Protecting IP in International Trade
[slideshare id=12331751&doc=protectipatborder-120409212707-phpapp02]Intellectual property is a valuable asset in the modern business world. Unfortunately, it is also mercurial and difficult to protect, particularly in international business. This PPT provides some strategies for protecting IP assets at home and abroad.
Intellectual property due diligence investigations should be conducted by a party any time a merger, acquisition (“M&A”) or investment is being considered. Intellectual property due diligence involves the gathering of information on the target party’s assets and liabilities, in order to assess the merits and risks of the transaction
Conducting business in the modern global economy offers great rewards, but involves risks, as well. Although companies can take a number of precautions to limit their risks in international business transactions, the primary legal tool for such purposes is the international business transaction agreement or contract. Examples of international business transaction agreements include: international sales contracts, international distribution agreements, supply agreements, intellectual property licenses, franchise agreements, development agreements, investment agreements, letters of credit, joint venture agreements, and others, as well as hybrids and combinations of these agreements.
A Terms of Use agreement or Terms and Conditions, as it is sometimes called, is an important part of an e-commerce website. A Terms of Use agreement is important for limiting the potential liability of website owners and operators, protecting intellectual property rights, and establishing other contractual terms or policies relating to the use of the site. A Terms of Use agreement can also serve as an important marketing tool by setting the tone and providing information about the substance of the website.
Today’s online companies face a multitude of legal issues related to their online presence. These unique and novel issues have given rise to the emerging legal field of eCommerce and Internet Business law.
The United States exported $180.8 billion in goods and services in January 2012, an increase of more than $1 billion over December 2011, according to data released today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the U.S. Commerce Department. Exports of goods and services over the last twelve months totaled $2.118 trillion, which is more than 34 percent above the level of exports in 2009. Over the last twelve months, exports have been growing at an annualized rate of 15.3 percent when compared to 2009, a pace greater than the 15 percent required to double exports by the end of 2014.
A recent report also found sales grew by more than 11 percent in 2010, the fastest growth since 1997. In terms of job creation, the number of U.S. total export-supported jobs increased by almost 6 percent in 2010, even as the overall economy was still losing jobs. Further, large metropolitan areas powered the nation’s export growth – the largest metro areas produced almost 65 percent of the U.S. export sales in 2010.
Over the last twelve months, the major export markets with the largest annualized increase in U.S. goods purchases were Turkey (40.7 percent), Panama (37.9 percent), Argentina (34.0 percent), Honduras (32.9 percent), Chile (30.2 percent), Hong Kong (30.2 percent), Peru (29.0 percent), South Africa (27.6 percent), Brazil (26.7 percent), and Guatemala (25.6 percent).
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, Ex-Im Bank approved $4.26 billion in authorizations, supporting approximately 37,000 American jobs. Over $789 million in export financing was authorized for small businesses, and the number of small business customers increased by 10% over the same quarter in 2011.
SOURCE: US Ex-Im Bank