ADVOCATE, LLP
ATTORNEYS AT LAW

PRACTICE AREAS

ADVOCATE LLP is a comprehensive law firm whose attorneys and lawyers are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal advice on virtually every major legal discipline and area of concentration. We are particularly known for depth of experience and expertise in the following areas of our practice:

• Corporate and Commercial Law
• Privatization and Foreign Investment
• Taxation
• International Trade
• Intellectual Property

Corporate and Commercial Law

ADVOCATE LLP has extensive practice and expertise in the area of corporate and commercial law.

We manage every aspect of sophisticated corporate and commercial transactions, from the initial stages involving advice as to appropriate structures and tactics, through the preparation, negotiation and/or filing of the necessary documents for closure.

Our attorneys provide comprehensive legal advice and draft necessary documentation pertaining to all major aspects of formation, operation, reorganization and liquidation of business entities (including joint ventures and strategic alliances), corporate finance and securities, corporate governance, competition and antitrust, licensing, corporate taxation, sales, leases, dealerships and distributorships, agency, franchising, dispute settlement and other corporate and commercial matters.

We also advise our local and foreign clients on matters associated with their business in Moldova, including their investment and risk management activities and compliance with Moldovan corporate and commercial regulations.

Privatization and Foreign Investment

ADVOCATE LLP has substantial experience advising business entities on privatization of state-owned enterprises and investment promotion and has worked on most of privatization projects in the Republic of Moldova. The firm is also committed to assisting foreign companies in structuring, negotiating and documenting their investments in Moldova.

We offer comprehensive services to investors and other participants of privatization projects in the Republic Moldova. We provide legal advice on structuring investment projects, legal and regulatory issues pertaining to investment and privatization, assist in drafting, negotiation, and conclusion of agreements on purchase and sale of privatization objects as well as other privatization- and investment-related documents, issue legal opinions and exercise due diligence on various investment and privatization matters, provide other legal services associated with investment and privatization.

We also have strong practice in the field of incorporation in Moldova of companies with foreign capital and joint ventures. This includes but is not limited to identification of investment possibilities and business opportunities, advising on the most appropriate business form and corporate structure, drafting constituent documents and other by-laws, state registration, provision of legal counseling on various matters and issues arising in the course of operation of companies with foreign capital and joint ventures in the Republic of Moldova.

Taxation

Taxation is one of the most significant and complex areas confronting business. As Moldovan tax regulations become more and more sophisticated, the need for efficient tax planning and comprehensive tax advice becomes crucial.

ADVOCATE LLP has extensive taxation practice. We provide legal advice on virtually all major aspects of Moldovan tax law and generate creative solutions to various tax issues and concerns arising in the course of establishing and conducting business in Moldova. We also represent clients before Moldovan tax authorities and draft and/or file necessary tax documentation.

Our attorneys are committed to structuring transactions and deals so as to minimize applicable taxes and other mandatory payments without affecting the end result. We design strategies and schemes to reduce our client’s total tax liability, taking into account tax obligations that arise under local laws and the international tax treaties to which Moldova is a party.

International Trade

ADVOCATE LLP has expertise in the area of international trade and provides a range of services with respect to international trade regulations and policy, including the WTO and Moldovan trade-related regulations.

We provide legal advice on such matters as dumping, subsidies, safeguard measures, customs tariffs, import-export regulation, licensing, pre-shipment inspection, certification and standardization, free trade zones, regulatory compliance as well as on other associated matters.

We also assist in drafting trade-related documentation, issue formal legal opinions and reports and represent our clients before competent Moldovan authorities.

Intellectual Property

ADVOCATE LLP is a recognized leader and provides legal advice and services representing diverse clients in virtually all major aspects of the acquisition, maintenance, exercising, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Moldova. We are particularly known for our extensive expertise in the fields of patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights, and unfair competition.

Our intellectual property practice includes without limitation such aspects as (i) the status analysis of intellectual property rights to identify the necessary of taking respective legal actions, (ii) the prosecution of patent, trademark, design, and copyright rights, (iii) the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights before the respective Moldovan administrative and judicial authorities and (iv) the structuring, negotiating and closing of intellectual property deals, including the transfer and licensing of intellectual property rights.