International Legal Services

Import/Export

Customs and Border Patrol Headquarters

It’s what drives the world’s economy. For most countries is has been accepted by businesses for decades. But, in the United States with it’s huge domestic consumer market it has not been the focus of most small and medium-size businesses. Our experience tells us it is because these businesses do not know how to navigate through the labyrinth of legal regulations. We do and we offer cost-effective services to assist businesses take advantage of the world trading infrastructure.

Customs Service

The primary federal agency charged with collecting and tariffs (taxes) on imported goods, inspecting and clearing goods for entry into the United States, and almost every aspect of importation.

Administrative Law

Legal representation before the federal agencies and commissions with authority over international trade. Most legal matters in international trade begin with agency and commission rules and regulations which must be handled properly to retain right of judicial review.

Drug & Food Regulations

Foreign drug manufacturers and food processors must register their facility locations and contact information. They must also comply with content and labeling regulations.

U.S. Customs House, New Orleans, LA

Taxation

Minimalization of taxes from tariffs and domestic and foreign income taxation.

Litigation

Representation before federal agencies and commissions and courts relative to adverse actions or decisions against clients.

Transnational Litigation

Litigation in a court of law involving multiple jurisdictions. A very serious matter, as some foreign judicial systems view certain acts in their state or directed at their citizens as the unauthorized practice of law. One must know this information and if necessary retain local foreign counsel.

Patents, Copyrights, & Trademarks

Preventing importation of goods which violate U.S. patents, copyrights, and trademarks.

Foreign Laws

Non-tariff barriers to trade are local laws concerning health and safety matters, environmental issues, product testing, certification, standards and labeling requirements. These laws must be known before any decision is made to export. Goods in violation of these laws may be subject to fines, seizure, and destruction.

Conventions

Agreements involving multiple countries. Conventions may offer relief from non-tariff barriers to trade and often provide a mechanism for dispute resolution. Not limited to trade but may include matters involving family law, custody, recognition of foreign judgments, and enforcement.

Treaties

Agreements between two countries which may involve a wide variety of subjects. One must properly invoke rights granted by treaties.

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement is a convention involving Canada, the United States, and Mexico to make trade between these countries easier. Not limited to states which border Canada or Mexico or any specific products or services.

GATT

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade is a convention to clarify and standardize product classification for tariff and quota purposes. Includes provisions for relief from non-tariff barriers to trade.

WTO

World Trade Organization establishes a dispute resolution forum between countries on trade issues. This includes non-tariff barriers to trade. Countries can bring matters for discussion and negotiation on behalf of private companies, but the companies cannot do so on their own.

(See more legal services.)