Maritime, Logistics & Shipping

Spigulis & Kukainis advises clients with regard to all areas of the transport industry including, shipping, logistics, and development of transport infrastructure. Spigulis & Kukainis advises on such issues at a local and European Union level.  We advise local and international clients regarding doing business in the ports of Latvia.  We have actively represented a number of companies, at all instances (levels) of Latvian Courts and the Latvian Competition Council, in disputes with the Riga Freeport (Rigas Brivosta) and Ventspils Freeport (Ventspils Brivosta).

Spigulis & Kukainis has also filed cases before the European Union Commission regarding breach of European Union Competition Law by the Riga Freeport (Rigas Brivosta) and the Ventspils Freeport (Ventspils Brivosta).
Our extensive expertise with regard to multi-modal transport, and established network of contacts with various businesses and government entities allows us to resolve issues not only in courts of law, but also by guiding our clients through the complexities of doing business in and through Latvia, to accomplish their international trade related goals.

  • Ship finance & purchase
  • Arrests of ships & defense
  • Abuse of dominant position by port related businesses and entities
  • Rail transport access and tariffs
  • Liability of carriers
  • Multimodal carriage of goods
  • Cargo claims & defense

Franchise Law

Spigulis & Kukainis actively consults in franchise and distribution law.  Our clients include franchisors, franchisees, manufacturers, distributors, licensors and licensees, and other parties in distribution relationships.

Spigulis & Kukainis client businesses include distribution networks, restaurant chains, hotel chains, and pharmacy chains, as well as various distributors and manufacturers of products who work with franchisors or franchisees.

Experience

2011

The Office successfully represented the interests of the tugboat company at the Administrative District Court in a dispute with the Riga Free Port Authority, reaching a decision regarding the taking of the interim settlement. The interim settlement allows commercial activities in Riga Port to be carried out during legal proceedings, which are essential for the commercial activity, reputation and preservation of market share of the Client.

2010

The Office represented the Client, the port terminal, in a dispute with its shareholder over the terms of the loan agreement and the legality of the transaction. The amount of the contested transaction exceeds EUR 12 million.