Intellectual Property Law

Help with Exporting Goods and Services

By J. Douglas Miller

If you own a small business and are considering exporting U.S. products or services, a great place to start is the BUYUSA.GOV web site for the U.S. Commercial Service of the United States Department of Commerce.  The U.S. Commercial Service helps U.S. companies find new international business partners in worldwide markets.  Additionally, the service helps companies outside of the U.S to find U.S. suppliers of products and services.  A database of offices is maintained on the web site as well.

For a company interested in exporting, a substantial amount of research can be accomplished on the web site such as market research, trade shows, and identification of buyers and distributors.  Counseling is also provided to assist with the above research.

By selecting China as a country of interest, for example, a user is presented with a wealth of free or fee based choices.  Information for specific industries, a schedule of trade shows, current trade leads, and latest news and events can be obtained.

Therefore, if you are considering expanding your business in foreign countries, or if you are located in a foreign country seeking to do business in the U.S., the BUYUSA.GOV web site is an excellent place to start.

Full post as published by Small Business IP Protection and Management on December 26, 2008 (boomark / email).