Successful international business depends on harmonized global legal systems. In the past, U.S.-Japan trade relations, crucial for the global economy, have often been hindered by differences in legal frameworks and traditions.
Enter Lowenstein Sandler, a unique law firm with offices in New York City, New Jersey, Palo Alto, Utah, and Washington D.C. Lowenstein has many clients that are in, or invest in, technology and future technology.
Recently, Lowenstein launched the G-BRIDGE Program (Generating Business Relationships in the Defense and Government Environment), a groundbreaking initiative to help clients understand the process of doing business with the U.S. government. Lowenstein Sandler noticed that its clients, including U.S. subsidiaries of foreign clients, were not comfortable navigating the U.S. government contracting system without a strategic partner.
Moreover, Lowenstein helps the U.S. government by introducing it to innovative technologies that the government needs to solve cutting-edge problems. Lowenstein helps clients navigate both the practical and legal issues related to government contracting, including export, import, and economic sanctions controls, as well as supply chain requirements.
Lowenstein is unique in offering this strategic counseling rooted in the prevailing geopolitical landscape to bolster the national security interests of the United States and its allies. Such guidance is especially crucial for foreign entities, notably those from Japan.
When Kei Komuro joined Lowenstein, he immediately understood the value of the innovative program that Lowenstein had developed. Originally from Japan, Komuro recognized that the issues that are difficult for U.S. technology companies are even more difficult for Asian companies.
Komuro began to build connections with innovative Japanese companies and he quickly saw their interest in Lowenstein’s Global Trade & National Security practice team and the G-BRIDGE initiative.
Komuro has been instrumental in bolstering Lowenstein’s client base with Asian companies, notably through building one-on-one relationships with high-profile clients and prospective clients when he sees an opportunity for enhancing the companies’ U.S. success through a relationship with Lowenstein.
Komuro’s Business Rationale
For decades, businesses operating between the United States and other countries have faced challenges. From contractual disputes to intellectual property rights, the differences in legal principles, practices, and interpretations have led to unnecessary complications. Beyond just business, this divergence in legal perspectives has also affected areas like immigration, intellectual property, and even criminal justice.
Lowenstein’s Global Trade and National Security practice and the G-BRIDGE Program provide a solution to these challenges. Recognizing the need for a more cohesive legal framework between multiple nations, Lowenstein seeks to integrate best practices, promote mutual understanding, and encourage a more seamless operation between the multiple legal systems. He believes that a little support can go a long way to securing a trusted partnership role that can facilitate efficiencies and allow important information to be shared that may otherwise be overlooked because of embarrassment or a lack of trust.
Komuro also believes there is a significant difference in how Americans and the Japanese approach a project or a business deal given the cultural differences between the countries. He can help both sides navigate this divide. Komuro’s understanding of the cultural nuances and differences of Japanese clients and the interaction between the Japanese clients and their U.S. counterparts is vital to ensuring successful transactions for Japanese clients in the United States.
Tangible Benefits and the Road Ahead
Komuro has been a resource for Lowenstein and the G-BRIDGE program. As a result of his involvement with Asian clients, they have a better understanding of what to expect legally, giving them a newfound confidence in entering bilateral business agreements. Komuro’s approach may become a blueprint for how companies (and countries) can work together to bridge legal divides, ensuring that the wheels of international commerce turn smoothly.
Because legal systems are deeply entrenched in their respective nations’ history, culture, and traditions, making them align seamlessly is no small feat. But with continued investment, collaboration, and a shared vision, the G-BRIDGE program is poised to break down even more barriers in the coming years. According to Komuro, the aim isn’t to create a single hybrid legal system but to ensure that each system respects and understands the other, making transnational dealings more predictable and efficient.
To build profitable relationships with businesses in the United States, he strives to help as many Asian-based companies as possible. It is important that both sides benefit equally from these relationships. Komuro works with start-ups as well as large, well-known Japanese companies.
About Kei Komuro
Kei Komuro is a U.S. lawyer at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, practicing in NYC with experience spanning global trade, national security, e-commerce, and entrepreneurial law. He works with the Global Trade and National Security practice group where he advises U.S. and foreign companies on U.S. business legal requirements, economic sanctions, export controls, and trade compliance.
Komuro holds a Juris Doctor (J.D) from Fordham University School of Law, where he was awarded the Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award for significant pro bono service.
He also earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Fordham, graduating cum laude. During his time there, he provided critical support to clients at Lincoln Square Legal Services.
Kei’s academic journey also saw him complete a Master of Business Law (M.B.L) at Hitotsubashi University Business School and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts (B.L.A) from International Christian University in Tokyo, where he majored in International Relations and Business Administration and was recognized on the Dean’s List.
Further adding to his diverse academic background, Kei spent a year at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Earlier roles saw Komuro working at companies like Okuno & Partners in Tokyo and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. These stents had him conducting cross-border legal research and preparing financial reports for non-Japanese corporate clients.
Komuro has penned some publications, including noteworthy pieces for Lowenstein Sandler LLP on subjects like Chinese investment banks and cyber incident reporting. His article on website accessibility compliance earned him 1st place in the New York State Bar Association’s Annual Writing Competition.