, disputes between American investors’ Cayman Islands entity and its joint venture partners, Total SA and China National Petroleum Corporation resolving issues of forfeiture of the investors interests.

Acted as liaison counsel with Hong Kong attorneys in Bermuda litigation resulting in a damage award for violation of the Companies Act §111 realizing an 90% increase in share value.

Acted as liaison counsel in the High Court of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Court of First Instance which resulted in a $15.5 million verdict against a Chinese/Hong Kong promotor for misrepresentation and fraud.

Defended cruise line operator regarding alleged personal injuries sustained on a cruise ship. In addition to maritime law, international law was involved in part because the cruise was overseas and the applicable agreement had a provision mandating the application of Swiss law, where the ship was commissioned.