The role of a trademark owner’s proactive initiative and other fundamental considerations for effective IP protection in China.

On January 1, 2008, the Labor Contract Law of the People’s Republic of China (LCL) became effective, resulting in widespread changes in labor policy for all companies and other affected organizations.

In 2007, 707,948 trademarks were filed in China, which ranks China’s Trademark Office (CTMO) among the busiest in the world. During the same period, 17,747 oppositions were filed.

Due to increasing market pressures and other situation-specific factors, employers are often required to terminate employees in China. This article briefly outlines some of the issues that must be addressed by employers before and after employee termination, including matters to consider during the hiring of prospective employees, from the perspective of the employer.

For all of us (foreign) ‘locals’ in Beijing, we have seen the massive growth in foreign-owned restaurants over the past several years. Not only are such establishments popular (and very profitable), they are adding to the international cuisine and outlook of the nation’s capital. In this article, we outline the various procedures required to establish a restaurant.

Due to the fact that China has become the world's leading manufacturing base, this article highlights the need for foreign companies to carefully select and monitor their OEM suppliers in China.

China has undergone rapid development in the past two decades due to the opening of its market and its recent succession into the WTO. This article discusses the rules and regulations for foreign franchisors establishing and operating in China.

Any dispute arising from or in connection with this Contract shall be submitted to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration which shall be conducted in accordance with the Commission’s arbitration rules in effect at the time of applying for arbitration. The arbitral award is final and binding upon both parties.

China is no longer the ‘Sleeping Dragon’, but is now moving full fledged ahead as an undisputed economic force in the international market. With the world’s largest population at 1.6 billion and its increasing wealth there is no denying its tremendous consumer power.

Employment law in China is governed by a relatively comprehensive set of laws, more recently supplemented in late 2007 to strengthen workers’ rights.