Intellectual Property

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.

Joe Simone of SIPS examines recent amendments to China's Trademark Law which focus on bad faith trademark registrations, civil compensation for infringement and disposition of seized goods and equipment – changes intended in part to help resolve the pending trade dispute with the US.