Intellectual Property

China releases regulations to improve business environment and equalize market treatment; China leads the world in number of mega-startups, report finds; and cryptography law passes ahead of digital currency roll-out

Restrictions on foreign banks, insurers lifted with immediate effect; China tops U.N. global survey for IP protection activity; and leading government agencies and companies launch nationwide blockchain services network

Concessions from both sides in limited China-U.S. phase one trade deal; Chinese tech firms and security bureaus blacklisted over human rights accusations; and caps on foreign fund managers in China to be removed in April

PayPal acquires controlling stake in Chinese payments company; Trade war, IP theft biggest worries for companies in China, survey finds; and Hong Kong-mainland arbitration interim measures arrangement takes effect

Danlei Wu of Fangda Partners examines the Supreme People’s Court decisions in the long-running Wanglaoji trademark litigation, and finds the court taking a pragmatic approach to the high-profile cases

The China National Intellectual Property Administration would conduct an overall review of a portfolio of patent applications.

The State Administration for Market Regulation prohibits bad faith trademark registrations

China announces six new FTZs targeting poorer regions and Belt and Road cooperation; central bank unveils three-year fintech development plan to accelerate innovation while curbing risks; new report warns foreign companies about corporate social credit's potential impact; and SAFE relaxes foreign currency conversion requirements across Shenzhen

The Supreme People’s Court (SPC) 2018 Annual Report on Intellectual Property serves as a tool not only for precedential value for the lower courts but also a guide that provides insight for predictable outcomes of future disputes.

Alibaba files for Hong Kong listing that could raise $20 billion; China’s state planner will encourage more debt-to-equity swaps; insurers likely to be allowed to up investments in Chinese A-shares; and official proposes beefing up penalties for IP violations.