China IP Protection: How Companies Lose Their Product Before They Launch
Many companies lose their China IP before they think they have anything to lose. They start with a promising product, a working prototype, a successful crowdfunding campaign, or a
China Law Blog
China Law for Business
The China Law Blog, published by Harris Sliwoski LLP, focuses on legal issues related to doing business in China and international trade involving China. It covers topics such as employment law and termination risks under Chinese labor regulations, intellectual property protection strategies for global and Chinese markets, international arbitration and dispute resolution in cross-border contexts, foreign direct investment, corporate law, and compliance with Chinese regulatory frameworks. The blog addresses practical legal challenges faced by companies operating or expanding in China, including trademark registration, contract enforcement, and managing risks in complex international transactions.
Latest from China Law Blog - Page 3
International Distribution Agreements: Beware the Eager Distributor
By Dan Harris
International Distribution Agreements: Beware the Eager Distributor
In one matter my law firm handled, a manufacturer of industrial coatings signed an exclusive Southeast Asia distribution agreement with a distributor that looked ideal. It had regional warehousing, relevant sales experience, and…
Foreign Contractors and Distributors: Frequently Asked Questions
By Dan Harris
Foreign Contractors and Distributors: Frequently Asked Questions
Yesterday’s post explained why the overseas sales shortcut so often backfires: a company calls someone a contractor, agent, or distributor, but the relationship underneath does not match the label. This FAQ builds on…
Foreign Contractors and Distributors: The International Sales Shortcut That Often Backfires
By Dan Harris
Foreign Contractors and Distributors: The International Sales Shortcut That Often Backfires
Many companies want foreign sales without a foreign footprint: no subsidiary, no payroll, no local employees, no leased office, no permanent commitment. That can be a sensible way to…
The Hong Kong Intermediary Trap: Do Not Bind the Wrong China Company
By Dan Harris
The Hong Kong Intermediary Trap: Do Not Contract with the Wrong China Company
Foreign buyers like dealing with Hong Kong intermediaries. The emails are clear, the invoices look familiar, the bank account feels safer, and the person on the other…
China Supply Chain Restructuring: Legal, Regulatory, and Deal Risks for Foreign Companies
By Dan Harris
China Supply Chain Restructuring: Legal Traps in Moving, Selling, or Exiting China
A U.S. manufacturer decides to move production from China to Mexico. The company’s technical team starts shipping over production files and the company opens early talks with a…
When Your Contract Will Not Save You in a Cross-Border Credit Dispute
By Dan Harris
When Your Contract Will Not Save You in a Cross-Border Credit Dispute
A U.S. company recently lost more than $860,000 to a foreign client. It had a signed contract, invoices, and legal remedies. That still was not enough.
The contract…
Manufacturing in China but Not Selling There? Your China Trademark Strategy Should Be Defensive, Focused, and Fast
Manufacturing in China but Not Selling There? Your China Trademark Strategy Should Be Defensive, Focused, and Fast
A surprising number of companies manufacture in China without registering their trademarks there. They assume that because they are not selling into China,…
Emerging Market Compliance Risks: When Local Workarounds Become Permanent Liabilities
By Dan Harris
Emerging Market Compliance Risks: When Local Workarounds Become Permanent Liabilities
Companies entering emerging markets hear the same reassurance again and again: “This is how things are done here.” The advice comes in familiar forms. Use a connected intermediary to speed…
Can You Subpoena a Chinese Company? What You Need to Know About China Discovery
By Dan Harris
Can You Subpoena a Chinese Company? What You Need to Know About China Discovery
In cross-border litigation involving mainland China-based defendants, U.S. litigation lawyers often mistake the ability to issue a subpoena for the ability to enforce it. A subpoena…