Legal Considerations and Strategies for Entering Foreign Markets

Companies wishing to expand and enter foreign markets have several legal structures available. This course will explore the legal considerations attorneys must address when assisting businesses seeking to expand into foreign markets. Companies have various market entry structures, ranging from equity-based options, such as wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures, to contractual arrangements, including franchises, distributorships, and agencies. Attorneys must carefully evaluate factors such as the company’s business’s nature, the target market’s regulatory framework, applicable tax rates, restrictions on profit repatriation, foreign ownership limitations, relevant international treaties, and incentive packages offered by host countries. For instance, some jurisdictions may require substantial local ownership, making joint ventures with local partners necessary instead of wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Attendees will learn about the key considerations in drafting contracts for foreign business operations, including the types of agreements commonly used and their specific purposes. The course will also address the interplay between an agreement’s governing law and the host country’s legal framework.

This program is designed for attorneys with some experience and provides valuable insights into the legal strategies and structures available to businesses entering foreign markets.

Learning Objectives:

• Obtain general knowledge of key legal structures for entry into foreign markets
• Understand the most important considerations related to each form of entry
• Explore the main advantages and risks associated with each form of entry
• Recognize key differences and similarities between market entry structures
• Identify and plan appropriate legal strategies in accordance with international law and local regulatory framework

Course Time Schedule:

Eastern Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Central Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Mountain Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Pacific Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Alaska Time: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Hawaii-Aleutian Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

This course is also being presented on the following dates:

Thursday, February 13, 2025
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Thursday, June 12, 2025