Thomas G. Wallrich

Represented United States Distilled Products, Co., a producer and distributor of alcoholic products, in a large financing and acquisition of brands Leroux and Kamora from Beam Suntory, Inc., an American multinational producer of alcoholic beverages that is owned by a Japanese holding company. This transaction drew on the experience of the firm's corporate and intellectual property attorneys.

Represented U.S.-based tire and automobile parts importers and distributors in development of private label (private brand) products.

Represented U.S.-based importers and distributors in exclusive distribution contracts with China and India based manufacturers.

Represented U.S.-based importers and distributors in exclusive distribution contracts with China manufacturers, and import/export matters in Mexico and Canada.

Represented U.S.-based manufacturers in establishing manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Mexico and Canada.

Represented U.S.-based distillers and beverage companies in the development of China distribution agreements/distribution network, and on export matters.

Represented several large U.S. importers in U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Audits and regulatory matters.

Represented several large U.S. importers and manufacturers in NAFTA, CAFTA, and Singapore Free Trade Agreement and U.S. CBP audit and regulatory matters.

Obtained a $5.4 million summary judgment ruling in favor of a banking industry client, which was the plaintiff in a case seeking to enforce the prime obligation and personal guaranties executed by the owner of a first-stage crude oil refining business located in North Dakota. In obtaining summary judgment, we successfully overcame the defendant's argument that he had been fraudulently induced into the executing the guaranties. This result was unanimously affirmed by the Supreme Court of North Dakota.

Assisted a client in developing and implementing a duty drawback program by which the company can reclaim from the U.S. government duties it pays on components imported from China that are included in finished products exported to other countries.

Designed and managed response strategy on behalf of a Fortune 500 company subjected to a customs audit by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The respondent company was engaged in the business of manufacturing and assembly of electronic instruments including hand held inventory control and barcode scanners. The audit involved more than 20,000 separate SKUs, product descriptions, and harmonized tariff code classifications.

Designed and managed response strategy on behalf of the largest importer of passenger car radial tires from China, which was the subject to a customs audit by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The audit response resulted in a "no-violation" finding, a negative duty liability, and a duty refund to the importer of record.