The Wine Institute

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Morrison & Foerster has special expertise in counseling clients in the wine industry. Because of our unique position as an international law firm based in Northern California with major corporate, securities, real estate, labor, tax, trademark, litigation, land use and environmental practices, we have established a reputation as a leader in winery and vineyard matters. The wide range of legal resources that we can marshal in transactions enable us to handle all aspects of a complex and multifaceted project or regulatory issue, including the following:

• Negotiation and documentation of various types of transactions involving acquisitions and divestitures, including all aspects of real estate, corporate and securities law involved in the transaction.
• Assistance in public reporting and compliance with state and federal securities laws.
• Advice on laws regulating investment by foreign entities and persons in the U.S.
• Due diligence review for potential real property and environmental concerns.
• Assistance with land use approvals and project development.
• Assistance in obtaining licenses from federal and state agencies for wine making and retailing operations and assistance with related regulatory considerations.
• Assistance in filing valuable trademarks and trade names.
• Advice on labor relations with winery and vineyard employees.
• Representation in arbitration proceedings and litigation.
• Advice on executive compensation issues and stock option plans.
• Corporate and tax planning for the business.
• Advice on environmental compliance and permits, including compliance with Proposition 65.