International

Provided ongoing advice on a cross-border cannabidiol (CBD) project involving hemp cultivation plantation through to mass marketing on the world market. This project involved shareholders agreements; tax advice; regulatory know-how; supply chain analysis; INCOTERMS 2020 transportation; employment advice; and procurement contracting in a deal stretching from Bulgaria and Romania to Gibraltar, and to the international market.

Acted for client in obtaining declaration from the English High Court as to ownership of a painting sold to the client by a leading auction house, which was subsequently alleged to have been stolen and belonged to a foreign government. Issued claim against leading auction house for negligence; and  claim against foreign state while dealing with questions of state immunity. Dealt with Interpol, Metropolitan Police, foreign Government Agencies and the Art Loss Register in connection with this matter.

Acted as part of a team that included Corporate and Commercial partners to advise a large gold miner and producer facing a hostile takeover on potential injunctive relief. Advised client on how to deal with receipt of and assisted in the response to s793 Notices sent under the Companies Act 2006. Further acted for and advised the Board of Directors and Directors on ongoing litigation and regulatory investigations.

Acted in the potential sale of an Old Master based in the U.K. to overseas buyer for in excess of $150 million. Dealt with agents and other advisors in the preparation and negotiation of the sale and purchase agreement; negotiated and agreed upon commissions and escrow arrangements to handle sale proceeds and associated due diligence.

Advised an Indian information technology company on its $800 million takeover through a U.S. and Indian tender offer.

Provided regulatory and compliance counsel to clients in various industries, including matters involving the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Justice, various agencies that govern import and export controls, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission.

Acted for a large Chinese company in resisting a freezing injunction over a hotel in Macau worth HK$1.5 billion. The order was granted ex parte on allegations that the hotel had been procured by way of kidnap, extreme duress and forgery.  The injunction was discharged at the return date on various grounds.

Represented semiconductor industry client in in International Trade Commission (ITC) Section 337 investigation directed at the importation of mobile processors incorporating client’s patented integrated circuit features. Three-week trial resulted in substantial settlement to client.

Represented designer and manufacturer of digital microphone and noise-reduction products used in voice-driven applications including in ITC Section 337 investigation directed at the importation of devices incorporating directional microphone arrays and associated software. Resolved matter on the eve of trial with favorable settlement to client.

Advised corporate client in connection with proposals to explore, recover and raise up the Spanish War Galleon known as the San Jose, which sunk in the South Pacific in 1708, carrying treasure that may be worth in excess of $17 billion. Advised multinational client on possibility of obtaining declaratory relief from High Court as to ownership and title to treasure prior to recovery. Dealt with aspects of foreign government tender process and media interest in the same.

Acted for a U.S. financier defendant in a $3.2 billion fraud case. The claim was made by the trustee in bankruptcy and concerned interest made by the defendant in respect of loans made to the companies in the sum of $39 million. The action concerned an application to challenge the trustee’s admission of the claims in the U.S. proceedings.

Successfully obtained from petitioner consent to change in the scope of an anti-dumping/countervailing duty investigation by the U.S. government into certain steel racks being imported from China and allegedly sold in the U.S. market at less than fair value.

Represented a client that heat treats metal parts for general manufacturers, including those in the automotive and aircraft industries, in its first international expansion. The deal included providing assistance with a long term supply arrangement with an European equipment manufacturer as well as a long-term facility lease and construction agreements; retaining local counsel in Mexico; setting up foreign subsidiaries and adding a new U.S. subsidiary; as well as handling associated intellectual property, real estate and tax issues.

Counseled worldwide leader in the payments technology industry across a variety of practice areas in connection with technology development and licensing, and payment processing service offerings.