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Legal Aspects of Doing Business in North America - 2nd Edition - Loose leaf
Legal Aspects of Doing Business in North America - 2nd Edition - Electronic
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Oregon
Merrill J Baumann, Jr and Traci G Kirkpatrick
Davis Wright Tremaine
Portland, Oregon, United States
Introduction
Oregon, from its location on the Pacific coast of the United States, is a natural center for
foreign commerce.1 The major metropolitan center in the state, Portland, is linked to the
Pacific Ocean by the Columbia River waterway and serves as a major foreign port. Portland
International Airport (PDX) is served by nine major commercial airlines, many
all-cargo airlines, and several commuter and charter airlines. The total state population
exceeds 3,400,000. Approximately one-half of the population lives in the Portland metropolitan
area.
There are abundant opportunities for foreign companies to invest in Oregon firms, to
establish their own operations in Oregon, and to engage in joint ventures with resident
businesses. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of property in Oregon or on the
formation of corporations by foreign investors. Zoned service, industrial, and commercial
land is available in almost every part of the State. Oregon law provides that firms
headquartered outside Oregon need only apply for a Certificate of Authority in order to do
business in the state, and provides further that the internal policies and procedures of these
firms may continue to be governed by the laws of their domicile, and need not be modified
to conform to Oregon practice.
Oregon boasts a delightful climate and diverse topography. Temperatures are moderate
with comparatively small ranges between winter lows and summer highs. The most
important geographic feature controlling the climate is the Pacific Ocean, which comprises
429 miles of Oregon’s western border. The second major feature is the presence of
three large mountain ranges, the Coast Range, the Cascade Mountains, and the Blue
Mountains. The Cascade Mountain Range divides the state into two very different
regions. The Western region is characterized by rolling hills and valleys covered with
agricultural lands and evergreen forests. The Eastern region, which comprises two-thirds
of the area of the state, is characterized by rangeland and high desert plateaus.
Oregon’s centralized location, well-educated workforce, abundant foreign investment
opportunities, and enviable standard of living make it a prime candidate for foreign companies seeking a location in North America. Oregon is very receptive to and actively assists foreign companies in the State.
Forms of Business Organizations
There are no restrictions on alien ownership of real property or capital investment in Oregon.
The basic forms of business organizations available to any individual in the State of
Oregon are the sole proprietorship, the partnership, the limited partnership, the limited
liability company, and the corporation. Non-profit corporations, limited liability partnerships,
and cooperatives can also be organized under Oregon law.
