Japan Business Team

Our Japan Business Team is a multidisciplinary team of attorneys experienced in providing sound, practical legal advice to Japanese businesses for with respect to their investments and operations in the United States. In addition, the attorneys of the Japan Business Team maintain close relationships with the top law firms in Tokyo and Osaka and, together with Japanese counsel, advise U.S. companies on various matters in Japan. Several members of the Japan Business Team are Japanese natives qualified to practice law in the U.S., and all provide an understanding of Japanese business and culture that is helpful in both representing Japanese businesses and dealing with Japanese counterparties.

• Advised a Japanese confectionary company in its disposition of a franchise in Japan through a transaction with the U.S.-based franchisor.
• Advised a Japanese manufacturer of automotive components and medical devices in the acquisition of a medical device startup company based in Silicon Valley.
• Advised a Japanese manufacturer of hydraulic excavators in its establishment of a manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, SC.
• Coordinated the internal investigation of a U.S. subsidiary of a Japanese consumer electronics company surrounding irregularities uncovered during an accounting audit.
• Advised a leading Japanese manufacturer in the strategic acquisition of a California-based architectural paint and coating manufacturer.
• Advised a Japanese manufacturer of dairy products, animal feed probiotics, and beverages in its establishment of a key manufacturing facility for animal feed additives in Georgia.
• Counsel to Japan-based toy, manufacturing, construction, and medical device companies, among others, on intellectual property matters.
• Obtained numerous unilateral and bilateral advance pricing agreements (APAs) involving the IRS and other tax authorities.
• Assisting clients on trade regulations during the coronavirus pandemic, including U.S. border cargo operations, tariff suspensions, import and related regulatory requirements for PPE and medical devices, and critical infrastructure status for manufacturing supply chains.
• Designed and led internal trade compliance reviews and international trade due diligence efforts in significant mergers, acquisitions, and investments.