International

Kaufman & Canoles’ International Group comprises the leading representatives of foreign-affiliated companies doing business in the Mid-Atlantic. Decisions concerning any substantial trade matter are rarely confined to a single forum, require a single set of skills, or ignore economic, political, or legal consequences. With years of experience, our attorneys are involved in international trade and investment matters, bringing a full range of business, legal, and economic services to companies engaged in global commerce. And we always work hard to find the right business and legal solutions for your company.

We guide and support international investors who are starting or expanding their business in the United States, and Virginia in particular. We provide practical legal advice and have relationships our clients can depend on for their international trade matters and agreements. In a nutshell, we help U.S.-based businesses export their technology or products to other countries, provide legal services to foreign customers who need guidance in U.S. law, and assist our national and international clients in entering into joint ventures with counterparts in other countries.

Our International Group has been privileged to create deep business relationships with numerous foreign-owned firms located in Virginia and domestic companies reaching beyond the United States border. We offer experience in:

• Drafting international sales and licensing agreements
• Setting up international distribution networks
• Structuring foreign and domestic joint ventures
• Structuring the U.S. in-bound investment

The issues we advise on regularly include:

• Anti-boycott regulations
• Competition laws
• Customs matters
• Export licensing
• Foreign and U.S. tax considerations
• Foreign and U.S. investment regulations
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
• Foreign trade zones
• Incorporations
• Intellectual property protection
• International dispute resolution
• Letters of credit

We thrive on helping you build on your business strengths while ferreting out the pitfalls we are accustomed to spotting and transforming them into positive possibilities.

We advise international companies needing cross-border advice as well as U.S.-based and defense-related companies and contractors engaged in both sides of national and international cross-border transactions.

We help importers and exporters answer questions such as:

• How do I get paid?
• How do I resolve a dispute?
• How is performance measured?
• Is a joint venture with an overseas company a viable solution?
• Should I require a letter of credit?
• What about foreign exchange controls?
• What are the Export Administration Regulations, and how might they affect the export of my freight?
• What are the export controls I will be subject to?
• What are the pros and cons of distributors and agents?
• What business entity works best for international trade?
• Whose law applies in the sales contract?

• International Business Advisory – The Solution to the Problem
• International Business Advisory – The Problem: Enforcing Your International Agreement
• International Business Advisory – Employment-Based Immigration, Fifth Preference
• International Business Advisory – Distribution Agreements Under International Sales Laws
• International Business Advisory – An International Investor’s Legal Guide to Business in Virginia
• International Business Advisory – Consequential Developments Under International Sales Law