Canada and the United States have long enjoyed a strong trading partnership. The cultivation of this relationship has resulted in the U.S. rising to become Canada’s number one trading partner, with roughly 80% of all Canadian exports reaching U.S. supply chains and approximately 50% of Canadian imports coming from the U.S. Meanwhile, Canada is second only to China among U.S. trading partners.
Given this thriving exchange of commerce, it only makes sense for Canadian businesses to expand their operations southward.
At Phillips Lytle, we help Canadian businesses make smooth transitions into the U.S. market. We know how to advance cross-border ventures, as well as how to navigate the labyrinth that is U.S. business law. Our Canadian law office enables us to make the whole process more convenient for our clients, as we have lawyers who practice law in Canada and the U.S.
Our comprehensive team of experienced attorneys has a long track record of helping Canadian companies establish profitable U.S. operations. What’s more, our growing international practice enables us to position our Canadian clients anywhere within the United States and around the world.
For Canadian companies with a U.S. presence, the need to respect two very different legal systems can hinder even the most efficient business operations.
Consider the following:
These are but a few of the cross-border challenges faced by Canadian companies looking to expand into the U.S. market.
At Phillips Lytle, not only do we understand the myriad challenges Canadian businesses may encounter, we know how to overcome them. Companies who have tapped into our proven expertise have received legal services in the following areas:
We work with Canadian businesses on all associated elements of cross-border acquisitions. Our work includes identification of acquisition candidates, due diligence, negotiation and preparation of letters of intent and transaction documentation, transaction financing, tax structuring and planning. In addition, our team interfaces with the various parties involved in the acquisition process, including lenders, investors and investment bankers.
Phillips Lytle defends Canadian clients on threatened claims related to their products or services in the United States, including UCC matters and patent and trademark litigation and prosecution, as well as a wide variety of business disputes.
The Buffalo Niagara Region has a strong United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) presence because it serves as a major corridor of Canadian immigration. With our Buffalo office situated minutes from the Canadian border, we interface regularly with the USCIS. We assist clients with border issues involving admission into the United States, and we prepare and file all employment-based applications, such as H-1B (specialty occupations), L-1 (intra-company transferees) and TN (Trade NAFTA professionals).
With superb bench strength in our corporate and commercial practices, our attorneys are well poised to help structure a full range of financing transactions in Canada and the U.S., including commercial lending, asset-based lending, leasing and venture funding. Our long-term relationships with numerous U.S., Canadian and international financial institutions enhance our ability to serve Canadian clients in various cross-border business matters.
Phillips Lytle assists Canadian manufacturers and service providers in managing the flow of their products and services in the United States.
For companies with U.S. operations, Phillips Lytle’s employee benefits attorneys are experts in providing legal services with respect to all types of employee benefit plans.
We represent Canadian distributors and franchisors with interests in expanding into the United States.
Phillips Lytle provides legal services to Canadian companies with operations in the United States, including U.S. trademark registration, U.S. and international patent prosecution, patent and trademark litigation, cross-border licensing and research, and intellectual property agreements.
We assist with planning, structuring, negotiating and documenting joint ventures and strategic partnerships with multinational parties.
Phillips Lytle international business attorneys work with our immigration law team to provide labour relations and employment advice for companies with U.S. operations.
Phillips Lytle lawyers advise public and private Canadian issuers regarding compliance with U.S. securities laws and representation of investors on cross-border securities claims.
We advise Canadian businesses on the U.S. tax structures involved with investing, or doing business, in the United States. We also provide representation to Canadian companies in adversary proceedings with federal, state and local taxing authorities.
Receive firm communications, legal news and industry alerts delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe Now
