When the Chips Are Down: Dealing in U.S. Export Controls Within the Telecommunications Industry

The telecommunications industry has increasingly become a hot topic of foreign policy and national security, leading to the strengthening and heightened enforcement of U.S. export controls and sanctions laws. Such laws are constantly changing regarding what entities U.S. (and non-U.S.) persons can legally trade with, invest in, and do business with. Companies are having to not only scramble to address the chip shortage, but then, once finally in hand, also wade through myriad restrictions on where and to whom they can provide such chips or resulting end products. The developments are fast and furious.

Attorneys from our Telecommunications and International Trade practice groups will discuss these recent developments affecting the industry, as well as compliance strategies. The following are a few topics we plan to discuss:

• What are the lessons of recent export enforcement actions by the Bureau of Industry and Security, particularly those concerning Chinese telecommunications companies?
• What are U.S. regulations that control the export of U.S. telecommunications equipment, software, and technology, including the licensing requirements for products and technologies and other rules that may apply?
• Telecommunication devices and software typically include encryption functionality, but what are the U.S. export control rules related to encryption, especially those that changed in 2021?
• The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also regulates business transactions by U.S. entities. Why is screening essential?
• The chip shortage is impacting various industries across the U.S. market. How did we get here and what are some concerns as supply and distribution chains shift?

The webinar will feature a Q&A session. You may ask questions during the Q&A or submit them when you register.

Questions? Email Lindsay Hulliberger or call 312-214-5661.