Global Products Legal Advisors

The Benefits of In-House Counsel

Navigating the legal aspects of international business can be risky and intimidating. GPM customers are confident in their extra layer of protection, as most common transactions take place under a lawyer's supervision at no additional charge. For more complex matters, we have experienced international lawyers you can trust.

Practice Areas

Customs and Contracts

While overseas markets can provide new and exciting sales opportunities, there is an added layer of risk with cross-border trade. Our experienced attorneys can get your products out of this country and into others with a minimum of logistical interference. We know how to mitigate risks at the border while keeping your costs down. We do this, for example, by knowing the likelihood of inspection, or by knowing when licenses and certifications are required. Contracts are also an important cornerstone to international trade, and GPLA drafts the full range: Sales and Distributor Agreements, Licensing Agreements, Purchase Agreements, Nondisclosure Agreements and more.

What is a "WOFE"?

Non-Chinese firms wishing to locate in China need a legal entity from which to engage that market. The term "WOFE" stands for Wholly-Owned Foreign Enterprise," which is very much the equivalent of a U.S. Limited Liability Corporation. It allows a foreign company to invoice and receive revenue in RMB and then convert it to USD for repatriation, and have control of the operation of its business. GPLA assists US firms through the entire process: site search, corporate set-up, logistics, HR and more.

Introducing....

A collaboration with attorney Jeffrey Paulsen, of Paulsen Law Firm. GPLA is thrilled to bring Jeff to the team. With 25 years of experience as counsel to large multi-national corporations, he offers clients a degree of depth, experience and professionalism that is unmatched. You can visit his website at paulsenlawfirm.com.

Joint Ventures

Other than simple trade transactions, manufacturing operations conducted within China often require a Joint Venture arrangement with a cooperating Chinese entity. Chinese law governing JVs can be ambiguous, so it is very important to have the correct understanding of the relevant legal structure and a strategy for successfully working within it. Clearly many North American firms operate very successfully within China. However, legal, accounting and IP risks abound and must be properly managed to achieve this success. Anyone contemplating doing business in China should carefully consider these matters before proceeding. Proper planning for this legal and financial paradigm can allow you to reap the rewards of participating in the world's largest market.

Intellectual Property Rights

China has a reputation of copying technology without obtaining a license from the patent holder. However, China does conform to World Trade Organization patent protocols and the Intellectual Property rights of non-Chinese firms can be protected - once again, if the right steps are taken. Any firm with valuable technology will find a market in China, but it must come with an IP strategy that mitigates the risks. GPLA will work with you and your company to implement a strategy tailored to your situation and our assessment of the risks involved.