Intellectual Property

The Beijing IP Court's decision to reject Trunkbow's “Weixin” trademark - even though it was filed before Tencent's - has caused controversy, but one thing is clear: judges are increasingly taking into account consumers' welfare and not necessarily going by the book

The SAIC's new guidelines make it mandatory for dominant market players to license their IP rights. Companies – high tech and pharmaceutical in particular – will need to be careful to avoid AML investigations

The SAIC's new guidelines make it mandatory for dominant market players to license their IP rights. Companies – high tech and pharmaceutical in particular – will need to be careful to avoid AML investigations

State Council promotes the use of enterprise standards.

Abusing IP rights to eliminate competition may be fined up to 10% of the sales turnover.

Under the SAIC's new rules, business operators are now responsible for compensating consumers for faulty products sold by third party sellers. Operators should have strict measures in place to avoid losses through these reimbursement claims

Under the SAIC's new rules, business operators are now responsible for compensating consumers for faulty products sold by third party sellers. Operators should have strict measures in place to avoid losses through these reimbursement claims

The tax authority may proceed with an adjustment for any expenses paid to an overseas affiliate not in compliance with the arm's length principle.

The Supreme People's Court's new judicial interpretations replace previous ones to bring provisions in line with the Patent Law. Updates include clarified court jurisdictions, simplified procedures and increased damages, but guidelines for standard essential patents are still needed