Business and Corporate

At Varnum, we have developed a solid eBusiness interdisciplinary team of attorneys with broad experience in a growing number of legal and strategic issues facing online businesses. These include:

• Online contracting
• Online payment structures, methods and disputes
• Digital signatures
• Shrink-wrap and click-through licenses
• Website audits and compliance
• Privacy issues
• Domain name registrations and disputes
• Website development and hosting agreements
• Corporate policies on employee internet and email use
• Website terms of use
• Copyrights and trademarks
• Business method patents
• Internet alliances and link agreements
• Content licensing
• Online contests
• Electronic banking
• Capital funding, securities and financing

Our attorneys have experience with state and federal courts, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the Federal Communications Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the World Intellectual Property Organization and other regulatory agencies (local, state, federal and international) with which our clients have dealings.

The international business law practice at Varnum is uniquely suited to serve the varied interests of the firm’s clients. Drawing on the multidisciplinary experience of attorneys specializing in corporate, tax and intellectual property law, many of the firm’s attorneys understand the intricacies of international business transactions and apply that knowledge to help clients resolve complex legal matters efficiently and cost-effectively.

The practice is rooted in an appreciation of the structure of foreign laws, sensitivity to cultural and communication differences, and awareness of changing trade and business environments.

Clients facing challenges or opportunities in global markets count on us to connect them with local representation in foreign jurisdictions that will provide the high-quality service and responsiveness they experience with Varnum. Through our membership in Ally Law, a prestigious network of business-oriented law firms, our clients have access to swift and effective legal advice in 41-plus countries. With Ally Law’s 61-plus member firms, international work can easily be coordinated by Varnum, or if it best suits a client’s needs, the client can work directly with an Ally Law member firm. In addition, Ally Law members share best practices in the areas of technology, process improvement and client service. Quality evaluations are ongoing to ensure that client satisfaction remains high.

In addition to Ally Law, Varnum’s close affiliation with numerous professional associations and practicing attorneys worldwide ensures we remain in the forefront of developments in the international business community.

Varnum conducts seminars and symposiums while maintaining a comprehensive library of resource materials to better serve client needs. Varnum provides counsel and representation in areas such as:

• Commercial contracts
• Agent and distributor marketing and sales agreements
• Patent, trademark and technology licensing
• Joint ventures and strategic alliances
• Foreign acquisitions
• Immigration and visa processing
• Import and export planning

Government and big business are increasingly requiring first-tier suppliers to show that they draw on a diverse supply base. The result is a heightened role for certified small, minority-owned or woman-owned businesses in the U.S. economy.

Varnum is a local leader in the formation and certification of these businesses. We have helped dozens of suppliers to the government and to the automotive, office furniture and transportation industries obtain and maintain their desired designation or certification – Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or Women Business Enterprise (WBE).

Our specialty is giving practical advice on the issues examined by certifying bodies such as:

• The Federal Small Business Administration
• Federal and state administrative agencies
• Local minority purchasing councils affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council and Michigan Minority Business Development Council

We also provide counsel on the formation, structure and financing of startup entities, joint ventures and strategic alliances. You have the vision; Varnum can help you achieve it.