Our Practice Areas

We've spent years navigating the trickiest parts of international commerce and cross-border disputes. Here's where we can help you cut through the complexity and actually get things done.

International Trade

International Trade Agreements & Customs Law

Look, customs regulations aren't exactly bedtime reading. But when your shipment's stuck at the border or you're facing penalties that could sink your quarterly numbers, you'll want someone who actually knows this stuff inside-out.

We work with manufacturers, importers, and distributors who need to move goods across borders without the headaches. Whether you're dealing with tariff classifications, free trade agreement qualifications, or customs audits that seem to drag on forever, we've been there and know how to handle it.

The trick isn't just knowing the rules - it's understanding how different jurisdictions interpret them and where you've got room to maneuver. We've helped clients save millions by restructuring their supply chains and getting proper duty relief they didn't even know existed.

How We Handle It
1
Initial Assessment
We review your current operations and spot issues before they become problems
2
Strategy Development
Build compliance frameworks that actually work in the real world
3
Implementation
We handle negotiations with customs authorities and set up proper documentation
4
Ongoing Support
Regular reviews and updates as regulations change (and they always do)
Recent Case Example

Electronics Importer Penalty Resolution

A mid-sized tech distributor got hit with $2.3M in customs penalties for misclassified components. The government wasn't budging, and their previous counsel was basically telling them to pay up.

We dug into the technical specs, found legitimate classification arguments they'd missed, and negotiated with customs officials who actually appreciated someone knowing their regulations. Ended up settling for $180K - about 8% of the original penalty.

Duration: 7 months | Industry: Electronics

What You Get
  • Tariff classification reviews
  • FTA qualification analysis
  • Customs audit defense
  • Duty deferral & drawback programs
  • Import/export compliance training
  • Trade remedy proceedings

Honestly? It varies wildly. Simple audits might wrap up in 3-4 months. Complex cases with multiple years of transactions can drag on for 18 months or more. The key is responding quickly and thoroughly to every request - delays just extend the pain.

Depends on the numbers. If you're importing high volumes and there's a significant duty rate difference, absolutely. We've seen clients save six figures annually just by getting the classification right. For one-off shipments? Maybe not worth the fight.
Cross-Border Litigation

Cross-Border Commercial Litigation

When a business relationship goes sideways across international borders, things get messy fast. Different legal systems, competing jurisdictions, enforcement nightmares - it's enough to make anyone's head spin.

We handle disputes involving contracts that span multiple countries, partnership breakdowns with foreign entities, and those fun situations where everyone's pointing fingers about which court should even hear the case. The real challenge isn't just winning - it's actually collecting on your judgment afterward.

Our approach is practical: we assess whether litigation makes sense financially (sometimes it doesn't), figure out the best jurisdiction to pursue your claim, and map out realistic outcomes before you spend a fortune on legal fees. We've litigated in Canadian courts, coordinated with foreign counsel, and enforced judgments internationally when clients need to actually see their money.

Our Litigation Process
1
Conflict Analysis
Figure out where you actually stand and what it'll realistically cost to fight
2
Jurisdictional Strategy
Pick the right venue (this matters way more than people think)
3
Evidence Gathering
Coordinate document production and witness prep across borders
4
Resolution & Enforcement
Whether through settlement or judgment, we make sure you actually get paid
Recent Case Example

Manufacturing Partnership Dispute

Canadian manufacturer got burned by their Chinese supplier who basically stopped delivering after receiving $4.8M in advance payments. The supplier claimed quality issues (there weren't any) and refused arbitration.

We sued in Ontario, got jurisdiction over assets they had here, and enforced against their Canadian subsidiary's holdings. Recovered $3.2M plus costs. Not the full amount, but way better than the zero they were looking at before.

Duration: 14 months | Industry: Manufacturing

What We Handle
  • Breach of contract claims
  • International arbitration
  • Partnership & shareholder disputes
  • Fraud & misrepresentation cases
  • Judgment enforcement abroad
  • Asset tracing & recovery

Sometimes, yeah. Depends on the country and whether they have reciprocal enforcement agreements with Canada. Some places make it relatively straightforward, others make you basically re-litigate the whole thing. We always scope out enforcement options before starting litigation.

For international disputes, often yes. Arbitration awards are usually easier to enforce cross-border thanks to the New York Convention. Plus, you avoid the whole "which country's courts" fight. Downside? Limited appeal rights and the costs can add up quick with arbitrator fees.
Mergers and Acquisitions

Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions

Buying or selling a company across borders isn't like buying a car. There's due diligence that needs to happen, regulatory approvals to chase down, and about a thousand ways the deal can implode if you're not careful.

We've worked on transactions ranging from small acquisitions to nine-figure deals involving multiple countries. The trick is keeping things moving while making sure nothing important falls through the cracks. Nobody wants surprises after closing - like discovering your new acquisition's got undisclosed liabilities or regulatory problems you'll inherit.

Whether you're acquiring a foreign competitor, merging with an international partner, or selling to overseas buyers, we handle the legal heavy lifting. That means structuring the deal tax-efficiently, negotiating terms that actually protect you, and coordinating with local counsel in other jurisdictions when needed.

Transaction Timeline
1
Initial Structuring
Work out the basic deal structure and letter of intent
2
Due Diligence
Dig into everything - financials, contracts, compliance, the whole deal
3
Documentation
Draft and negotiate purchase agreements, shareholder docs, everything
4
Closing & Integration
Handle regulatory approvals and post-closing obligations
Recent Case Example

Cross-Border Tech Acquisition

Toronto software company wanted to acquire a US competitor for $12M. Deal looked straightforward until due diligence uncovered IP ownership issues and a pending lawsuit they'd conveniently forgotten to mention.

We restructured the deal to exclude the problematic assets, renegotiated the price down to $8.5M, and built in escrow protections for the litigation risk. Client got what they needed without the headaches.

Deal Value: $8.5M | Industry: Technology

Our M&A Services
  • Buy-side & sell-side representation
  • Comprehensive due diligence
  • Deal structuring & negotiation
  • Cross-border regulatory approvals
  • Post-closing integration support
  • Joint venture formations

Figure 3-6 months for a straightforward deal. Complex transactions with regulatory hoops or multiple jurisdictions can stretch to a year or more. The due diligence phase usually takes longest - that's where deals either come together or fall apart.

Rushing due diligence because everyone's excited to close. We've seen buyers skip thorough reviews and end up inheriting environmental liabilities, tax problems, or compliance issues that cost way more than they saved by moving fast. Take the time to look properly.
IP Protection

Intellectual Property Protection

Your IP is probably worth more than your physical assets - whether that's patents, trademarks, trade secrets, or just your brand reputation. Problem is, IP theft and infringement are rampant in international commerce, and enforcement gets complicated fast when borders are involved.

We help companies protect what they've built. That means registering your IP in relevant jurisdictions (not just Canada), catching infringement before it damages your market position, and going after copycats who think they can get away with knocking off your products or brand.

The reality is that different countries have wildly different IP protection standards. What works in Canada might not fly elsewhere. We navigate these differences daily, working with foreign IP counsel when needed and handling enforcement actions that span multiple jurisdictions.

IP Protection Strategy
1
Asset Identification
Figure out what IP you've actually got that's worth protecting
2
Registration & Filing
Get your patents, trademarks, and copyrights properly registered
3
Monitoring
Watch for infringement and knockoffs in your key markets
4
Enforcement
Take action when someone crosses the line
Recent Case Example

Brand Protection in Asian Markets

Canadian fashion brand found knockoffs flooding Asian e-commerce platforms, complete with stolen product photos and nearly identical branding. Sales were tanking in markets they'd spent years building.

We coordinated trademark registrations in six jurisdictions, filed takedown notices with major platforms, and pursued legal action against the biggest infringers. Got over 400 listings removed and secured settlements that actually compensated for lost revenue.

Duration: 9 months | Industry: Fashion/Retail

IP Services We Provide
  • Patent & trademark filings
  • Copyright registration & protection
  • Trade secret safeguarding
  • Infringement investigations
  • Cease & desist enforcement
  • IP licensing & transfers

Nah, that'd be crazy expensive. Focus on markets where you're actually doing business or plan to expand. Also consider where knockoffs are likely to come from - sometimes defensive registrations in manufacturing hubs make sense even if you're not selling there.

It's tougher, not gonna lie. But you've got options - customs recordation to stop fakes at the border, working with e-commerce platforms to remove listings, and sometimes pursuing infringers' assets in jurisdictions with better enforcement. It's about being strategic rather than expecting perfect protection everywhere.
Immigration Services

Immigration & Work Permit Services

Getting the right people where you need them shouldn't feel like navigating a bureaucratic maze, but let's be honest - immigration law is exactly that. We help businesses bring in foreign talent and relocate key employees without the process grinding to a halt.

Whether you're hiring specialized workers, transferring executives, or setting up Canadian operations with an international team, we handle the paperwork and deal with immigration authorities so you can focus on running your business. The rules change constantly and there's zero room for error - one mistake can mean months of delays or outright denials.

We also work with individuals who need business immigration solutions - entrepreneurs wanting to establish operations in Canada, investors pursuing permanent residency, or professionals seeking pathways that align with their career goals. It's about finding the right program and putting together applications that actually get approved.

Immigration Process
1
Eligibility Assessment
Determine which programs fit your situation and have realistic chances
2
Documentation Prep
Gather and organize all required supporting materials
3
Application Submission
File complete applications and handle follow-up requests
4
Approval & Arrival
Navigate final steps and ensure smooth entry into Canada
Recent Case Example

Tech Company Expansion Team

Growing software company needed to relocate six senior developers from their India office to Toronto. Previous counsel had gotten two applications rejected for "insufficient documentation" - whatever that meant.

We restructured the applications with detailed job descriptions, proper LMIA exemption justifications, and comprehensive employer support letters. All six permits approved within standard processing times, team relocated successfully.

Processing Time: 4 months | Program: Intra-Company Transfer

Immigration Solutions
  • Work permit applications
  • Intra-company transfers
  • LMIA processing & exemptions
  • Permanent residency pathways
  • Business immigration programs
  • Compliance & retention strategies

Depends on the program and applicant's country. Standard processing for most work permits runs 8-16 weeks, but we've seen it vary wildly. LMIA applications add another 2-3 months on top of that. Expedited processing exists for certain categories but don't count on it.

Sometimes. There are "maintained status" provisions that let people keep working under certain circumstances while renewals process. Starting fresh employment before permit approval? Nope, that's illegal and can screw up future applications. Worth waiting for the paperwork.
Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Compliance & Government Relations

Every industry's got regulations, and international operations mean dealing with multiple sets of rules that often contradict each other. Miss something important and you're looking at fines, operational shutdowns, or worse - criminal liability for executives.

We help companies stay compliant with Canadian regulations and navigate requirements in foreign jurisdictions where they operate. That includes everything from product standards and safety regulations to environmental compliance and anti-corruption laws. The goal is keeping you out of trouble while maintaining operational flexibility.

We also handle government relations when you need someone who speaks bureaucrat. Whether that's obtaining licenses, negotiating with regulators, or dealing with investigations, we've got relationships with officials across various agencies and know how to get things moving when they're stuck.

Compliance Framework
1
Risk Assessment
Identify which regulations actually apply to your operations
2
Policy Development
Build internal compliance programs that work in practice
3
Training & Implementation
Get your team up to speed on what they need to do
4
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular audits and updates as regulations change
Recent Case Example

Medical Device Compliance Overhaul

Medical equipment importer faced Health Canada investigation over product licensing and safety documentation gaps. They were at risk of losing their establishment license, which would've shut down their entire operation.

We coordinated with Health Canada, developed a corrective action plan, brought their documentation up to standard, and negotiated an outcome that kept them operational. No fines, no shutdown, just a compliance roadmap they could actually follow.

Duration: 5 months | Industry: Medical Devices

What We Cover
  • Regulatory audits & assessments
  • License & permit applications
  • Anti-corruption compliance (CFPOA)
  • Product safety & standards
  • Government investigations defense
  • Lobbying & advocacy

At least annually, and whenever there are significant operational changes or new regulations. The bigger issue is making sure someone's actually monitoring for regulatory changes in real-time - you don't want to find out about new requirements after you've already violated them.

Don't panic, but do get counsel involved immediately. How you respond in the first few weeks often determines the outcome. We handle government inquiries, coordinate your responses, and negotiate resolutions that minimize damage. Sometimes voluntary disclosure and cooperation goes a long way.

Related Practice Areas

Trade + Litigation

International trade disputes often require both customs expertise and litigation skills. We handle cases where compliance issues escalate into legal battles.

Learn More
M&A + Immigration

Cross-border acquisitions almost always involve moving key personnel. We coordinate the legal and immigration aspects of international transactions.

Learn More
IP + Regulatory

Protecting intellectual property internationally requires navigating complex regulatory frameworks in multiple jurisdictions - we handle both sides.

Learn More

Not Sure Which Practice Area Fits Your Situation?

Most real-world legal issues don't fit neatly into one category. Let's talk about what you're dealing with and figure out the best approach together. First consultation is straightforward - we'll tell you honestly if we can help and what it'll take.

Schedule a Consultation
Call us directly: (416) 555-0847

General Practice Questions

Yeah, all the time. Our practice is built around cross-border work, so we're used to representing foreign companies doing business in Canada and Canadian companies operating abroad. We coordinate with local counsel in other jurisdictions when needed - it's part of what we do.

Depends completely on the work. Some matters we'll quote a flat fee (like certain immigration applications or contract reviews). Complex litigation or M&A deals are typically hourly with detailed budgets