Managing the Risks of Doing Business in Latin America
October 08, 2004
This is the second article of a two-part series about managing the risks of doing business in Latin America. Last month's installment described Latin America as a region blessed with impressive worker productivity and natural resources, but also troubled by pockets of political and economic unrest. The article concluded that Latin America represents a fertile business frontier for equipment leasing and finance companies that are willing to manage risks proactively. It covered potential market entry risks and suggested strategies for reducing exposure. This month's article explores operational and exit-strategy risks to consider before expanding into Latin America. Risks are summarized in the Risk Map for Doing Business in Latin America (Table 1), published last month, which I developed based on experiences in the region. The map is intended as a checklist that outlines typical risks and management strategies. However, as every business is unique, companies should also attempt to identify additional risks and/or their own approaches.
IP News
October 08, 2004
Highlights of the latest intellectual property news and cases from around the country.
Practice Tip: Web Site Hyperlinks as Adoptive Admissions
October 06, 2004
Companies are increasingly communicating with consumers via the Internet. With the explosion of the Internet during the last decade, the company Web site has become one of the most comprehensive and convenient locations to obtain information on a product. As the number of people using the Web has increased, company Web sites have gone from bare-bone sites of basic corporate information to becoming the starting point in any search for information on a company and its products. The swell in the use of such Web sites has increased their importance as a corporate voice and as a resource for consumers. Should a company change its Web site if a governmental or private agency issues a report that presents findings relating to one of its products and a risk of personal injury?
Avoiding The Top 10 Legal Difficulties Facing Home-based e-Commerce Ventures
October 06, 2004
With the Internet being everywhere, it's no surprise that it penetrates every aspect of a home-based e-commerce venture, along with Internet law, which has developed in lock step with the Internet. <br>And as more people chagrined by the fickle economy turn to their own residential Internet connections as conduits for electronic business, these entrepreneurs find themselves exposed to legal difficulties previously reserved for large traditional businesses. <br>To succeed, this new generation ' and older commercial operations that have adapted to the Information Age ' must know about Internet law, as do counsel who advise them.
Working At Home, And At Play
October 06, 2004
Constant connectivity creates pressure to work around-the-clock, wherever you may be. After all, the Net is always on ' and open for business.<br>However, as the traditional office becomes less important ' because technology lets work shift location with the workers ' will the legal rules for the workplace also follow?
Net News
October 01, 2004
U.S. Cybersecurity Chief Abruptly Resigns<br>AOL Rejects Microsoft's Anti-Spam Standard
Internet Communications Pose New Liability Issues
October 01, 2004
Law firms, which are as much a part of the e-commerce world as any enterprise they advise, are more often offering clients protected access to their personal case information over the Internet. <br>Clients expect their attorneys to use the most modern communications technologies, including the Internet. Using the Internet, through the firm's Web site, to communicate with clients and other attorneys can be fast, efficient and cost-effective. Providing confidential information over the Internet, however, can increase legal liability for the law firm. As of now, courts and bar associations provide little guidance for lawyers facing these new ethical and legal issues.
Buying Into Or Offering Franchising Opportunities?
October 01, 2004
Franchise statutes and regulations apply to the Internet. Court decisions clearly state that suppliers who use the Internet to sell goods and services ' with independent distributors, dealers, or sales agents helping ' may be franchisors under federal or state law.
