Regulation and Legislation
Kalik Lewin
has expertise in the regulatory and legislative aspects of the
Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA) and the Internal Revenue
Code. The firm advises clients on regulatory and legislative
matters to assist in their growing business needs. The firm
has a long established relationship with BATF and other Federal
agencies that regulate the alcohol beverage industry. Legislative
issues are developed through a multi-disciplinary approach leveraging
political capital, legal expertise and strong relationships
across the executive branch and in the Senate and House of Representatives
to manage political risks and craft legislative solutions for
its clients.
Trade
Practices
Kalik Lewin
has an outstanding reputation with the state and local authorities
that regulate the trade practices activity of alcohol beverage
licensees. This trust has been developed through the knowledge
and understanding of state statute and regulation and the firm's
unparalleled negotiating skills. After understanding the client's
goal, the firm advises on how best to develop a strategy and
ensure compliance of a promotional activity. The firm additionally
obtains clearance from the states for promotional activities
including coupons, sweepstakes, sponsorship of events/contests,
and point of sale offers.
Importing/Exporting
The firm
assists alcohol beverage clients with the negotiation and drafting
of import agreements, distribution agreements, and joint venture
agreements. In addition, Kalik Lewin advises clients on international
franchising, distribution termination and import requirements
for their products.
Permits
The firm
has extensive knowledge in Federal and state regulation of alcohol
beverage permits. Kalik Lewin regularly assists in the preparation
of applications for both first time permit applicants and multiple
license holders, managing the risks associated with Tied House
Laws and similar issues unique to licensees holding permits
in several states.
Commercial
Transactions
Kalik Lewin's
uncommon understanding of the regulatory and commercial considerations
facing alcohol beverage companies in product development, marketing
and distribution makes the firm uniquely qualified to assist
clients in the structuring, negotiation and documentation of
all types of commercial transactions. Kalik Lewin regularly
advises clients on product manufacturing agreements, brand management
agreements, U.S. and international distribution agreements and
auction services agreements.
Corporate
Kalik Lewin's
broad corporate expertise extends to advising alcohol beverage
companies on their corporate organization and governance. The
firm has completed reorganizations and buy-outs of vineyards,
wine and spirits marketing firms, and companies providing various
products and services to the alcoholic beverage industry. The
firm's extensive experience in preparing limited liability company
operating agreements, general and limited partnership agreements
and general corporate governance documents gives Kalik Lewin
unparalleled knowledge in representing both investor-backed
and family-owned businesses in the industry on corporate matters.
Distribution
The firm
has developed long term relationships with manufacturers and
distributors of alcohol beverage products. Kalik Lewin has the
unique ability to assist clients with their international and
domestic distribution needs. Using its extensive network of
contacts within the industry, Kalik Lewin has the ability to
capitalize on its global industry-wide contacts to provide clients
the best possible distribution opportunities.
Product
Development
Using its
expertise in alcohol beverage regulation, Kalik Lewin regularly
assists clients in the regulatory and commercial issues in the
development of wine, wine specialty, malt and spirits products.
With the firm's comprehensive knowledge of Federal and state
statutes and regulations, it is able to successfully negotiate
with government authorities to assure product approval and realize
the intended distribution of the product. Clients from around
the world seek the firm's expertise in developing products that
can reach a specific retail distribution level within various
states. Kalik Lewin also provides assistance in developing the
formulation of alcohol beverage products to ensure that the
marketing of the product complies with applicable labeling requirements.
International
Agreements
Kalik Lewin
is extensively involved in the negotiation of global alcohol
beverage trade agreements and represents both industry groups
and individual clients at standards setting bodies for the world
wine and spirits industry, advising clients on strategy and
negotiating with the governments and international organizations
involved. The firm currently represents the industry on issues
before the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO),
the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX), the International
Office of Vine and Wine (OIV), the World Trade Organization
(WTO), and the European Union and its member countries. Kalik
Lewin was instrumental in bringing together New World wine producers
and their respective governments to sign the first Mutual Acceptance
Agreement on the production of wine.
News
Wine Industry Founders Recognized at National Meeting
Washington D.C.—March 10, 2008—Two leaders of the American wine industry were honored at the
WineAmerica and Winegrape Growers of America board meeting in Washington D.C. last week: Marvin
Sands and Bob Kalik. The full press release can be viewed by clicking here.
