Commercial lawsuits typically stem from disputes between people or businesses. These lawsuits generally proceed through distinct steps: pleadings, discovery, trial, and possibly an appeal. However, parties can halt this process by voluntarily settling at any time. Most cases settle before reaching trial. Arbitration is sometimes another alternative to a trial. Pleadings. Each party in a … read more

We talked here about the pros and cons of setting up a Spanish subsidiary instead of just opening a branch office. Once you have made up your mind to form a subsidiary in Spain to run your local activities, you might find you need to get that project started faster than you predicted. Your new … read more

Trademarks are among the most important assets of any company. Indeed, if it weren’t for trademarks, customers would be unlikely to even find a company’s products. Naturally, then, most U.S. companies want to protect these essential and valuable assets to the greatest extent possible and therefore make sure that they are registered with the United … read more

As more U.S. companies and individuals seek to sell their goods and services in foreign markets, it is important that they obtain protection for their trademarks in these markets. One way to minimize the cost of obtaining trademark protection abroad is to make use of the Madrid Protocol (Protocol). 121 countries have signed the Protocol … read more

As the country with the world’s largest economy, the United States offers some of the best business opportunities in the world.  To assist businesses in taking advantage of those opportunities, this guide provides an overview of the US legal system and some of the laws relevant to doing business in the US United States Legal … read more

You’ve taken the first steps in expanding your business into Spain, perhaps by forming distributorship relations. Now, you’re ready to put down deeper roots by renting office space and hiring staff. With these pieces in place you will be considered a “permanent establishment,” and it’s time to go beyond simply registering your foreign business. Foreign … read more

In September 2013, the Spanish parliament approved a new law allowing non-EU investors to apply for a Spanish residence permit and by extension for a Schengen visa. The objective of the law is to attract entrepreneurs to Spain and to stimulate foreign investment in Spanish real estate, public debt, and job creation.  What this all … read more

Earlier this year, trade secrets became explicitly protected under Spanish national law when EU Directive (2016/943/EU) became part of Spain law. Before Spain incorporated this EU Directive on trade secrets, it did not have a consistent definition of the term “trade secrets.” In addition to this new Spain law providing a consistent definition for trade … read more

Spain has enacted various laws to bring in wealthy and talented people who want to start a business or invest in Spain. Spain now allows foreign investors and skilled individuals to apply for extended visas. Most importantly for our firm’s clients, Spain now has very liberal visa policies for foreign entrepreneurs who plan to start … read more

The below is a reprint of an article written by Dan Harris in 2004.   Emerging markets are high risk and high reward. In my work as an attorney representing Western companies in emerging markets, I have concluded there are four essential elements to emerging market success: a good partner, an open mind, active participation, … read more