Legal Essentials to Export Toolkit: Intellectual Property & Foreign Business Partner Contract Seminar

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A half-day, one day only education program designed to assist businesses in identifying legal and compliance issues that need to be addressed prior to pursuing export opportunities. Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC attorneys Jean Schtokal and John Mashni will be speakers for this event that will be held at Foster Swift's Grand Rapids office (1700 E. Beltline NE-Suite 200-49525) from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Topics Covered in the Trademark/Service Mark Readiness include:

• Types of intellectual property and the importance of protecting intellectual property when exporting
• Process & time frame for protecting intellectual property in foreign countries
• Available resources to combat infringement
• Tips on avoiding litigation and conflict related to US and international trademark infringement

Specific topics in the Foreign Agent/Distributor Due Diligence and Contracts include:

• Resources available to help with due diligence regarding foreign business partners
• Why due diligence is important
• How international contracts are different than domestic contracts
• 10 key issues to reduce risk in international contracts with business partners

Representatives from both EXIM (Export-Import Bank of the United States-Eduard Ekel) and the SBA (Small Business Association-John O'Gara) and the USEAC (US Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center in Grand Rapids-Kendra Kuo), will also be available to provide information about their programs and answer attendee questions. A very special thanks to the MEDC for sponsorship.