News Summary
Lenovo has filed a lawsuit against the state of Georgia after being excluded from business opportunities with state agencies due to House Bill 113, aimed at limiting contracts with certain foreign companies, including those from China. The company argues that Georgia’s government did not adequately assess security risks associated with its products before imposing the ban. Lenovo seeks a judicial ruling to declare the state’s restrictions unlawful, highlighting the implications for international businesses in the U.S. amid security concerns.
Atlanta – Lenovo, a global leader in computer and technology manufacturing, has initiated a legal battle against the state of Georgia. The lawsuit, filed in Fulton County Superior Court last week, challenges the state’s exclusion of Lenovo from business opportunities with state agencies due to a new law aimed at restricting contracts with companies from specific “foreign countries of concern.”
The legislation, known as House Bill 113, was passed earlier this year and prohibits state contracts with certain foreign nations, including China. The new law officially took effect in July, and the Georgia Technology Authority is responsible for determining which countries are considered security threats that fall under the law’s restriction.
Lenovo, a Chinese corporation, maintains its U.S. headquarters in North Carolina. The company’s designation as a foreign adversary by the federal government raises significant hurdles for its operations within Georgia, especially in light of the recent legislation.
The core of Lenovo’s lawsuit centers on accusations that Georgia’s state government did not properly evaluate any potential security risks posed by Lenovo’s products before deciding to exclude the company from bidding on state contracts. Lenovo asserts that it was not afforded an opportunity to present evidence or to clarify its role in fulfilling existing contracts within Georgia.
Historically, Lenovo has maintained substantial contracts with various Georgia state agencies prior to the enactment of House Bill 113. The company has emphasized its compliance with stringent security standards and its position as a reliable vendor for both the U.S. government and the Georgia state government.
Kara Murray, a representative for Attorney General Chris Carr, who is tasked with defending the state in legal matters, declined to provide comments on this ongoing case. Meanwhile, State Representative Long Tran, who chairs the Asian American and Pacific Islander caucus, has indicated that Georgia should consider aligning its policies with federal guidelines, especially regarding assessments of Lenovo’s products and their safety.
The implications of this new law have extended beyond Lenovo, causing disruptions at state universities. For instance, Georgia Tech has prohibited the acquisition of new products from Lenovo since the law’s effective date in July, leading to concerns about the impact on educational institutions reliant on technology for learning and research.
Lenovo is seeking a judicial ruling to declare the state’s ban on its products as “unlawful, void, and unenforceable.” The lawsuit represents a significant challenge to the state’s current legal framework regarding foreign contractors and highlights the tensions surrounding national security concerns that are affecting international businesses operating within the U.S.
As the case unfolds in court, it will be essential to monitor how it impacts Lenovo’s operations in Georgia, state procurement practices, and the relationship between state governments and foreign companies in the ongoing climate of security scrutiny.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AJC: Lenovo Says New Georgia Law Unfairly Bars It From Doing Business in State
- WilmerHale: FRAND Quarterly – May 2025
- AJC: Georgia Hemp Businesses Sue State Over New Regulations
- Google Search: Lenovo Georgia Law 2025
- SCMP: Ex-Lenovo Salesman Seeks Financial Relief
- Wikipedia: Lenovo
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
