News From Planet Depos

If you have an upcoming international deposition in Asia, let the experts at Planet Depos handle the heavy lifting for you! Roughly 62% of our international depositions in the first half of 2024 took place in an Asian region or country, including Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.  

As the only global court reporting firm with U.S.-trained, native English-speaking resources living on the ground in Asia, we provide exceptional service at competitive rates, whether your deposition is in-person, remote or hybrid.  

If you’re preparing for a deposition in Asia, these are our top tips to keep in mind:  

Plan Ahead Whenever Possible 

Our teams in Asia are in high demand, and their calendars often fill up four to six weeks in advance. To ensure the availability of our local resources, it’s essential to plan ahead as much as possible. Once our local teams are fully booked, we may need to bring in teams from farther abroad, which can increase travel costs.  

Be Aware of Regulations and Restrictions 

While depositions are allowed without restriction in most Asian countries, there are a few notable exceptions. Depositions are not at all permitted in mainland China, either on the ground or remotely. Japan does allow depositions but has strict regulations concerning how (and where) they may be conducted.  

We have covered hundreds of depositions in Japan, and our international scheduling team provides deft navigation through the scheduling process. 

Understand Interpreter Policies  

Interpreters in Asia operate slightly differently from those in the U.S. While they are willing to work alone, rather than in pairs, they adhere to strict cancellation policies. It’s not uncommon for interpreters in Asia to require a percentage of their fee upon confirmation, regardless of whether any part of the job is cancelled. An awareness of these policies from the outset can help you avoid unexpected costs.  

Remember Time Zone Differences  

It’s important to remember that countries in Asia are 12-15 hours ahead of the U.S., which can pose challenges with communication and scheduling. An extra business day is needed to coordinate with our local resources and finalize scheduling details.  

Conducting a deposition in Asia can seem daunting, but with the right planning and information, you can ensure an efficient and cost-effective experience. Leverage our expertise with international depositions at any time by reaching out to our international scheduling team at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com.  

To learn more about how to conduct an international deposition, request your complimentary copy of the 2024 Planet Depos International Deposition Guide.  

Are you considering taking depositions in Europe but you’re unsure where to start? Don’t worry, our international experts are here to assist you from start to finish! We’ve already covered more depositions throughout Europe in the first four months of 2024 than all of 2023, in locations like Finland, London, Paris and Madrid; and our resume from years past includes countless more locales.

Our international scheduling team has years of experience helping clients navigate the intricacies of international depositions, and Europe is no exception. We understand the importance of a seamless and efficient scheduling process, and we are committed to prioritizing an effortless experience for all involved, while doing our best to keep you informed about additional international considerations.  

If you have an upcoming deposition in Europe, here are a few things to keep in mind:  

Rules and Regulations 

Most European countries either allow depositions of willing witnesses without restriction or have restrictions that apply only to their own citizens, not to U.S. citizens. For instance, depositions in the United Kingdom and Finland can take place without any restrictions, no matter the nationality of the witness. However, countries such as Germany, Switzerland and France have stricter regulations for witness of all nationalities, requiring prior permission and/or that depositions take place only at the Embassy or Consulate. 

Resources 

In Europe, court reporters, videographers, interpreters and conference rooms are typically booked four to eight weeks in advance and maintain strict cancellation policies. Additionally, interpreters in Europe work in pairs, which can affect both availability and costs.  

We have teams across Europe able to travel and attend depositions in-person, which is a significantly more cost-effective option than having a team travel in from the U.S. Even so, it is still essential to plan ahead! Short-notice requests (anything scheduled with less than two weeks of notice is considered last-minute in Europe!) will likely result in increased travel costs and/or limited availability, as teams local to large cities book up quickly and may not be available for last-minute requests in their home city. In these instances, we would have to have a team from another city or country travel in, and travel fees would apply. 

Remote Alternatives 

Fully remote and hybrid depositions are viable options for witnesses across Europe. We are flexible and can accommodate any attendance arrangement you prefer. Remote attendance is a convenient alternative that ensures a deposition can proceed even if there are last-minute changes to travel plans, or if having a team travel in is not financially feasible. 

If you’re preparing for a deposition in Europe, our knowledgeable international scheduling team is here to assist you every step of the way. You can reach us by phone at 888.433.3767 or by emailing international@planetdepos.com.  

To learn more about our expertise with international depositions, request your complimentary copy of the 2024 Planet Depos International Deposition Guide.  

The 2024 Planet Depos International Deposition Guide is your ultimate resource hub when conducting international depositions. From understanding different legal systems to obtaining the necessary permissions, we’ve got you covered. Our experienced team is well-versed in managing depositions around the globe, ensuring a smooth and efficient process no matter when or where they take place. 

Getting Ready for International Depositions
As you will learn in the guide, proper preparation is the key to a successful international deposition. Here are three important aspects to consider: 

1. Select the Right People for the Job
Planet Depos offers a global network of English-speaking, certified court reporters, legal videographers and interpreters, many of whom already live abroad in various countries and are well-versed in the intricacies involved with legal proceedings.  

2. Assess Logistics and Travel Considerations
Planning and coordinating an international deposition involves careful logistics and travel considerations, ranging from securing the necessary visas and travel documents to booking accommodations and arranging transportation. Planet Depos’ experienced team can help you navigate these processes and ensure your international deposition proceeds as scheduled.  

3. Take Advantage of Litigation Technology
Sometimes, it’s not always feasible or affordable to depose a witness on-site in another country. That’s where remote depositions come in. Planet Depos’ secure and user-friendly videoconferencing solutions can ensure clear audio and video quality for all parties involved, regardless of geographical barriers.  

And these three tidbits are just the tip of the iceberg! To learn more about what it takes to conduct a successful international deposition, be sure to request your free copy of the 2024 Planet Depos International Deposition Guide. If you’re ready to schedule an international deposition, submit an online inquiry or contact our team of international experts.

If you have an upcoming international deposition in Hong Kong, we’ve got you covered! Follow these top tips and recommendations for a memorable experience:

1) Taxi Tips in Hong Kong

Once you’ve arrived in the city, you’ll likely need to get from the airport to either your hotel or deposition location. If you’re looking to hail a cab, it’s important to note that there are two separate lines for taxi stands at the airport. Be sure to double-check which line is appropriate for your destination. It’s also wise to have your destination address translated in Cantonese on your phone, as some taxi drivers may refuse to pick you up if they can’t understand where you need to go. Additionally, keep in mind that taxis only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to be prepared and have some Hong Kong dollars (HKD) on hand when you’re ready to leave the airport.

2) Get an Octopus Card

If it’s your first time in Hong Kong, consider getting an Octopus card. This handy card can be purchased at major subway stations and costs 200 HKD. That price includes a 50 HKD deposit that can be refunded, along with 150 HKD that you can use immediately for the subway, ferry or other local transportation within Hong Kong. It’s also widely accepted in many stores and shops, making this a “must-have” item for your stay!

3) Stay Cool in an Urban Jungle

Hong Kong is known for its towering skyscrapers and concrete streets, which can get scorching hot during the summer months. If you’ve ever experienced a Florida summer, you’ll find the heat comparable. Fortunately, there are many connected buildings that offer respite from the heat as you navigate the city, so take advantage of this whenever you can!

4) Explore the Sights

During your downtime, we encourage you to explore the vibrant attractions Hong Kong has to offer. Consider visiting the Man Mo Temple on Hong Kong Island for a unique cultural experience. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Hong Kong Zoo and Zoological Park offer the opportunity to observe orangutans up close.

On the Kowloon side, take a stroll along the Avenue of the Stars to capture a picture with Bruce Lee’s statue. Nearby, you’ll find the K11 mall that features different styles of art on each floor. If you’re looking for contemporary art, we recommend visiting the M+ and the Museum of Modern Art. If you’re a history buff, take some time to explore the Kowloon Walled City Park, which is a former infamous locale that now serves as a peaceful park with a memorial and small museum.

If you’ve only got an hour or two to spare, we recommend trying to at least take a ride on the star ferry. It costs just 4 to 5 HKD, and it’s the most iconic Hong Kong experience you can fit into a small window of time!

5) Nearby Attractions and Side Trips

If you have a full day to spare, consider a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland. Despite being the smallest park in the Disney franchise, it’s an enjoyable experience, especially on weekdays! Don’t be afraid go through the “Mystic Manor,” which is Hong Kong’s twist on the wildly popular and well-known Haunted Mansion ride.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a side trip to Macao, which is easily accessible from Hong Kong by ferry. Just remember to bring your passport. Alternatively, you can venture into mainland China, but this requires a Chinese visa. Without one, you can explore Shenzhen with a Visa On Arrival, but your exploration will be limited to that city.

6) Embrace the Fast-Paced Lifestyle

Last but not least, be aware of your surroundings! People here move at lightning speed, and it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the city. Watch where you step as well, as parts of Hong Kong, especially the island, consist of hilly terrain. It’s not uncommon to encounter sudden declines or slippery stairs!

Remember these tips and tidbits when it’s time for your next international deposition in Hong Kong! For even more information about depositions in Hong Kong and other parts of the world, check out the latest edition of the Planet Depos International Deposition Guide or submit an international inquiry online.

By Olivia Ignacio

It seems straightforward. You have audio you need transcribed. There are companies providing audio transcription. You pick one. Right? Well, you could do it like that, but really you want to pick the right audio transcription provider. To determine that, you should ask yourself five questions before making your selection. Only the company with satisfactory answers to all five questions should win your business.

Is the transcription being performed by a person or by a computer-generated program?

Sure, it sounds easy enough to simply load your audio file into a computer program that quickly generates a transcript, but the final product may not be what you expected. The human ear can pick up on words and nuances that software cannot; for example, the difference between an affirmative “uh-huh” and a negative “uh-uh.” A human can more accurately ascribe names of speakers to their voices, as well as more accurately transcribe heavy accents, low-volume speakers and inarticulate speakers. The error rate for computer-generated transcripts is also going to be higher, due to many different factors, including random noise on the audio, loud background noise or software malfunctions.

If the transcription is being done by a person, is it a court reporter or experienced legal transcriptionist?

There are many benefits to having a court reporter or experienced legal transcriptionist transcribe your audio. They are a neutral party; they are versed in legal jargon and court proceedings, and they are familiar with transcript formatting and rules by jurisdiction. These qualities mean they produce a professional, easy-to-read, certified transcript.

In addition, having a court reporting agency do your transcription ensures you are provided with the transcript files you expect, whether it’s ASCII, PDF, E-tran (.PTX), LiveNote (.LEF), TextMap (.XMEF), CaseNotebook (.PTZ), Summation (.SBF) or trial software such as Sanction (.MDB) and Trial Director (.CMS).

Can the transcription provider work with the kind of audio file I have?

A quality transcription provider should be able to! Make sure they can handle audio types ranging from standard .MP3 and .WAV files to commonly used courtroom software such as CourtSmart and other proprietary surveillance or video software. Additionally, they should be able to access audio from various forms of media submitted, including thumb drives, discs and cassette tapes.

How quick a turnaround do I need?

Those in the industry generally estimate that the transcription will take three times the length of the audio. Thus, a four-hour audio file will take 12 hours to transcribe – approximately a day and a half. This estimate accounts for time spent proofreading, relistening and researching terms and spellings. Make sure the vendor you choose has the resources to finish your transcripts on time.

Will my transcript be accurate?

The court reporter or experienced legal transcriptionist will always do their best to make the transcript as accurate and complete as possible. Any words they cannot 100% confirm, they will mark in the transcript as “inaudible” or “indiscernible.” Any speakers they cannot identify will be referred to as “Male Speaker 1,” “Female Speaker 2,” etc. To aid the transcriptionist in providing an accurate transcript, consider sending a list of speaker names, as well as a list of special terms or acronyms likely to appear.

Planet Depos has been providing best-in-class court reporting services for more than a decade, including transcription services. Their professional transcription team stands ready to assist with your audio transcription needs. If you have questions or want to request transcription, email audio@planetdepos.com. You can also make your request on our site.

Who doesn’t dream of one day going to Europe? From Big Ben to the Louvre, the Colosseum to the Alps, the beaches to the food, countless cultural touchstones call visitors from around the globe to this magnificent continent (and the U.K.!) as much now as they have for centuries. Attorneys taking depositions in Europe will discover a few additional steps when scheduling. Within this one (rather large) continent, each country has its own rules, regulations and restrictions, making each one a new adventure! For example, Austria does not permit depositions at all, while many other countries allow depositions but require permission from their respective Central Authority. Since getting around Europe is surprisingly simple, finding a nearby country to host your deposition with little to no restrictions is easy.

The advantages of having depositions in Europe are numerous! And a global court reporting agency will help you sort through the can dos and the just don’ts, leaving you more time to stride through Piccadilly or dig deep into your pasta!

Managing Language Gaps

Luckily for you, even though many different languages are spoken across Europe, English is well-spoken in most places, making travel that much easier. Mastering a few phrases in the local lingo will serve you well, but it is often easy to find someone who speaks your language.

Travel Access

Several international airports are crammed into Europe, and trains are a fun way to travel between countries once you’ve landed. Getting to Europe really couldn’t be easier, though leaving may be hard to do once you’re immersed in the culture and history there (and eating their cooking)! Visa and passport requirements are relatively low-key, making last-minute trips possible as long as you have a valid passport.

Deposition Scheduling Ease

Generally speaking, scheduling depositions in Europe is a simple, straightforward process. True, some countries impose some requirements or restrictions, and some do not allow depositions, but with so many countries in such close proximity, finding a depo-friendly neighbor who will host your deposition is not typically a challenge.

Reservation Required

Speaking of restrictions, Germany is one country that requires all depositions be conducted before a U.S. consular officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt, and does not allow any video recording of depositions. The German Ministry of Justice must also approve the deposition. The initial request for approval should be submitted at least eight weeks before the desired deposition date. Deposition hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the Consulate is closed on both German and American holidays.

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Prior Permission Needed

Many countries in Europe do not require prior permission from their respective Central Authority for The Hague Evidence Convention, or Ministry of Justice, for American attorneys to depose an American citizen residing in their country. Some countries (the Netherlands, for example) require no permissions whatsoever, regardless of the nationality of the witness. But many countries require prior permission to take depositions of their own citizens, or of third country nationals. For example, Sweden requires prior permission to take any deposition, be your witness a Swede, a Canadian, a Bolivian or an American residing in Stockholm. Typically, when prior permission is required, it should be requested at least six weeks before the proposed deposition. Sometimes it is necessary to a court order in the formal request.

Quality Resources May Be Limited

The U.K. makes taking depositions as easy as taking them in your own state, with no prior approval necessary for witnesses of any nationality. BUT, be aware, the court reporter MUST be a U.K stenographer. These prized professionals are in high demand, and are therefore booked ages in advance, so extensive planning is essential, and dates need to be solidified as early as possible.

Contact the U.S. Embassy

Some countries not only require permission from the Central Authority for The Hague Evidence Convention but are picky about from whom they receive this request. You may need to get your Embassy to submit the request on your behalf before you can schedule the deposition. It is advisable to submit the request via the Embassy at least four weeks before the desired deposition date.

Points to Consider

Even places as wonderful as Europe are bound to have a few thorns. Keep in mind that interpreters throughout Europe keep a very tight schedule and have higher rates than in other parts of the world, all due to them being in very high demand. Interpreter cancellation policies can be strict and unyielding, so it’s important to pay close attention when booking them. Conference rooms in Europe also tend to be on the more expensive side. Everyone wants to travel to Europe, now more than ever, so planning ahead for the inevitable higher costs is an excellent idea, both for you and your client.

For more information on depositions anywhere in Europe, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767, fill out our Quick Questions form or easily schedule your international deposition now.

As the leader in the global court reporting industry, Planet Depos is always looking to expand its geographical reach. Earlier this year, we conducted an international deposition in Cape Town, South Africa.

“This is the first deposition we’ve done in Cape Town specifically, although we did some depositions in Johannesburg a number of years ago,” says Meredith Weisel, senior scheduling manager. “While depositions in South Africa are few and far between, there is always the potential for more!”

International Realtime Court Reporter Ana Gallegos and Videographer Joseph Viner traveled from Europe to South Africa to attend the deposition in person, while Technician Linda Fleet attended remotely via Zoom. Gallegos has been reporting for over 30 years, spending the last half decade focused exclusively on international work.

“My last five years of international work have been the most challenging and exciting in my career,” says Gallegos. “It is always an adventure, but it’s imperative to work with an agency like Planet Depos who understands the challenges of working around the world. I have complete trust that my jobs with PD will run smoothly, my videographer will be very professional and I will never have to worry about anything other than my transcripts.”

While we don’t currently have any local liaisons in South Africa like we do in other countries, like Japan and South Korea, our international team is committed to doing any research necessary to help prepare court reporters and other staff as much as possible. This ensures we’re able to offer our impeccable, best-in-class service no matter where a deposition takes place!

“The international team arranged for all required resources and services, while gathering necessary information and details from the client to make sure the deposition ran smoothly,” says Weisel. “Our tech support team arranged and distributed the Zoom meeting link for the remote participants and our videographer set-up the Zoom connection on-site in South Africa while another technician facilitated things remotely.”

So how does this differ from standard, domestic depositions? In short, it really doesn’t.

“We can make anything happen with depositions taking place internationally, just like we can with depositions in the U.S.,” says Weisel. “Whether you need a reporter, videographer, interpreter or technician, we can make it happen! It will just require a bit more travel, that’s all.”

Do you have an upcoming international deposition? Schedule online with us and let us Make It Happen for you!

The U.K. re-opened earlier this year, leaving very few Covid-19 restrictions still in place. What does this mean for U.S. attorneys and their U.K. depositions? In-person depositions are back in the U.K., hybrid depositions are now easier to schedule, and fully remote depositions remain an option, as they always have been. Here are the details on depositions in the U.K. post-Covid.

Is prior permission required to conduct a deposition in the U.K.?

No. The U.K. is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention, but they do not require prior permission to depose a willing witness. Nor do they impose requirements/restrictions regarding where depositions may be held.

Where can you reserve a conference room?

Reserving space for your deposition is as straightforward as it was through early 2020. Tell your court reporting firm the city, specifying if one area is more convenient than another, and they will reserve the optimal space. Should the location have any health or safety-related guidelines, your court reporting firm will communicate them to all parties attending in person.

Are court reporters attending depositions in person?

Yes. Court reporters have been attending in-person depositions for a while in the U.K. This is excellent news as it is always ideal to have the court reporter present with the witness, particularly if the deposition is interpreted.

Pre-Covid, U.K. court reporters would book very quickly, and far in advance. These expert stenographers are in high demand throughout the U.K., and they keep full calendars. Keep in mind that they do also travel quite often to cover depositions and arbitrations throughout the rest of Europe. Though the schedule is not yet back to pre-Covid tightness, work is steadily increasing for U.K. reporters. You should schedule your deposition coverage as early as possible to ensure you have a reporter.

Could a U.S. reporter travel to the U.K. for the deposition?

No. The U.K. has very strict protections in place for their court reporters. Any non-U.K. citizen stenographer entering the country with stenography equipment runs the risk of detainment and confiscation of their professional equipment. You will need to schedule a U.K. court reporter for any depositions taking place in the U.K. Your international court reporting agency should make this quite easy, but as mentioned previously, it is best to schedule as far in advance as possible.

Where should the interpreter be?

The interpreter should always be in the presence of the witness if feasible. This ensures accurate interpretation and a more seamless deposition, with fewer interruptions to repeat information for clarification. The U.K. is a truly diverse nation, speaking many languages, and there is an interpreter for everyone. Interpreters, like court reporters, tend to be busy because they are in high demand. As soon as you determine an interpreter is required, let your court reporting agency know the language and dialect so they can book your interpreter.

Should the videographer be with the witness?

Ideally, the reporter, videographer and interpreter will all be in the same location as the witness. As Covid has demonstrated, it is possible to record quality video with a remote videographer. The court reporting agency can make it happen for you in the U.K. whichever way you prefer. Videographers also keep tight schedules, so if you opt for an in-person videographer, you will want to reserve your videographer as early as you can.

What are the travel requirements for U.S. citizens flying into the U.K.?

If you wish to attend a U.K. deposition in person, getting there will be as easy as international travel gets. The United Kingdom makes an appealing destination for many reasons, including low-key entry requirements.

• Passport must be valid for the duration of your planned stay
• One blank passport page required
• No visa required for U.S. citizens staying less than six months
• No vaccinations required

Remote depositions are and will continue to be a viable option for U.K. depositions.

Should there be no U.K. reporter available, for example, you can schedule a U.S. court reporter to attend remotely. Parties will need to agree beforehand to stipulate that the reporter, though not in the presence of the witness, may administer the oath. They will also need to agree to waive objections to the validity of the deposition due to the remote administration of the oath. A remote deposition is an option for those with health concerns as well. With the advances in remote technology over the past two years, international remote depositions have come a long way.

It is good to have options, and flexibility is improving with international depositions. As international travel increases so will in-person international depositions. Partner with a court reporting agency with real global presence to guarantee expert coverage of all the details of your case. Coordinating international depositions requires finesse. The international court reporting firm has the expertise, as well as reporters, videographers, and interpreters living all around the world to keep your case moving forward, wherever it takes you.

Planet Depos has been covering international depositions for over a decade. We have reporting professionals living throughout the world with experience in all case matters. For more information or to schedule your international depositions, contact Planet Depos International at international@planetdepos.com. You can also schedule international depositions online.

Korea has recently made it possible for U.S. attorneys to hold in-person depositions once again. Visitors from the U.S. and other visa-exempt countries can enter Korea with no quarantine period, provided they meet certain criteria. The criteria were relaxed somewhat in April, making it much easier for U.S. attorneys to enter Korea for depositions.

Here is what you need to know:

There is no visa requirement for U.S. citizens. Korea is part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). In short, this program enables U.S. citizens to visit Korea with no visa for up to 90 days or less if traveling for tourism, business meetings, conference attendance, or a family visit. On reciprocity, Korean citizens can visit the U.S. for the same reasons without a visa. This means U.S. attorneys do not need a visa to enter Korea for the purpose of taking depositions.

Visa-free travelers do need an ETA. What is an ETA? An ETA is an electronic travel authorization. This particular ETA is referred to as the K-ETA, for Korea. The requirements are straightforward.

• Travelers must apply for their K-ETA at least 24 hours before boarding their flight to Korea.
  • When applying, have handy:
    • Your passport – you will need to enter your passport number
    • Your email address so you can receive notification of K-ETA status
    • Your credit/debit card to pay the $10 application fee
    • A photo of your face
  • The K-ETA is required in order to receive a boarding pass.
  • The K-ETA is valid for a period of two years.
  • The K-ETA exempts visitors from submitting an arrival card, expediting the entry immigration process.

The K-ETA site does provide a very helpful FAQ page, should you have additional questions regarding the process.

Quarantine guidelines have changed. As of April 1^st, even those who were vaccinated outside of Korea can forgo quarantine. To be exempt from quarantine, the below requirements must be met:

• The traveler must be fully vaccinated.
  • Fully vaccinated is defined as having received all recommended doses of the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccine, +14 days.
  • The exemption lasts 180 days from vaccination date.
  • If it has been more than 180 days since full vaccination, the traveler must receive a booster.
• The traveler must enter their vaccination history into Q-CODE, the quarantine information pre-entry system.
• The traveler must take a total of three (3) COVID-19 tests.
  • They must take a PCR Test no sooner than 48 hours before departure from the U.S.
  • They must take a second PCR Test within 24 hours of arrival in Korea.
  • They must take a Rapid Test within six to seven days of arrival in Korea.

Some pre-travel steps remain the same. It is recommended you subscribe to Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which keeps you in the know on safety and security. STEP also helps the U.S. Embassy, as well as family, to get in touch with you should there be an emergency abroad. You should look up any travel advisories for your destination as well, which the U.S. Department of State provides on their site.

Planet Depos has been covering depositions around the world for over a decade. There is a Planet Depos court reporting team living in Korea, as well as other Planet Depos teams throughout Asia, including several interpreters with abundant IP experience. For more information on scheduling your in-person (or remote) depositions in Korea, contact Planet Depos International Scheduling at 888.433.3767 or international@planetdepos.com. You can even schedule your international depositions online.

After an unpredictable two years depositions may once again be taken in Germany! Stricter than some of its regional counterparts, Germany had indefinitely ceased in-person depositions due to Covid-19. As Covid-related restrictions ease across Europe, Germany has once again opened its doors to in-person depositions. With a detailed but manageable scheduling process, now is the best time to schedule depositions in Germany.

One of the stricter countries when it comes to depositions, German law prohibits the taking of in-person depositions in any location other than the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. Video and telephonic depositions are strictly verboten as well, so one should plan to have all participants appear in Frankfurt. It is advisable to reach out to the Consulate at germanyacs@state.gov as soon as possible with proposed deposition date/s. The German Government requires approximately 6 weeks to review and approve depositions – it is wise to start the scheduling process as far in advance as possible.

Once your deposition date/s are approved you must share additional case information with the Consulate – the U.S. Consulate General will require payment by money order or certified bank check and a copy of the notice of deposition, including:

• Case name
• Docket number
• Location of the U.S. Court where the case will be adjudicated
• Full name of all witnesses, nationality, complete German home address(esses) and phone number
• Function and relationship between the parties and the witnesses and the nature of their testimony
• Brief description of the case with special focus on the appropriate standards of the U.S. procedural and substantive laws

Two weeks ahead of your deposition/s you will also need to share a full list of participants (including nationality and role!), and an extensively detailed list of each attendee’s electronic equipment.

Although the process is more involved than in most countries, depositions in Germany can be taken with plenty of foresight and preparation. Planet Depos works with many highly-experienced and talented court reporters, videographers, and interpreters across Europe – an advantage to scheduling early is securing the perfect team for your depositions in Germany!

Depositions may now be taken remotely in Japan! Scheduling depositions in Japan is a very detailed and streamlined process. More than any other country, Japan requires strict adherence to specific scheduling protocol. Since the beginning of Covid-19 depositions in Japan have come to a complete halt. The requirement that depositions take place at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or U.S. Consulate in Osaka, neither of which have permitted remote depositions has effectively banned depositions since the world went remote. After nearly two years of indefinite pause, however, taking depositions in Japan is once again becoming possible.

To those in the international deposition world, Japan is known for banning all depositions via videoconference or telephone. While other countries relaxed these rules in light of Covid-19, Japan held fast. Per the U.S. Embassy’s website, however, remote depositions of witnesses in Japan are now “available on an extremely limited basic and subject to prior approval of the Japanese authorities.” An excerpt from the approval process for remote depositions in Japan can be found below:

If you are a party, or counsel to a party, to litigation, flexible with your timing, are prepared to secure a court order for a deposition, and can provide the information below at a minimum to obtain Japanese government approval, then please contact tokyoacs@state.gov.  Please provide the following information when writing to tokyoacs@state.gov.  Incomplete requests will not be considered.

• Name(s) of parties to the litigation
• Briefly, what the litigation concerns
• Type of case (civil, criminal)
• Which court it’s in
• Preferred dates for the video deposition
• Date of trial
• Name(s) of witness(es) to be deposed
• Connection of witness(es) to the litigation
• Parties present in the U.S. (names, positions, location in the U.S.)
• Parties present in Japan (apart from the witness(es), provide names and positions)

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan

Strict requirements remain even when a deposition is approved – in-person participants must be kept to a minimum (a witness, one attorney, and the videographer) while all other participants may appear remotely. Fortunately, Planet Depos is the only court reporting agency with staff on the ground in both Tokyo and Osaka. We also work with countless talented interpreters with deposition experience, and all topics of case matters, including and even especially highly intricate and confidential IP matters in Japan. Once your deposition is arranged with the Embassy or Consulate you can rest easy knowing that a world-class team will be with you in-person and remotely to handle your deposition.

Planet Depos is the indisputable leader of court reporting in Japan. Our reporter and videographer live right next door to the Embassy in Tokyo! This positioning has provided an “insider’s” view as it were, enabling the Japan version of last-minute scheduling. The process for scheduling depositions in Japan typically takes roughly six weeks, so there is no such thing as truly last-minute depositions. The on-the-ground reporting team in Tokyo has working relationships with local vendors and can assist with any ancillary services required for your depositions in Japan.

Planet Depos has been covering international depositions for over a decade, even through the recent pandemic. Planet Depos court reporters, videographers, and interpreters all around the globe are ready to cover your next proceeding taking place abroad. For more information or to schedule, contact international@planetdepos.com, or schedule your international deposition online.

By Slade Grayson & Carly Wilson

So you landed your first international gig. Or maybe you’ve done this before, but not during a pandemic. Do you always seem to have trouble changing reservations, figuring out how much local currency to carry, or how much champagne to drink on the flight?

Here are 12 hand tips that you might want to refer to whenever traveling abroad:

COVID restrictions to keep in mind

Is this your first time traveling internationally with added COVID restrictions and requirements? As we all know rules and regulations from both the government, CDC and WHO can change at the drop of a hat, but these general guidelines are some of the first you should check:

• What are the destination country’s restrictions and requirements for travel into the country?
• What are your home country’s restrictions and requirements for returning home?
• Look into scheduling a COVID test if needed. Most places are requiring a negative test within 72 hours of travel.
• Be sure you have necessary safety gear: masks (disposable may be best since you may not have access to laundry), hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, etc.
• Be prepared to potentially download a tracking app onto your phone if asked to as well as the possibility that you may need to quarantine upon your return.

Plans can change at the last minute

When making reservations, make sure the hotel allows changes without penalties. Sure, that cute little boutique hotel might seem charming and quaint, but many of them adhere to a tight schedule of reservations and may apply fees for last-minute cancellations. Sometimes your best bet is one of the big hotel chains because you can always use the credit for a canceled reservation at another location. The same goes for airlines. Find out what their policy is for last-minute cancellations. Because of COVID restrictions it is especially important to look into which airlines and hotels have the most lenient policies regarding cancelations or changed plans.

Pack only what you need

Pack only what you need and maybe one extra set of clothes “just in case.” The key is to travel as light as possible, but be aware of incidentals. Yes, there will be pharmacies overseas, but you don’t want to have to run out in the middle of the night for Advil.

Check the expiration on your passport

Some countries want you to have more than six months left on the expiration date. Every country has different rules on what they want, so it’s best to find out in advance to ensure your passport is current, and you don’t encounter unforeseen difficulties. Look to US State Dept for more information.

Determine if you need a visa

Find out if you need a visa. No, not the credit card Visa. A travel visa. Sometimes the passport is not enough and the country you’re traveling to wants you to have a travel visa, too. The US State Dept has more information.

Call your banks

Call your bank and credit card companies and let them know where you’re traveling and the approximate length of your stay. You don’t want your charge card to be declined because American Express thinks your card was stolen or the bank thinks your account was hacked.

Get international calling

Check with your phone provider about an international plan. For a small fee, you can get international calling for the entirety of your stay.

Try the food

Try the local food. Really! It’s usually very good and better than going to the American chain restaurants. Do some research and check ahead of time to see what the covid guidelines are for the restaurants you’d like to try. Are they offering dine in with reservations, outdoor dining only or just takeout? If they are open for business make sure to take care of your reservations ahead of time.

Be polite

Be polite and respectful when going through customs and security.

Know your destination

Make sure you know your destination. For example, there are two Koreas. If you’re traveling to Korea for a deposition, it’s a certainty you’re going to South Korea.

Keep local currency with you

You’ll want to keep a little local currency on you. Not all taxi drivers and food establishments take good ol’ American plastic. You can hit the ATM wherever you’re going to withdraw cash.

International Checklist

With decades of global experience, the Planet Depos team extensive knowledge on international depositions and a full guide each year to make sure you are prepared. Access the guide here If you need extra guidance for scheduling your deposition this international deposition checklist will make sure you are well-prepared.

*As of April 2021, travel to Europe is possible depending on infection rates, but East Asia is still very strict on travel unless you are a resident or business traveler.

Planet Depos has reporters, videographers, and interpreters living throughout the world and has been covering depos internationally for well over a decade.  The expertise is apparent from the scheduling process, with no detail missed, to the consummate professionalism in the deposition room.  For questions regarding depositions around the world or to schedule, call 888.433.3767 or complete the easy online scheduling form.

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