We now represent over 70 other direct marketing companies as special counsel for tax, trade regulation, international commercial transactions, litigation, and vendor relations matters. The firm also serves as tax counsel for the Direct Marketing Association, the nation's largest trade association representing the interests of direct marketers. For example, we obtained court injunctions prohibiting state officials in Pennsylvania and California from demanding such tax collection. In fact, our lawyers have appeared before courts and administrative agencies in over 30 states on behalf of direct marketers. Our lawyers combine technical knowledge of tax matters with a broad-based understanding of the mail order industry.
International trade requires new strategies and business relationships.
We have represented direct marketers in negotiating strategic alliances with overseas business partners and service providers. We also regularly assist direct marketers in securing protection for valuable trademarks and coping with customs, tax and other international trade issues. E lectronic commerce will have a major impact on the future of direct marketing. The Internet presents enormous opportunities for direct marketers, but it also introduces a host of new legal issues. Federal, state, and foreign governments have all made efforts to regulate Internet transactions, and these jurisdictions compete in regard to the scope of their regulatory authority.