Jeffrey Richardson advises multinational clients in the information technology and defense sectors on matters including mergers and acquisitions, distribution agreements, joint ventures, and strategic corporate structuring.
Specifically, Jeffrey brings expertise in matching operational business execution requirements with functional business structures. He is frequently engaged in advising clients of export control compliance, as well as the impact of intellectual property matters within business structures. His breadth of experience is informed by a business management and litigation background.
Export Control Compliance
Jeffrey is a member of Miller Canfield's Export Control Practice Group, focusing on client matters arising under ITAR, OFAC, EAR, as well as other export control regulations. This process includes the implementation of export control compliance programs, license applications, controlled asset identification, in addition to seeking approval of TAAs, MLAs. Moreover, the Miller Canfield Export Controls Group performs due diligence on acquisition targets, drafts export control manuals and technology control plans, assists with voluntary disclosures of export control violations, as well as the employment of foreign nationals subject to export controls.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures
Jeffrey conducts, negotiates, and consummates international acquisition and divestiture transactions throughout the world. He is known for representing clients on foreign company acquisitions of U.S. companies possessing controlled technologies, whereby aspects of the acquisition may require approval by (1) the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) under ITAR export controls, (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under EAR export controls, (3) the Defense Security Service (DSS) for U.S. target facilities with U.S. security clearance under the Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) provisions of NISPOM, and (4) the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) under U.S. foreign investment laws (Exon-Florio, FINSA). Since joining Miller Canfield, Jeffrey has assisted with over 1 billion dollars of transactions needing such approvals. He is also known for his representation of venture capital and private equity funds in the acquisition and divestiture of portfolio companies possessing automotive, defense, aerospace, software, IT and other controlled technologies and/or having operations located abroad.
Operational Synchronization between Vendors and Suppliers to Multi-National Companies
Jeffrey works with multi-national companies to negotiate business terms and operational execution details necessary to efficiently match requirements between vendors and suppliers to multi-national companies.
Right of Publicity and Intellectual Property Matters
Jeffrey was the principal draftsperson of the Right of Publicity Legislation Proposal for the Arts, Communication, Entertainment and Sports section of the Michigan State Bar, which resulted in his testimony regarding SB 983 (2007) and HB 5964 (2010). Additionally Jeffrey has been involved in copyright licensing and media content acquisition.
