Education
Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 1996
Michigan State University, B.A. 1989
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Michigan
Court Admissions
United States District Court
- Eastern District of Michigan
Languages
- German
Joe is a corporate attorney and leads the firm’s Export Controls and Sanctions Practice Group, representing multinational clients and clients in the automotive, defense, aerospace, software and information technology sectors.
Joe serves as lead counsel on both domestic and international acquisitions and commercial transactions, corporate governance and with building, demonstrating, and protecting the value of their intellectual property rights.
His efforts at negotiating successful transactions for clients in these sectors and counseling them on International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and other export control compliance issues have won praise and yielded longstanding client relationships for Miller Canfield. He has served as an attorney in Europe and speaks fluent German. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Legal Expertise
Export Control Compliance
As Leader of Miller Canfield's Export Controls Group, Joe represents multinational clients on export of defense and other national security technologies from the United States. He counsels clients on ITAR, EAR, and other export control compliance issues and assists clients with controlled asset identification and classification, commodity jurisdiction requests, implementation of export control compliance programs, export license applications, drafting of government-approved TAAs, MLAs, other export control-compliant collaboration agreements, performing export control audits and rendering benchmark reports, performing export control due diligence on acquisition targets, drafting Export Control Manuals and Technology Control Plans, drafting voluntary disclosures on export control violations, and employment of foreign nationals subject to export controls.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures
Joe conducts, negotiates, and consummates international acquisition and divestiture transactions throughout North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America. He is distinguished for his representation of clients on foreign company acquisitions of U.S. companies possessing controlled technologies, whereby aspects of the acquisition may require approval by (1) the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) under ITAR export controls, (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under EAR export controls, (3) the Defense Security Service (DSS) for U.S. target facilities with U.S. security clearance under the Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) provisions of NISPOM, and (4) the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) under U.S. foreign investment laws (Exon-Florio, FINSA). He is also known for his representation of venture capital and private equity funds in the acquisition and divestiture of portfolio companies possessing automotive, defense, aerospace, software, IT and other controlled technologies and/or having operations located abroad.
Industry Concentration
Representation of U.S., German, Japanese and Pan-European Multinational Companies; International Business Establishment
Joe represents and assists German, Japanese and other foreign clients with the establishment of a presence in the North American market and U.S., German, Japanese and other foreign clients with the establishment of a presence abroad through business acquisition, subsidiary formation, joint venture, technology licensure, distribution or sales agent relationships.
Automotive
As a Member of Miller Canfield's Automotive Group, Joe represents automotive supplier companies in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures and in the negotiation and drafting of component supply and technology development agreements with their automotive OEM and Tier 1 customers. Among other accomplishments, he has successfully facilitated repeated engagements with foreign and domestic automotive customers to supply automotive embedded software, Electronic Control Units (ECUs), development and system modeling software, production control and automatic conveying systems and powertrain, emissions and vehicle subsystem test equipment.
Software and IT
Represents software and IT companies, including the following matters:
- Mergers, acquisitions and divestitures;
- Export control compliance; and
- Drafting and negotiation of customer and developer agreements to facilitate development, implementation, licensure and maintenance of software technology.
His approach is to work with a client to tailor an optimized agreement structure and then assist with its successful deployment with individual customers. The existence of customer-required deviations from the standard is well recognized. He counsels on the risks posed by the customer-requested changes, enabling the client to quantify and weigh the risks against transactional benefits. The resultant goals are to:
- Match License Scope with Fee Models
- Acceptance through Predefined Objective Acceptance Criteria and Processes
- Safeguard and Preserve Intellectual Property Rights
- Define and Circumscribe Warranty Obligations
- Delineate Support and Maintenance Obligations
- Minimize Liability Exposure
- Promote and Accelerate Revenue Recognition under Statement of Position (SOP) 97-2 and Related Guidance
Defense and Aerospace
Represents defense and aerospace companies, including the following matters:
- Mergers, acquisitions and divestitures
- Complying with export controls
- Negotiating government contracts and construing and complying with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FARs), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation System (DFARS), and other U.S. government procurement regulations
- Filing and pursuing government bid protests
- Asserting and preserving intellectual property rights against the government
Representative Matters
Acquisition Clearance by CFIUS for Industrial Vacuum Equipment Supplier
Served as Buyer Co-Counsel in the acquisition of an industrial vacuum equipment supplier, handling compliance with various international and federal regulations, customs laws, and preparing necessary submissions to U.S. authorities, including CFIUS, to secure transaction clearance and ensure uninterrupted supply of specialized R&D equipment to U.S. national laboratories, the Department of Energy, and NASA.
Sale of Munitions Equipment Business
Served as lead counsel for the sale of a client's munitions production equipment business, handling the drafting and negotiation of the Asset Purchase Agreement and Ancillary Agreements, ensuring compliance with ITAR and EAR export controls, and structuring the transaction to be exempt from CFIUS Mandatory Declaration requirements.
Acquisition of Bankrupt Aerospace and Defense Supplier
Miller Canfield served as lead counsel in the acquisition of a bankrupt Aerospace and Defense supplier under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, navigating the interplay between bankruptcy procedures and U.S. export controls, including ITAR, EAR, and CFIUS, to structure the transaction and negotiate exemptions from foreign investment approval, ensuring a timely closure.
Sale of Vehicle Dynamic Simulation Software Developer
Served as lead counsel for a client developing vehicle dynamic simulation software for ADAS and AV systems, overseeing: the auction and sale process to optimize sale price and mitigate post-closing risks; drafting of the proforma Stock Purchase Agreement (SPA) and Ancillary Agreements; negotiation and finalization of the SPA with the successful bidder, including the negotiation of intricate purchase price holdback release triggers for accomplishing successful Managing Seller transition to buyer chosen successor personnel; procurement of Representations and Warranty Insurance and incorporation of the same within the indemnification and other provisions of the SPA; and closing on the sale.
Multinational OEM Defense Article Transfer
Advised multinational OEM as to the Austrian/EU requirements for an engineering center involved with the intra-community transfer of defense articles classified under EU Directive 2009/43/EC.
Multinational OEM Russian Sanction Advice
Advised multinational OEM as to the impact of the Ukraine-Russia Related Sanctions applicable to its affiliated Chinese joint-venture doing business in Russia.
Canadian Manufacturer Robot Technology U.S. Export Controls Classification
Assisted a Canadian technology company with a U.S. subsidiary to classify its robot technology under U.S. export controls, including robot components, software and technology, along with accompanying cameras, sensors and lasers.
Multinational Manufacturer Component Classification for Use on the International Space Station
Advised a multinational manufacturer as to the item based restrictions for components manufactured for use on the International Space Station, considering the impact of both the Commerce Control List (CCL) and U.S. Munitions List (USML).
Global Technology Company Reclassification for Interfaces now using Controlled Microprocessors
Assisted a global technology company with analyzing the export control classification impact of using a more strictly controlled microprocessors in its new network interface product designed to provide parallel access to multiple bus channels.
Tier 1 Auto Supplier Export Analysis of Technical Data through its IT System
Assisted a Tier 1 auto supplier in analyzing the data routes used by its Information Technology System, discussing the possible un-intended consequences of causing technical data exports from the United States based upon server location and data routing priorities.
Aerospace Company Export Control Reform Compliance
Classified the export controlled components of an aerospace company for items transferring from the United States Munitions List (USML) to the new 600 Series of the Commerce Control List (CCL).
Aerospace Company International Supply Chain Management
Developed an export compliance strategy for an aerospace company with a multi-stage international manufacturing process for Gas Turbine engine components.
Technology Company Encryption Software Classification for Sale of Company
Classified the proprietary export controlled software of a technology company prior to the acquisition of the technology company, including the documentation and analysis of the software’s encryption functionality and classification on the Commerce Control List (CCL).
Multinational Manufacturer EAR End-use Restriction Compliance
Advised a multinational manufacturer on the end-user and end-use restrictions under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for technology and components used within ballistic missile systems.
Automotive-Based Company Compliance with Syria Sanctions Regulations
Assisted U.S. automotive-based company in unwinding its business in Syria, as required by economic sanctions against Syria administered by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Software Programmer Compliance with Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
Assisted a social networking company in assessing the available exemptions to hire software programmers under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations.
Military Supplier Export Control Audit and Benchmark Report
Conducted export control audit and compiled export control benchmark report for joint venture supplier of military vehicle safety systems and braking, co-owned by publicly traded U.S. commercial vehicle component supplier and German commercial vehicle component supplier.
Foreign Purchaser CFIUS Filing
Conducted the Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) filing for a Swiss client purchasing a U.S. Business with ITAR-controlled assets.
Termination of Defense Security Service Facility Security Clearance
Coordinated the termination of a facility security clearance with the Defense Security Service (DSS) pursuant to responsibilities under the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) prior to the facility transfer to a foreign purchaser.
Foreign-Owned Subsidiary Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Registration and License Transfer
Conducted the transfer of the registration and licenses issued by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls to a foreign-owned U.S. subsidiary for an acquisition.
Foreign Military Sales Release of Classified Material
Coordinated the release of classified material in support of foreign military sales.
Publicly Traded Defense Contractor Export Control Audit and Benchmark Report
Conducted export control audit and compiled export control benchmark report for multi-subsidiary armoring division of publicly traded defense contractor.
Tier 1 Auto Supplier Export Control Audit and Benchmark Report
Conducted export control audit and compiled export control benchmark report for a multinational Tier 1 automotive supplier.
Auto Export Company Export Control Violation Internal Investigation
Conducted an export control violation internal investigation for large automotive export company.
Auto Export Company Export Enforcement Coordination
Coordinated with special agent from the U.S. Office of Export Enforcement for large automotive export company.
Multinational OEM Defense Article Transfer
Advised multinational OEM as to the Austrian/EU requirements for an engineering center involved with the intra-community transfer of defense articles classified under EU Directive 2009/43/EC.
Multinational OEM Russian Sanction Advice
Advised multinational OEM as to the impact of the Ukraine-Russia Related Sanctions applicable to its affiliated Chinese joint-venture doing business in Russia.
Canadian Manufacturer Robot Technology U.S. Export Controls Classification
Assisted a Canadian technology company with a U.S. subsidiary to classify its robot technology under U.S. export controls, including robot components, software and technology, along with accompanying cameras, sensors and lasers.
Multinational Manufacturer Component Classification for Use on the International Space Station
Advised a multinational manufacturer as to the item based restrictions for components manufactured for use on the International Space Station, considering the impact of both the Commerce Control List (CCL) and U.S. Munitions List (USML).
Global Technology Company Reclassification for Interfaces now using Controlled Microprocessors
Assisted a global technology company with analyzing the export control classification impact of using a more strictly controlled microprocessors in its new network interface product designed to provide parallel access to multiple bus channels.
Tier 1 Auto Supplier Export Analysis of Technical Data through its IT System
Assisted a Tier 1 auto supplier in analyzing the data routes used by its Information Technology System, discussing the possible un-intended consequences of causing technical data exports from the United States based upon server location and data routing priorities.
Aerospace Company Export Control Reform Compliance
Classified the export controlled components of an aerospace company for items transferring from the United States Munitions List (USML) to the new 600 Series of the Commerce Control List (CCL).
Aerospace Company International Supply Chain Management
Developed an export compliance strategy for an aerospace company with a multi-stage international manufacturing process for Gas Turbine engine components.
Technology Company Encryption Software Classification for Sale of Company
Classified the proprietary export controlled software of a technology company prior to the acquisition of the technology company, including the documentation and analysis of the software’s encryption functionality and classification on the Commerce Control List (CCL).
Multinational Manufacturer EAR End-use Restriction Compliance
Advised a multinational manufacturer on the end-user and end-use restrictions under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) for technology and components used within ballistic missile systems.
Automotive-Based Company Compliance with Syria Sanctions Regulations
Assisted U.S. automotive-based company in unwinding its business in Syria, as required by economic sanctions against Syria administered by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Software Programmer Compliance with Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations
Assisted a social networking company in assessing the available exemptions to hire software programmers under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations.
Military Supplier Export Control Audit and Benchmark Report
Conducted export control audit and compiled export control benchmark report for joint venture supplier of military vehicle safety systems and braking, co-owned by publicly traded U.S. commercial vehicle component supplier and German commercial vehicle component supplier.
Foreign Purchaser CFIUS Filing
Conducted the Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) filing for a Swiss client purchasing a U.S. Business with ITAR-controlled assets.
Termination of Defense Security Service Facility Security Clearance
Coordinated the termination of a facility security clearance with the Defense Security Service (DSS) pursuant to responsibilities under the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) prior to the facility transfer to a foreign purchaser.
Foreign-Owned Subsidiary Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Registration and License Transfer
Conducted the transfer of the registration and licenses issued by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls to a foreign-owned U.S. subsidiary for an acquisition.
Foreign Military Sales Release of Classified Material
Coordinated the release of classified material in support of foreign military sales.
Publicly Traded Defense Contractor Export Control Audit and Benchmark Report
Conducted export control audit and compiled export control benchmark report for multi-subsidiary armoring division of publicly traded defense contractor.
Tier 1 Auto Supplier Export Control Audit and Benchmark Report
Conducted export control audit and compiled export control benchmark report for a multinational Tier 1 automotive supplier.
Auto Export Company Export Control Violation Internal Investigation
Conducted an export control violation internal investigation for large automotive export company.
Auto Export Company Export Enforcement Coordination
Coordinated with special agent from the U.S. Office of Export Enforcement for large automotive export company.
Honors
Chambers USA: America's Leading Business Lawyers, Recognized Practitioner – International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions – Nationwide, 2019
Best Lawyers: Corporate Law, 2025
DBusiness Magazine, Top Lawyers, International Trade Law, 2020-present
Wayne State University Law School, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
Professional Activities
American Bar Association: International Law Section, Export Controls and Economic Sanctions Committee, Steering Group, 2023-present; Business Law Section; Intellectual Property Law Section
State Bar of Michigan
Certified Public Accountant, Admitted to practice in Michigan, 1993; Illinois, 1991
Speeches
"Practicing International Transactional Law: From Wayne to Germany, Turkey and Home Again," Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, MI, Jan. 29, 2024
"U.S. Export Controls Under ITAR, EAR, and OFAC," Automation Alley International Business Services Advisory Council, Troy, MI, June 22, 2023
"Export Controls: ITAR & EAR Training," Van Andel Global Trade Center, Grand Rapids, MI, November 10, 2022
"Your Updated CGP, ITAR, ECL, EAR and Sanctions Compliance Blueprint: A Complete Guide to the Newest, Most Pressing Risk Factors-from China to Licensing Hurdles…and Beyond," The Canadian Institute's U.S. Export & Reexport Compliance For Canadian Operations Conference, Jan. 25, 2022
"Expert Workshop for the Successful Search and Management of Your U.S. Sales Partners," German American Business Council, October 13, 2021
"Legal Aspects of Expanding into & Conducting Business in the U.S.," German American Business Council, September 15, 2021
"Foreign Compliance With U.S. Reexport Controls," World Export Control Review webinar, April 22, 2021
"Export Controls: ITAR & EAR Compliance," Van Andel Global Trade Center, Grand Rapids, MI, November 10, 2020
"U.S. Export Controls, Economic Sanctions and CFIUS: What IP Lawyers Need to Know," American Intellectual Property Law Association 2019 Mid-Winter Institute Conference, Tampa, FL, February 1, 2019
"An In-Depth Review of U.S. Sanctions Regulatory Regimes and Best Practices for Maintaining an Effective Compliance Program," American Conference Institute's 8th Forum on U.S. Export & Re-Export Compliance for Canadian Operations, Toronto, ON, January 28, 2019
"Export Controls: ITAR & EAR Compliance," Van Andel Global Trade Center, Grand Rapids, MI, November 9, 2018
"US Government Contracting: FAR and DFAR Training,” Macomb PTAC, October 21, 2016
Webinar: "Measure Twice; Merge (& Acquire) Once," Association of Corporate Counsel, Chicago, IL, August 4, 2015
"ITAR and EAR With a Focus on Export Control Reform," PTAC of Schoolcraft College (Webinar), February 12, 2015
"A Crash Course in U.S. Re-Export & Re-Transfer Compliance in Canada: How to Implement New, Tricky EAR and ITAR Requirements, and Secure Authorizations," ACI The Canadian Institute's 4th Forum on U.S. Export and Re-Export Compliance for Canadian Operations, Toronto, ON, January 26, 2015
"ITAR and EAR With a Focus on Export Control Reform," PTAC of Schoolcraft College, Troy, MI, November 19, 2014
"How to Structure Your Classification Approach and Draft a CJ Request/The Biggest Misunderstandings about ITAR Licensing Exemptions," ACI ITAR Boot Camp, Chicago, IL, October 21, 2014
"Sharing Sensitive Technologies Between International Affiliates," WorldECR Conference, London, UK, October 16, 2014
"ITAR and EAR With a Focus on Export Control Reform," PTAC of Schoolcraft College, Troy, MI, February 12, 2014
"Preventing Defence Services Export Violations," ACI Export Compliance for Canadian Operations, Toronto, ON, January 28, 2014
"A Comprehensive Primer on the 600 Series: Preparing your Company for Pending Changes and Ensure EAR Compliance throughout your Global Operations," Momentum presents ITAR Winter Summit, Las Colinas, TX, January 27, 2014
"An Overview of ITAR and EAR, with a focus on Export Control Reform," PTAC of Schoolcraft College, Traverse City, MI, December 4, 2013
"An Overview of ITAR and EAR, with a focus on Export Control Reform," PTAC of Schoolcraft College, Saginaw, MI, December 3, 2013
"An Overview of ITAR and EAR, with a focus on Export Control Reform," PTAC of Schoolcraft College, Livonia, MI, October 15, 2013
"US Export Controls & Defense Trade Controls Program: What You Need to Know in 2013" (webinar), The Knowledge Group, April 2013
"Surveilling Democracy Activists," HuffPost Live, May 20, 2013
Publications
"Pause Doesn't Mean Defense Firms Should Ignore Anti-Bribery Law, Experts Say," National Defense Industrial Association Magazine, April 28, 2025
"The Impact of U.S. Export Controls and Economic Sanctions on Colleges and Universities," The Journal of College and University Law, 2016, Vol. 21, No. 2
Quoted in "State Department Coming to End of Export Control Reform," National Defense Industrial Association Magazine, June 2016
"Sharing Sensitive Technologies Between International Affiliates," World ECR, November/December 2013
"What U.S. and Chinese Companies Need to Know about U.S. Export Control Laws Applicable to China," World ECR, October 2013
"Export Control Compliance Sharing Sensitive Technologies between International Affiliates General Concepts and Transfer Patterns," The Michigan International Lawyer, Spring 2013
Events
- ITAR Boot Camp (ITAR Sections 120.3 and 120.4 - How to Structure Your Classification Approach and Draft a CJ Request)
