Ulmer & Berne is actively involved in various aspects of an international legal practice. The practice has increased significantly in recent years, in large part as a result of the need of our clients to become involved in cross-border transactions.
An international legal practice is not governed by any single code or body of law, but is inheritently multi-disciplinary. Accordingly, our lawyers with international experience are not confined to a single practice group and operate from each of the Firm’s offices. In each practice group, there are lawyers with significant experience in international transactions which insures that clients receive the full benefit of the Firm’s accumulated experience and skills.
Also, we recognize that the needs of non-U.S. clients are sometimes different from their U.S. counterparts, and our lawyers are particularly sensitive to those needs. Additionally, Ulmer & Berne has established relationships with attorneys, accountants and consultants around the world, including as a member of Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW). LAW is an association of more than 70 independent law firms located in over 80 major commercial centers throughout the world. Members of LAW are among the most prominent law firms in their respective jurisdictions, with both commercial and litigation practices that are geared to middle-market clients.
Acquisitions & Joint Ventures
Ulmer & Berne is actively involved in representing U.S. companies that are engaged in overseas acquisitions and investments. We have particular expertise in transactions involving Europe and Pacific Rim countries.
We also have experience in structuring joint ventures of all kinds in the United States and overseas, including multi-national ventures. We advise on the appropriate form - whether a corporation, partnership or limited liability company - taking into account the relevant tax, financial and other issues which may affect the formation, operation, sale and dissolution of the venture.
International Taxation
As a result of our extensive tax practice, we are regularly involved in advising clients on the taxation of foreign subsidiaries and branches of U.S. corporations and the taxation of U.S. subsidiaries and branches of foreign corporations. We have significant experience advising on tax questions arising in connection with:
- Establishing foreign sales corporations;
- Establishing domestic international sales corporations and assisting clients in dissolving them;
- Representing foreign nationals in establishing U.S. subsidiaries; and
- Representing U.S. corporations doing business in Canada and Canadian corporations doing business in the United States.
Transfer of Goods, Services & Technology Transfer
We have particular experience in transactions involving international sales of goods and services and the transfer of technology through licensing agreements and otherwise. In the area of technology transfer, our lawyers structure, draft and negotiate a variety of agreements between domestic counterparts, including research and development joint ventures.
Government Regulations
We are experienced in advising clients on the application of foreign laws regulating or restricting various international transactions such as foreign asset control laws, Trade with the Enemy Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, trade regulations, NAFTA and various customs, laws and procedures.
Individual Tax & Estate Planning
We provide tax and estate planning to non-U.S. individuals who may be temporarily or permanently residing in the United States. In particular, we are familiar with the establishment of qualified domestic trusts in order to deal with the issues that arise when a spouse is not a U.S. citizen. Our clients also include high net worth individuals who operate from many jurisdictions, even if they do not reside in the United States.
International Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
The international arbitration and dispute resolution practice at Ulmer & Berne helps clients successfully manage the arbitration process worldwide by representing and counseling corporate clients in commercial, joint venture, investment, insurance, licensing and construction disputes.
