Registering U.S. State Name Trademarks in China Many brands, from craft breweries to universities, incorporate their U.S. state names into their trademarks. This not only reflects their origins but also evokes a sense of heritage and trust. However, for brands looking to enter the vast Chinese market, a significant hurdle awaits. Registering trademarks that include
China’s Revised Company Law Yet More Challenges for Foreign Investors China’s revised Company Law, implemented on July 1, 2024, marks a significant shift towards a more regulated and transparent corporate environment for all Chinese registered companies — foreign and domestic. Though Chinese domestic companies must adjust, the impact — not surprisingly — will be particularly
Joint ventures with China factories are seldom a good idea.The better way to handle these relationships is usually with a China-centric distribution agreement that sets forth sales goals and allows you to walk away if your Chinese factory does not meet those goals. It usually makes sense to have a trademark licensing agreement with your distributor as well.
How to Deal with IP Infringement Our international intellectual property lawyers are often called upon to help companies whose IP has been compromised or infringed upon. We have formulated the following basic checklist for handling these IP problems, be they international or domestic. 1. Identify the client’s IP problem This step is sometimes straightforward, but
On June 20, 2024, two new antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions were filed against imports of: (1) Certain Brake Drums from China and Türkiye; and (2) Certain Low Speed Personal Transportation Vehicles from China. These AD/CVD investigations will be conducted by two federal agencies: the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) will investigate whether the
The Deteriorating US-China Relationship The US-China relationship has been deteriorating for years, but it continues to worsen with no end in sight. Doing business with Chinese companies is going to become increasingly difficult. Below we outline some of our concerns and some of the steps our international lawyers have seen businesses take to prepare themselves
Doing Business In China A First Person China Business Story Eons ago, a veteran China hand responded to one of our blog posts by writing me with his own story of China problems. I found his story both typical and fascinating and sought his permission to run it. He gave me permission to run it
China Trademarks Matter We are on record (and then some) about the importance of registering your trademark in China. In spite of our efforts — or perhaps because of them — nearly every week someone contacts us after discovering someone else has registered “their” trademarks in China. Most people lump all such third-party registrants together
Should I study in China? This is a question many university students are asking themselves, particularly following the stabbing of four American instructors in the northeastern city of Jinan. While students considering studies in China need to be aware of certain risks, the question is not one that lends itself to a straightforward answer. Whether
An International Law Checklist — The Top 8 Every so often, clients or potential clients inquire about the essential legal considerations for operating successfully in a foreign country. Every country has its own legal requirements that can trip up companies that seek to do business there. The below checklist is intended to be an initial
