SHENZHEN, China (November 2, 2017) - On November 2, 2017, Perkins Coie LLP, along with the Shenzhen Patent Association (SZPA), presented a seminar on timely and critical legal issues impacting international manufacturers who export or sell products and do business in the United States. Over 50 delegates from leading Chinese companies, law firms, industry associations and trade organizations attended the seminar, which took place at the Hilton Shenzhen Futian in Shenzhen. The seminar provided practical, relevant legal information based on Perkins Coie attorneys’ in-depth experience in advising Chinese companies on the complex business issues associated with manufacturing or exporting products to the United States.

Perkins Coie White Collar & Investigations partners Pravin Rao and Barak Cohen presented on criminal trade secrets law and protecting company secrets at the U.S. border. Product Liability partner Craig Allely presented on legal liability for defective products in the United States. Patent Litigation partner Kevin Patariu provided important updates on U.S. intellectual property law, including practical advice for when companies are accused of infringement.

“We are honored to partner with SZPA to present to Chinese manufacturing companies,” said Pravin. “We believe the important topics we discussed will help international manufacturers who sell products and do business in the United States navigate key legal issues.”

“Heightened efforts by the Trump Administration to investigate and prosecute the alleged theft of corporate intellectual property by foreign nationals make it increasingly important for companies that do business in the U.S. to understand how to respond if they are accused of economic espionage by U.S. authorities,” said Barak Cohen, a former prosecutor with the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. Barak added that such accusations are especially threatening to foreign companies because U.S. courts have exercised jurisdiction even in cases where criminal offenses are alleged to have occurred outside the country.

“On-line sales platforms such as eBay are increasingly resolving allegations of intellectual property infringement by sellers without the assistance of U.S. district courts or the International Trade Commission,” said Kevin. “A timely and thorough response to an allegation of patent, trademark, or copyright infringement when selling products on eBay or similar platforms is critical for Chinese companies who rely on these on-line marketplaces to sell products in the United States.”

Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high-value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients’ success. With more than 1,200 lawyers in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory legal advice to a broad range of clients, including many of the world’s most innovative companies and industry leaders as well as public and not-for-profit organizations.

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