Sheppard's Nota Bene

More than one hundred forty nations around the world have their own competition laws addressing how multinationals may compete in their borders. No two are the same. Knowing that, is it realistic to expect multinational companies to understand how policies and economics operate in countries around the world? How can multinationals doing business without borders compete abroad without fear of running into competition violations?

In this episode, we're focusing specifically on Europe and how companies can compete on that continent. My guest on the show is Isabelle Rahman, a partner in the Antitrust and Competition Practice Group in the firm's Brussels office. Isabelle has substantial experience in the application of the EU competition rules and represents clients active in the airline, chemical, consumer products, food, life sciences/pharma, fashion, entertainment and media industries, among others.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

• Which companies received the largest fines for violations of European competition laws?
• Is Commissioner Vestager on a crusade against U.S. technology companies doing business in Europe?
• Are the amounts of the fines levied against some U.S. tech companies in Europe appropriate?
• What are the different social underpinnings to the respective competition policies in the U.S. vs. Europe?
• Can your competitor file a complaint with the European Commission against your company?
• Why Europe consistently looks to protect against harm to the consumer
• Could a lack of similarly powerful and situated companies in Europe be one reason why the European Commission seemingly takes stricter measures against U.S. companies?
• What percentage of U.S. multinational companies' revenues come from overseas?
• How has the Trump administration affected U.S. relations with Europe?
• How should companies with higher market shares in Europe conduct themselves in order to avoid violations?

Resources Mentioned:

European Commission Directorates General Competition

Contact Information:

Isabelle Rahman's profile page

LinkedIn

Thank you for listening!

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

So you want to do business in Europe? How can you do so as a multinational while avoiding potential competition violations?

There's a lot of talk about trade wars lately so in our first episode of Nota Bene, we wanted to explore the current state of US trade policy including our trade wars with China and the European Union. We also explore the history of trade in the United States since World War II, what the Trump trade agenda entails, and what multi-national companies doing business abroad need to know to navigate the current trade environment.

We're joined by Scott Maberry. Scott is an International Trade partner in the firm's Washington, D.C. office and a member of the World Economic Forum. Scott counsels clients and litigates disputes in the areas of export controls, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), anti-terrorism, economic sanctions, anti-boycott controls, anti-money laundering (AML), the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), trade remedies including antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) matters, and Customs.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• What is a trade war?
• Why are tariffs and how are they used as trade barriers?
• How World War II was an important marker in history with regard to US trade policy
• Are trade barriers good for the US economy in the long run or is it merely a short-term gain?
• How laws and regulations are the chosen weapons used by nations to fight trade wars
• What's going on with the import duties placed on goods from China?
• The European Union, despite historically being a US ally, is now engaged in a trade war with the United States.
• What are trade blocks and why are they important when it comes to trade?
• How the US all but erased the ink off the Trans-Pacific Partnership
• Why and how multi-nationals with customers or supply chain outside of the US are greatly affected by the trade wars
• How tariffs in one country lead to retaliatory tariffs in another country and ultimately, no one wins in trade conflicts.
• The economic benefits of reduced tariffs
• What is the Trump trade agenda? Is it a good strategy for our economy?
• What is the scope of the current trade wars with China and the EU?
• What members of the C-Suite should be thinking about right now knowing all of this information about the current trade wars

Resources Mentioned:

Trade Act 1974 – Section 301

Office of the United State Trade Representative

United States International Trade Commission

United States Department of Commerce

Contact Information:

Scott Maberry's firm profile

Thank you for listening!

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Wednesday.

If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.

Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

Sheppard Mullin website

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

The United States has launched its first ever modern era trade war on two fronts, against its historic allies in Europe across the Atlantic, and against China across the Pacific. How does that affect the international supply chain for multinationals? That’s what we discuss in this episode.

Are Adam Smith's words dead or alive? Technology, healthcare, energy, and trade practices are disrupting and transforming the world. Can the US keep up with these changes? What does this all mean for the C-Suite of multinational companies as they compete in this new economic world? Tune in each week to find out. Here's a quick inside look into Nota Bene, a new podcast show from the law firm of Sheppard Mullin, launching September 12, 2018 and hosted by international competition partner Michael P.A. Cohen.

Be sure to subscribe to receive every new episode as soon as they're published!

Here’s a quick inside look into Nota Bene, a new podcast show from the law firm of Sheppard Mullin, launching September 12, 2018 and hosted by international competition partner Michael P.A. Cohen.