Are there sources of legal assistance for people who are new to exporting?

Several legal assistance resources are available to help businesses that are new to exporting:

Department of Commerce Office of Chief Counsel for International Commerce

Information on various legal issues of interest to U.S. exporters on its website at http://www.osec.doc.gov/ogc/occic.

Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN)

A nationwide group of attorneys with experience in international trade. Read More…

District Export Councils

Community business leaders whose knowledge of international business and trade serves as a valuable source of professional advice for local companies. Read More…

American Bar Association (ABA)

The ABA publishes information on the legal aspects of doing business in specific countries, including guides to foreign law firms and law organizations. Read More…

China Intellectual Property Rights Advisory Program

Consultations for American small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about IPR issues in the Chinese market: how to protect and enforce intellectual property rights (IPR), such as trademarks, patents or copyrights, in China. Read More…

For further assistance, please contact the Trade Information Center:

Tel: 1-800-USA-TRAD(E) (1-800-872-8723)

Fax: (202) 482-4473

E-mail: tic@mail.doc.gov

Internet: http://www.export.gov