Operating simultaneously in the European Union and the United States exposes businesses to two of the most sophisticated, yet fundamentally different, legal systems in the world. The challenge is not just knowing the laws, but understanding how they conflict. For instance, the German concept of co-determination and strong Works Councils (Betriebsrat) contrasts sharply with the US "at-will" employment doctrine. Failing to account for these differences can lead to severe operational disruptions and penalties.
Furthermore, data protection remains a primary friction point. While the EU enforces GDPR with strict requirements on data processing and transfer, the US utilizes a sectoral approach that can feel fragmented. Companies must establish robust protocols to satisfy European standards while maintaining the flexibility required by US business practices. This balance extends to product liability, where CE marking conformity in Europe often differs significantly from FDA or FCC requirements in the US.