If you conduct business internationally you may be interested in reading the new FCPA Digest: Recent Trends and Patterns in the Enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act issued by the firm of Shearman & Sterling. 

What’s interesting is that enforcement agencies around the world are cooperating more and sharing intelligence among each other.  That trend spells an increased risk of enforcement that is raising the level of due diligence in merger and acquisition transactions.  Nobody wants to inherit a problem.

The old saying about “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” can get your U.S. business into legal hot water if the foreign jurisdiction you’re doing business in encourages and expects bribery in exchange for a business contract.  Many businesses, especially smaller ones just starting to sell in international markets, don’t realize that the FCPA is one of a handful of extraterritorial laws that governs your business conduct beyond the borders of the United States. 

A few months ago, I wrote about 3 FCPA traps and 4 ways to avoid an FCPA violation. 

For more tips about the legal aspects of doing business internationally, join me on December 3, 2009 when I interview Carol Emory, the founder of Legal Counsel International, about other traps for the unwary.

Click here for more information about how you can register for this free teleseminar.

Copyright © 2009 Corporate M.O., LLC

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