Ten Insights for International Business

Fred Lipp, business law attorney and practice group leader, offers ten insights on doing business abroad:

• Technology licensing and energy projects will continue as primary global drivers

• Chinese products are distributed everywhere. Plan to compete on quality and service

• The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (and not the U.S. Uniform Commercial Code) is applicable to most U.S. export agreements

• Track changes of currency, fuel costs, middle class purchasing power and governments in emerging countries

• Foreign equity investment in U.S. companies often creates a bridge to new markets

• The formation of a foreign subsidiary and opening of a strategically located office is reasonably achievable

• Bad business behavior cannot be explained culturally — and should be hedged by creating political, legal and economic leverage

• Affirmative steps should be considered to protect U.S. patents and trademarks abroad

• Latin America is on the rise and presents unique opportunities for U.S. companies

• Cross-border agreements should almost always incorporate an international arbitration provision because by treaty, arbitral awards are enforceable by most foreign courts

Fred Lipp can be reached at flipp@bernsteinshur.com or 207 774-1200.