Paying a Finder’s Fee When Raising Capital in the United States: The Success Fee Trap
When raising capital in the United States, companies often run into a common, very avoidable legal problem: paying a “success fee,” “commission,” or “finder’s fee” to the person who introduced an investor.
It feels fair. Someone made a valuable connection,
Harris Bricken Blogs
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Tariffs Are Now a Fraud Risk: How Importers Can Avoid CBP and DOJ Trouble
By Dan Harris
Tariffs Are Now a Fraud Risk: How Importers Can Avoid CBP and DOJ Trouble
One internal message can turn a tariff problem into a fraud problem.
Not because a single email triggers an investigation by itself, but because once the government starts asking questions, the record your team created under pressure becomes the story the…
The Gold Card Immigration Program: Capital, Extraordinary Ability, and Legal Uncertainties
The U.S. Gold Card Program: What It Changes, What It Does Not, and Why the Risk Still Matters
On September 19, 2025, the Trump administration issued Executive Order 14351, creating what is now known as the Gold Card program. The order directs the Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, and State to establish a process…
Trade Secrets and How to Protect Your Most Valuable Information
Trade Secrets and How Your Business Can Protect Its Most Valuable Information
In today’s AI driven economy, trade secrets often represent a company’s core competitive advantage. Yet many businesses spend far more time and money protecting trademarks and patents than safeguarding the confidential information that actually drives revenue.
Two recent federal disputes show how quickly…
Tech Layoffs, Talent Realignment, and the Opportunity for Startups, Workers, and Investors
The past year has brought dramatic changes to the technology sector. Major companies have announced large-scale layoffs while at the same time making unprecedented investments in artificial intelligence and automation. This combination raises difficult questions. Why are companies cutting tens of thousands of jobs while simultaneously committing billions to new technologies? Part of the answer…
China Technology Licensing: A Comprehensive Guide
By Dan Harris
China Technology Licensing in 2025: A Practical Playbook for IP, Compliance, and Enforcement
Why this guide and why now
Licensing to Chinese companies is surging. In the first half of this year, our law firm handled more China licensing agreements than in any prior full year. Buyers in China want technology, brands, data, and know-how…
FAQ: What Foreign Companies Need to Know About China’s 2025 Anti-Unfair Competition Law (AUCL)
By Dan Harris
FAQ: What Foreign Companies Need to Know About China’s 2025 Anti-Unfair Competition Law (AUCL)
This post follows our comprehensive analysis of the 2025 AUCL reforms in “China’s 2025 AUCL: Executive Liability and Global Reach.” If you haven’t read it yet, start there. It explains the law’s long-arm reach, new personal liability for executives, and why…
China’s 2025 Competition Law Creates Executive Liability and Extraterritorial Reach
By Dan Harris
China’s 2025 Competition Law Creates Executive Liability and Extraterritorial Reach
On October 15, 2025, China’s revised Anti-Unfair Competition Law (AUCL) will take effect, ushering in the most significant overhaul of China’s market regulation in nearly a decade.
I began my legal career doing antitrust work at Kirkland & Ellis, so when China first rolled…
What Oregon Homeowners and Buyers Should Know About Zoning Changes and Property Value
Oregon Zoning: How It Affects Property Values and What You Need to Know
You found a property that checks every box: great location, solid bones, reasonable price. Before you commit to buy, remodel, or develop, ask one critical question: What does the zoning actually allow? Zoning laws and land use rules quietly shape what you…
Serving Process on Chinese Defendants: Hague Service in China and the New Rules on Judgment Enforcement
By Dan Harris
Serving Process on Chinese Defendants: Hague Service in China and the New Rules on Judgment Enforcement
An American company spent years litigating a breach of contract case against a Shenzhen supplier. They won. Then a Chinese court refused to recognize and enforce the judgment because service of process was invalid under the Hague Service Convention.…