German Desk
If you do business between Germany and the U.S., our German Desk can help. The German Desk combines a group of attorneys from different practice groups with a particular focus on the German market. This allows us to assist U.S. clients with their business in Germany and advise German companies on their U.S. operations.
Our Lawyers
The German Desk consists of attorneys from different practice areas, including corporate, litigation, immigration and commercial law. The Desk is headed by Kai Bitter, a corporate attorney who is licensed both in Germany and Ohio. Kai is a regular speaker at international business and trade events and frequently publishes articles on cross-border issues. Prior to joining FBT, Kai practiced in the corporate department at Baker & McKenzie and at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Service Areas
Corporate/Business
We regularly assist U.S. companies in entering the German market and German companies in entering the U.S. market. We collaborate closely with local chambers, tax advisors, banks, accountants and municipal and state development agencies to facilitate Greenfield investments. For joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions in the U.S., Germany and beyond, we help identify and evaluate the target, negotiate and manage the transaction and integrate the new business venture.
International Trade
In today’s global business, companies must have contracts with international suppliers, customers and sales agents. Also, their import-export management must follow the laws of many nations, so we advise on U.S., Germain, EU and other applicable trade and customs laws.
Dispute Resolution
We provide comprehensive advice and representation in national and international court and arbitration proceedings in Germany and the U.S. We represent clients in arbitration proceedings worldwide.
Immigration
We secure work visas and resident permits for managers and employees, including “green cards”, in the U.S. In conjunction with CPA firms, we also help expatriates navigation U.S., German and international law, especially regarding tax and inheritance.
Intellectual Property
The protection and licensing of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets (“know-how”) are critical for a company’s success. We build cost-effective strategies and execute those strategies on a worldwide basis.
Events
Practice Highlights
Inbound
- US counsel to Germany’s largest automotive wire manufacturer in corporate, HR, IP, and commercial matters, including M&A.
- Represented German-owned insurance group in sale of Alabama insurance agency.
- Represented Japanese tier 1 automotive supplier in commercial dispute with German tier 2.
- Advised Dutch-based European market leader in steel mesh reinforcement and US partners on US joint venture formation.
- Assisted German tier 1 automotive supplier in dissolution of its US operations.
- Represented German based plastic molding manufacturer in shareholder dispute with US joint venture partner and subsequent buy-out.
- Counsel to many other German-owned companies in the US (pressure washer manufacturer, international choir competitions and festivals organizer, industrial sensor manufacturer, waste separator manufacturer, gear drive manufacturer, automotive safety technology manufacturer, media consulting firm, coating equipment manufacturer, screw manufacturer and others).
Outbound
- Corporate and commercial counsel to US-owned companies in Germany and other European countries (banks, distributors, call center providers, software firms, wire manufacturers etc.)
