Commercial law solutions

Legal and contractual framework of supply chain management and distribution networks

Legal and contractual frameworks for supply chain management and distribution networks are essential to helping businesses operate smoothly worldwide.

Deloitte Legal professionals have extensive experience in supporting cross-border transactions in all major industries. Our approach focuses on avoiding disputes and litigation by drafting and negotiating appropriate, unambiguous and enforceable contracts.

Deloitte Legal specialists take businesses' commercial objectives and translate them into robust contractual documentation including general terms and conditions appropriate to a variety of distribution (e.g. agency, dealership), supply and transportation agreements as well as export regulations and customs.

Restructuring business functions and outsourcing

Today's globalised economy has opened up new opportunities for businesses looking to find cost savings through progressive sourcing arrangements. Centralisation of business functions that take advantage of economies of scale, offshoring or outsourcing work to low cost providers and co-sourcing are common practices. Deloitte Legal assists companies with an array of sourcing arrangements and covers technology infrastructure and support, business process outsourcing, manufacturing, and telecommunications.

Our approach focuses first on the commercial objectives of the business. We help companies establish the flexible working relationships and effective contracts needed to be competitive in today's market. We can support businesses at any stage of the lifecycle including:

• Negotiation of new contracts
• Re-evaluation and renegotiation of current outsourcing arrangements

Real estate including acquisition, disposal and portfolio management

The global real estate market continues to be impacted by the worldwide financial crisis and weak recovery. This is exacerbated by a rapidly changing legal environment. To navigate successfully, businesses need an experienced legal advisor who understands business strategy and can provide practical and prudent advice for achieving commercial objectives.

Deloitte Legal advises companies on the legal implications of business activity in the real estate sector, including acquisitions, due diligence on real estate, negotiation of contracts and related commercial matters.

Intellectual property rights including registration, protection and defense

Globalization, continually changing legal regulations and technological advancements have increased the complexity of business operations. As a result, legal and compliance risks in the area of intellectual property (IP) rights need to be even more diligently managed than ever before.

Deloitte Legal assists businesses with the handling of all IP related matters, in particular the registration of trademarks, drafting of license agreements and representation before authorities. Additionally, Deloitte Legal provides trademark and other IP right protection services either in court or in alternative dispute resolution forums.

Deloitte Legal combines a broad and deep base of knowledge and experience in local legislation with global reach and capabilities to provide cross-jurisdiction legal advice to businesses.

Bankruptcy, insolvency and corporate restructuring

The global financial crisis has pushed many businesses into a state of instability. When companies are struggling with difficult choices, Deloitte Legal can assist with suggesting options to help recovery, such as restructuring outside of insolvency proceedings, a structured sale or provide assistance with judicial insolvency proceedings. We work with both companies in distress and potential buyers, shareholders and directors, creditors and insolvency administrators.

Deloitte Legal insolvency practices bring years of experience in working with third parties such as bankers, lawyers, insolvency courts, credit insurers, and public authorities. Deloitte Legal works together with colleagues who have specialised skills in financial, tax or labour law from around the world to deliver guidance based on multiple points of view.

Statutory and regulatory compliance

Companies today need to comply with what can be a daunting multitude of national and international legislation and regulations, and need effective business processes to ensure compliance and prevention of regulatory issues. Deloitte Legal provides businesses with guidance on statutory and regulatory obligations relevant to their industry and their operational base including:

• Trade conventions
• Fiscal and financial regulations
• Intellectual property restraints
• Environmental regulations

Deloitte Legal spends the time necessary to understand the unique needs and operational nuances of individual companies. We offer a broad base of commercial business solutions and have a large global footprint. Our experience allows us to provide businesses facing complex legal regulations and challenges cohesive, practical advice.