International Commercial Agreements
The Firm’s attorneys regularly counsel US and non-US businesses in expanding the reach of their products, services, and technologies around the globe through preparing, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of international commercial agreements that are fairly balanced and in compliance with US and applicable foreign laws, regulations, and standards. We are routinely engaged by companies for matters involving buying agent, commercial agency, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), consignment, distribution, executive, representative, reseller, managed inventory, manufacturing, occasional intermediary, selling agent, services, testing and evaluation, termination, toll manufacturing, and other commercial agreements. In addition to preparing agreements, we provide practical, business-focused advice on the underlying transactions and often guide clients from early-stage planning, due diligence research, risk assessment, and negotiations to enforcing or terminating international commercial agreements.
The Firm’s attorneys are well-versed in issues that are routinely negotiated in international commercial agreements such as Incoterms®, the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (Vienna Convention), and the rules of major arbitral forums including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), among others.
The Firm’s International Commercial Agreements practice is led by our Founder and Managing Member, Jon P. Yormick, who has more than 30 years of experience handling international commercial agreements, including pre-dispute negotiations, as well as mediating, arbitrating, and litigating contentious matters arising from international commercial agreements, terms and conditions of purchase and sale, purchase orders, and transportation agreements. He is a member of the Torino-based International Distribution Institute (IDI), serving as the US Country Expert on Agency and a panelist at the IDI’s 2024 annual conference held in Prague, Czechia, discussing the topic of Managing the Relationship Between the Framework Distribution Agreement and the Contracts of Sale. Mr. Yormick has also conducted seminars on topics such as Writing and Negotiating International Commercial Agent and Distributorship Agreements and Expanding Globally: A Survey of International Contract Legal Issues. The Firm is also involved with the American Bar Association, Section of International Law, International Contract Committee (ICC).
We prioritize each client’s unique needs and objectives and address compliance with US, EU, UK, and other country import and export control laws and regulations, global trade sanctions, competition laws, and the specific requirements of each jurisdiction, including certified translation, execution formalities, apostille, and document legalization.
Our Experience
If you need representation in an international trade investigation, enforcement action, or compliance assistance, please contact us at [email protected]
News & Insights
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Expansion of Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
President Trump’s new proclamations expand Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, raising rates to 25% and eliminating exemptions. Businesses should assess supply chains, review exclusions, and prepare for broader tariff coverage.
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Tariffs Affecting Canada-US Trade: Navigating the Uncertainty
President Trump’s recent executive orders imposing and suspending tariffs on Canadian goods highlight ongoing trade tensions. While the tariffs are currently on hold, businesses should analyze product classifications, explore exemptions, and review contracts to prepare for potential implementation.
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Yormick Law’s Managing Member Quoted in Buffalo Business First
Jon P. Yormick, founder of Yormick Law, was quoted in Buffalo Business First on the impact of proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, highlighting challenges for businesses along the Northern Border and in the automotive sector.
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EU “Best Efforts” Obligations Under Russia Sanctions Regulations
On 22 November 2024, the European Union issued an FAQ providing detailed guidance on the “best efforts” obligations for EU entities. These obligations require EU entities to ensure that activities undertaken by their non-EU subsidiaries do not undermine EU sanctions on Russia.
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DHS Updates the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (“UFLPA”) Entity List to Add Metals and Food Producers
The DHS has added 29 entities to the UFLPA Entity List for forced labor links in China’s Xinjiang region, including key players in the metals and food sectors.
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EU Regulation Alert: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Comes into Effect
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) now mandates reporting for imports of high-emission goods like steel and cement, with financial obligations starting in 2026 to align with EU carbon standards.