Legal

Private capital encouraged to set up joint venture banks with foreign investors in the free trade zone.

Outbound investment into the US reached record levels, boosted in part by the closing of Shuanghui's acquisition of Smithfield. GSK's executives under investigation are likely to be charged but the company may avoid penalties

The potential of China's shale gas market has yet to be realised. Recently released Guidelines encourage foreign investment, but without further details it is hard to assess the full impact

The potential of China's shale gas market has yet to be realised. Recently released Guidelines encourage foreign investment, but without further details it is hard to assess the full impact

The SAT has released an Announcement reducing or exempting income tax from technology transfer Amendments to the PRC Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers have been promulgated and SIPO has released draft Guidelines for patent reviews

The Zone selects the financial services, shipping services, trade services, professional services, cultural services and social services sectors for increased liberalisation.

It has taken three readings over two years, but the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has finally promulgated the long-awaited Trademark Law. Ding Xianjie and Yao Di look at the key changes and how they will affect brand owners

A series of announcements on taxation have tightened the rules for multinational companies who second employees to Chinese affiliates

An Interpretation from the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate got media attention because it was thought to be part of a crackdown on dissent. But it could help foreign businesses deal with the growing problem of unfair online criticism