The China Law Blog focuses on the practical aspects of Chinese law and how it impacts foreign companies that do business in or with China. The goal is to help readers understand what works and what does not work and what businesspeople can do to use the law to their advantage. China Law Blog's aim is to assist businesses already in China or planning to go into China, not to break new ground in legal theory or policy.

Stop sign no deal

Why China Deals Do NOT Get Done

We have put the kibosh on many China-related deals, and that is what this post is about, especially in this environment with financially distressed companies popping up all around thanks to the trade war and Covid. For ease of explanation and to camouflage the identities of those involved, I have amalgamated a bunch of them into one. This scenario is incredibly typical, including the retirement of the owner precipitating the need for the deal.

Moving manufacturing from China to Mexico

Leaving China for Mexico: Lessons from the Ground

Contents of this Article: Mexico is Highly Focused on the USMCA Mexican Agriculture Has Lessons for the U.S. and Beyond Mexican Manufacturing Cannot Replace China Yet Mexican Business Leaders are Ready in Spite of Their Government Utah is Focused on Mexico’s Success as a Solution to Several Problems All together now: “¡Bienvenidos a México!” The

Web3 and blockchain

China and Web3 Crossover

Since launching our Web3 practice group, we have been getting steady inquiries regarding international business and web3 crossover, including China-affiliated companies. Essentially all web3 technologies are international in nature. But unless you are personally interested and invested in cryptocurrencies or your business is heavily dependent on blockchain technology, it is likely that you are part

Chinese Free Look Schemes to Steal your IP

Chinese Free Look Schemes to Steal your IP

Last week, I wrote about how Chinese companies use fake investment scams to trick foreign companies into turning over their IP. This post goes into additional detail regarding the China fake investment scam, but it also goes beyond it to ecompass the various IP theft scams our China lawyers have been seeing in the last couple of years.

Web3 and blockchain

Learning Chinese Web3 Vocabulary

Web3 China vocabulary. Chinese companies are investing in web3 technologies despite the countrywide crypto mining ban. Here is help learning Chinese web3 vocabulary.

China too big to fail

Is China Too Big to Fail?

Is China too big to fail? Evergrande’s insolvency shows that state control over China's banking system does not eliminate systemic risk in the Chinese economy.

International

Transitioning from Product Development to Mass Manufacturing

This post looks at the two most common product development choices, with a focus on how they impact the transition to mass production. At this stage, the foreign company has typically approved a final prototype -- or it is close to that stage -- and it it looking at going into mass production with their Chinese manufacturer.

China product development

China Product Development Models and Risks

China product development is fraught with risks. This post explains the two main product development models employed by Chinese companies and explains the advantages and disadvantages of both. I am writing about product development here because in my experience and that of my company, the product development stage is both the easiest and mostly likely time for your Chinese counterparty to run off with your IP or even your product. 

best practices for tech companies when dealing with China

Best Practices for Tech Companies When Dealing With China

Recently I sat in a presentation with some executives who were sharing best practices for tech companies when dealing with China and the world generally. These were companies that had great success at home and abroad but not surprisingly found China a more difficult market to tackle. Here are some of their tips, along with