INTERNATIONAL LAW

ARROWS lawyers know that expanding into international markets is a turning point for any ambitious company. It is a journey from local success to global influence. At the same time, we know that it is a step into the unknown – into a world of different legal systems, unexpected regulations, and cultural nuances, where a single mistake can turn an opportunity into a costly problem and a loss of time.

(International team of ARROWS law firm in the photo)

Imagine that instead of chaos and uncertainty, you have a partner who opens doors to more than 90 countries around the world from Prague. A partner who understands your vision and transforms the complexity of international law into a simple and understandable strategy. That is exactly what ARROWS does. Thanks to our unique ARROWS International network, built over more than ten years, and the strong backing of the ETL Global group, we are able to protect your legal interests virtually anywhere in the world.

While you focus on your business, we take care of your legal security. We are the law firm of your generation: modern, technologically advanced, and with more than 15 years of experience in the market. We understand the pace of today's business and deliver effective and understandable solutions instead of lengthy processes.

Our global playbook: What we do for companies and investors in international law

For our clients – more than 150 joint-stock companies and 250 limited liability companies – we handle a wide range of situations on an international scale. Whether you are a strategic investor or a company expanding into a new market, our team is ready to guide you through every step. At ARROWS, we most frequently encounter the following areas:

Cross-border M&A and investment protection

We will guide you through the entire process of acquiring a foreign company, from initial due diligence through contract negotiation to post-acquisition integration. We will ensure that your investment is protected from political and legal risks and that the transaction passes smoothly through any approval process required by foreign authorities (FDI screening).

International commercial contracts and distribution

We prepare and review all types of international contracts – purchase, distribution, license, joint venture, and others. We will ensure that your contracts are enforceable in foreign jurisdictions and protect you from risks such as the unintended application of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), which can fundamentally change your rights and obligations.

Who can you turn to?

[9,219 AUTHORS]

Global corporate and tax structure

We help establish foreign branches and subsidiaries or restructure entire international holding companies to ensure maximum operational and tax efficiency. Thanks to close cooperation with tax experts within our group, we provide comprehensive services under one roof.

International dispute resolution (arbitration and litigation)

If a dispute arises, we will strategically represent you in international arbitration (e.g., under ICC or UNCITRAL rules) and in litigation before foreign courts. Our goal is always to achieve an effective solution that minimizes costs and impact on your business.

Supply chain risk management and ESG

New European directives (CSRD, CSDDD) and national laws, such as the German Lieferkettengesetz (LkSG), make companies responsible for ensuring that human rights and environmental standards are upheld throughout their supply chains. We help you set up due diligence processes to meet these strict requirements, protect your reputation, and avoid heavy fines.

International intellectual property protection

For technology and innovative companies, protecting their know-how is crucial. We develop a strategy for registering and protecting your trademarks, patents, and copyrights in key foreign markets.

5 hidden pitfalls of international business (and how we can help you avoid them)

Every successful international project is built on solid foundations. In our 15 years of experience, we at ARROWS have identified the five most common pitfalls that can undermine these foundations. These are risks that cost you not only money, but also time, peace of mind, and reputation. Fortunately, we know how to avoid them.

Hidden Trap (The Problem)	Impact on Your Business (Chaos and Loss)	ARROWS Solution (Peace of Mind and Certainty)
1. The Regulatory Minefield	Heavy fines, blocked projects, reputational damage. Unexpected requirements for investment screening (FDI), GDPR ambiguities, and new AI Act rules can halt your plans before they begin.	Proactive legal monitoring. Thanks to our ARROWS International network and AI-powered legislative tracking, we alert you early to upcoming changes. We guide your investments smoothly through approval processes and align your operations with local and EU regulations.
2. A Contract That Turns Against You	Loss of investment, unenforceable claims, endless disputes. Poorly drafted contracts in foreign languages or under unfamiliar legal systems are ticking time bombs.	Bulletproof international contracts. Our experts understand the nuances of various legal systems (including CISG) and ensure your contracts are enforceable and protect your interests—whether you sign in Berlin or Seoul.
3. Domino Effect in the Supply Chain	Loss of key customers, market bans, brand damage. New laws (LkSG, CSDDD) hold you liable for the violations of your suppliers in Asia or Africa.	Supply chain audit and security. We help you implement due diligence systems, vet your partners, and contractually enforce their responsibilities—protecting you from risks that may not originate within your own company.
4. Cross-Border Disputes: Expensive Uncertainty	Extremely costly and lengthy proceedings, loss of control over outcomes. International arbitration or litigation without strong local representation is a risky gamble.	Strategic dispute resolution. Through the ARROWS International network, we secure top-tier local representation while maintaining Czech-led coordination and strategy—minimizing costs and maximizing your chances of success.
5. The Invisible Wall: Political and Cultural Risks	Failed investments due to political instability, lack of understanding of local business culture, loss of partner trust. What works in Europe may fail elsewhere.	Deep local insight. Our partners in the ARROWS International network are not just lawyers—they're insiders. They provide crucial understanding of the political and business climate to protect you from costly cultural and political missteps.

From theory to practice: ARROWS in action

Theory is one thing, practice is another. At ARROWS, we focus on results. Take a look at a few examples from our practice of how we help companies like yours grow safely on the global stage.

Case study 1: Complex European acquisition in the manufacturing sector

Scenario: A Czech engineering company decided to make a strategic acquisition of its key competitor in Germany. The situation was complicated by the fact that the German company also owned a significant subsidiary in Austria. The client was faced with every manager's nightmare: coordinating three different teams of advisors (Czech, German, Austrian) and ensuring that the entire transaction was legally and fiscally optimal.

ARROWS solution: The client turned to us. We immediately activated our specialized German Desk, which, thanks to its perfect knowledge of German law and language, smoothly guided the client through the entire acquisition in Germany. At the same time, we engaged our proven partner in Vienna through the ARROWS International network, who took care of all legal steps related to the Austrian subsidiary. Everything was managed and coordinated by a single contact person at ARROWS in Prague, who communicated with the client in Czech. The result was not only a successful acquisition, but also a huge saving of time and stress for the client's management, who avoided chaos and were able to focus on the future strategy of the merged company.

Who can you turn to?

[9,219 AUTHORS]

Case study 2: Proactive supply chain audit in the automotive industry

Scenario: Our client, a major Czech supplier of components for German car manufacturers, was facing a new challenge. In connection with a new supply chain law (Lieferkettengesetz), its German customers began requiring proof that their suppliers comply with strict environmental and human rights standards. The client was at risk of losing key contracts because some of its subcontractors were based in Turkey and it was unsure whether their operating procedures complied with the new European requirements.

ARROWS solution: We didn't wait for the problem to arise. We proactively prepared and implemented a comprehensive solution for the client. Through our partners in the ARROWS International network, we conducted an audit of key subcontractors directly in Turkey. We reviewed all supply contracts and added clauses transferring responsibility and obliging partners to comply with the set standards. Finally, we created a simple internal monitoring and reporting system for the client, which not only fully satisfied the requirements of its German customers, but also prepared it for future, even stricter EU-wide legislation. We thus ensured peace of mind for the client, the maintenance of key business relationships, and a competitive advantage.

Did you know that we resolved a dispute over the detention of goods in a Turkish port for a client in the logistics sector?

Local laws and customs are completely different from those in Europe. Thanks to our partner in the ARROWS International network, who has deep ties to local authorities, we were able to resolve the situation within a few days. Standard procedures would have taken months and cost the client millions in lost profits. It is this deep insight into local specifics that sets us apart.

Your next step: From global ambition to secure reality

International business is complex, but it doesn't have to be chaotic. With a partner that has global reach, local experts, and a modern technological approach, you can turn risks into opportunities. At ARROWS, we are ready to be that partner. We are trusted by more than 2,000 clients, including more than 400 major commercial companies, and our work has been recognized with the title of Law Firm of the Year 2024.

Don't let legal uncertainty slow down your growth. Whether you are planning your first export, preparing for an international acquisition, or need to secure your global supply chain, we are here for you. Our team of more than 60 advisors is ready to provide you with the peace of mind and certainty you need for a successful expansion.

Take the first step towards secure expansion

Your global ambitions deserve a partner who knows the map and understands the risks. Leave the problems and worries to us. Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation and let's discuss how we can ensure your success beyond borders.

Don't want to deal with this problem on your own? More than 2,000 clients trust ARROWS Law Firm, and we have been named Law Firm of the Year 2024. Take a look at our references HERE, and we will be happy to help you solve your problem. The inquiry is free of charge.