When Atlanta businesses work with foreign companies, legal issues can cross borders. Georgia courts follow precise rules to handle these international disputes. Here’s what you need to know about taking international business cases to Georgia courts.
Starting a case
Before filing a case against a foreign company, Georgia courts check three key factors:
- Regular business activities in Georgia
- Contracts that name Georgia as the dispute location
- Direct impact on Georgia businesses
These factors form the foundation for your case. Meeting at least one of these requirements gives you a stronger position to move forward in Georgia courts. Otherwise, you might have to deal with the dispute in the courts where the issue happened.
Documents and evidence
When you bring international evidence to Georgia courts, you’ll need to meet these basic rules:
- Official translations of all foreign papers
- Proof that documents are real
- Expert statements about foreign business practices
Getting these documents right from the start saves time and money. It also builds trust with the court and strengthens your position.
Enforcing decisions
Georgia courts can take decisive action in international cases through:
- Orders to pay damages
- Asset freezes in Georgia
- Working with foreign courts
These enforcement tools give Georgia courts real power to protect local businesses. Many foreign companies comply with court orders to maintain their ability to do business in the state.
Taking a foreign company to court in Georgia needs expert help. If your business faces an international dispute, a business lawyer who knows Georgia and international law can guide you in your next steps.