Commercial
Our services are aimed at advising clients on the legal consequences of foreign trade transactions.
In addition, we advise on structuring international trade relations and setting these out in contracts.
In addition, we advise on structuring international trade relations and setting these out in contracts.
Deploying and contracting a foreign agent or distributor.
Licensing of manufacturing rights.
Conducting contract negotiations with counterparties.
Exporting and supplying goods on consignment.
Dismissal issues with a manager of a foreign subsidiary.
Providing KYC documentation* and legalization.
Opening bank accounts and taking out insurance abroad.
Other matters of an international nature that need to be recorded or dealt with.
* KYC stands for Know Your Customer. Nowadays, documentation must be submitted to lawyers, accountants and banks before a client relationship can be established. KYC is normally provided in English or the local language. Van Velzen C.S. has a network of parties that translate and legalize documents.
As Legal Architects, we analyse the current structure of supplies and risk transfers, including the application of Incoterms®, as well as the structure of commissions and discounts. We further analyse compliance with e.g., EU and US competition regulations and import and export restrictions. In addition, we design cross-border contract structures; segmenting, isolating and minimizing the various types of risks and potential liabilities, not only externally towards third parties, but also internally within a client’s group of companies. We describe the IP, manufacturing and supply chains and incorporate those aspects in a structure that is in line with transfer pricing policies applied by clients.
As Legal Consultants, we assess and (re)draft contracts and assist clients in the negotiation process, reviewing details relating to intellectual property, responsibilities, risks, and potential liabilities. We identify opportunities and risks, and work towards a balanced and workable contract based on risk mitigation and maximum asset preservation.
A practical approach and results - actually establishing a (business) relationship, which is what the client wants - are paramount.
As Legal Consultants, we lay down the described IP, manufacturing and supply structure in so-called group agreements, in which different types of risks are isolated in columns. All this is done in the context of risk mitigation and business continuity.
Wherever necessary, we also assist clients in foreign legal proceedings and disputes. In doing so, we act as an intermediary between the client and the foreign lawyer and accountant.
For example, this may involve the preliminary phase of legal proceedings, in which we work together on a settlement before discovery takes place. It may also involve the dismissal of a director of a foreign subsidiary, for which we search for and find a knowledgeable local lawyer and work with the client to determine the best approach, both from a legal and a business perspective.
We assist with opening bank accounts abroad. We also help complete documents that prevent foreign backup withholding (tax deductions at source), e.g., for payments from the US.
We act as a liaison between our clients and government authorities or third parties, such as banks, landlords, insurers, accountants and lawyers. We see ourselves as the international legal right hand of small and medium-sized businesses; representing, reporting and coordinating on their behalf. We are ready to work with our clients to achieve their business goals abroad.
Van Velzen C.S. has an extensive network of service providers in numerous countries and various disciplines, including but not limited to accounting and taxation, legal matters, insurance, translations, legalization and temporary work and entry visas. We are a member of the International Distribution Institute, headquartered in Italy, which is an association of legal experts in the fields of distribution, agency and franchise relationships.