Distribution and Sales Agent Contracts: Drafting Provisions on Exclusivity, Territory, Sales Support, Trade Secrets

Mr. Butscha is an antitrust lawyer whose practice focuses on merger control, including filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act and similar “merger control” laws around the world. He has represented clients in merger investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission. Mr. Butscha recently completed a secondment with a global power management company where he served as in-house competition counsel. He also is an experienced litigator who has represented clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts, arbitration tribunals, and administrative proceedings involving antitrust, competition, and other complex claims, including class actions. Mr. Butscha has argued appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the Ohio Court of Appeals and represented clients in appeals before other appellate courts, including the New York Court of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He also has represented companies and individuals facing criminal inquiries and investigation. Mr. Butscha is an active participant in the firm’s pro bono practice.

Mr. Ridings' practice encompasses government enforcement, internal investigations, and compliance matters, with a specific emphasis on international antitrust, product distribution, and anti-corruption issues. He has successfully tried numerous criminal and civil trials involving allegations of antitrust violations, corruption, and other competition-related matters.

Ms. Roach focuses her practice on litigating unfair competition, intellectual property, trade secret misappropriation, distribution and antitrust matters, and providing advice and guidance to clients concerning distribution, franchise, antitrust and unfair competition issues and the protection of intellectual property. She has trial experience in both federal and state courts, and has drafted numerous agreements related to product distribution in the United States and internationally.

Ms. Thomas is a managing associate in the Business Litigation group. She focuses on complex litigation in a wide range of industries, including banking and manufacturing, and has represented clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts and alternative dispute resolution tribunals. As a member of the firm’s Antitrust, Competition, & Distribution group, Ms. Thomas has litigated antitrust, product distribution, and unfair competition matters throughout the United States, including class actions. She has also counseled manufacturers regarding product distribution issues and agreements. Ms. Thomas also participates in the firm’s pro bono practice.