Practice Areas

Customs, International Trade & Administrative Law Practice facilitates a business’ involvement with State, Federal, and even International government and quasi-government agencies. When enforcement action ensues, you need an attorney who can get you out of harms way.

Intellectual Property

Steven Lehat handles national and international programs for protecting trademarks and copyrights, including prosecution, opposition proceedings, licensing and enforcement, and Section 337 practice in front of the International Trade Commission(ITC). Protection is afforded for utility and design patents by his PATENT TASK FORCE. Further, Lehat is highly experienced in defending or going after importers with detained and/or seized merchandise due to alleged intellectual property violations. His CUSTOMS IP ANTI-CIRCUMVENTION UNIT is renowned for sealing the border against counterfeits, saving clients the considerable time and expense of litigation. He handles internet issues in all aspects, from the sale of goods to privacy requirements to the protection of domain names.

Securities

Lehat's 'SECURITIES PROTECTION WINGS' defends financial professionals, successfully reducing and even eliminating their exposure to investigation by regulatory agencies. His 'SECURITIES ORIGINATION FORCE' helps growing companies to lawfully raise capital.

International Trade

Years of International trade law practice provides Lehat with considerable experience addressing complex international and Customs law matters, including problems involving duty disputes, ITC and ITA proceedings regarding antidumping and countervailing duties, and export licenses.

He is a trusted advisor to foreign nations. In recognition of his stature as a Customs law expert, Lehat has been called upon by governments such as Jordan's for guidance on how to ready their Customs and intellectual property statutes for scrutiny by the World Trade Organization (WTO), as those nations seek to accede to that international body.

Lehat has presented numerous seminars and workshops on Customs valuation and border enforcement of intellectual property rights, particularly to associations of Certified Public Accountants and foreign governments.

He has pioneered Customs classification and FDA programs under NAFTA.

Regulatory

Lehat's FDA work in the rapidly expanding and booming dietary supplement industry provides clients with guidance on structuring "claims". Medical device 510K practice and cosmetics labeling make up the balance of his work in this highly specialized regulatory area.

He helps clients through complex franchise rules so they can replicate themselves for profit.

Lehat has experience in proceedings before other United States administrative agencies such as the Consumer Products Safety Commission (small parts, toys, and other safety issues), Federal Trade Commission (truth in advertising, textile and "Made in U. S. A." labeling), Federal Aviation Administration (qualification of safety equipment), Department of Defense (qualification of goods for government contracts and defense against violation of government contract rules), State Department (munitions import clearance), Federal Communications Commission ( wireless cable licensing), Environmental Protection Agency (insecticides), Commerce Department (guidance on exports), and EEOC (discrimination).