Securing and Maintaining China Trademark Registrations We constantly stress the importance of securing trademark registrations in China. But upon seeing an email from one of our international IP attorneys to a client, it occurred to me that we have not written about what companies should do after they secure their China trademark(s). So here goes,
A Strategic Approach to Global IP Protection While tidying up my inbox, I stumbled upon an old email I had sent to a Spanish client who had engaged our law firm to safeguard their IP across the globe. The below comes from our initial email, mapping out what we proposed we do to protect this
United States Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) With the commencement of the new year, the recently implemented Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is now in full force. In recent years, many so-called “tax haven” countries, to avoid black- or grey-listing by the US Treasury Department, have had to increase their beneficial ownership transparency. The CTA brings the
The Shift in Global Manufacturing Contracts Tensions between China and the West have prompted US and European companies to diversify their supply chains and to re-examine their manufacturing contracts. Companies that manufactured their products in China under single contract systems are now adapting to work with factories worldwide. Previously focused on a single country, these
The Rise of China Distribution Agreements My law firm's China lawyers have recently seen an uptick in China distribution agreements for foreign companies seeking to sell their products and services in China. This surge is driven by growing concerns over the risks that come with having a foreign presence in China, including geopolitical tensions, and
China Copyright Protections China copyrights without registration Copyright stands out from other intellectual property rights for the protections it enjoys without registration, including in China. For trademarks, the only pathway to protection for an unregistered mark in China is by meeting the narrow definition of a "well-known trademark." By contrast, even works created outside of
Key Legal Considerations for Doing Business in China Foreign companies doing business in or even with China face a complex legal landscape. Navigating these regulations can be challenging, but it is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding legal trouble. This blog post provides an overview of key legal considerations for foreign companies operating in or
Recently I spoke with some good friends in the finance space about the global economy, China, and debt capital. One is a vice president and underwriter at a US East Coast private equity firm. The other is the owner of an investment banking firm in the midwestern US. They are steeped in the finance world,
China Software Licensing Registration Challenges As China becomes increasingly risky and complicated for direct entry and subsequent in-country operations, licensing is becoming increasingly common for many Western companies. This is especially true for software companies. However, China's network of licensing and royalty regulations has stymied many seeking to license their software for Chinese distribution. Requirements
China Business Dinner Etiquette as Though it Matters Ten years ago, I'd often get asked about Chinese business dinner etiquette. Back then, "everyone" was going to China, and many were terrified about messing up. I would try to calm their nerves by explaining how etiquette is less important in China than it is in Korea
