Chinese financial regulator considers allowing major investors to hold stakes in additional banks to boost capital. | Brazilian preliminary injunction bans Geely from patent dispute-related activities. | Envisioned U.S. national AI framework could put pressure on Chinese AI services.
In 2025, China's antitrust landscape continued to evolve with greater sophistication across legislation, merger control, administrative enforcement, and litigation. Here, Huang Wei, Zhu Fan, Gao Chang and Chen Kexin of Tian Yuan Law Firm give an overview of the major developments and key takeaways
China increases scrutiny of Manus-Meta Deal | Recent Chinese notice raises concerns over red-chip company ban in Hong Kong listings | Chinese court rejects circular reuse defense in luxury handbag repurposing dispute
China intensifies efforts to encourage reporting of overseas income | CSRC considers RMB 30 billion market cap floor for H-share listings | Sony to spin off TV business as a joint venture with China’s TCL.
Beijing court established legal framework for trial of fake AI precedent submission in the judgment | China may require asset sales to approve proposed Rio Tinto-Glencore merger | Defu Technology abandons $200 million acquisition after Luxembourg's compulsory investment review imposed minority stake restrictions
AI startup Manus’ deal with Meta scrutinized over tech control restrictions | Dawu County court discovers AI watermark on fake evidence and issues formal reprimand | Hainan launches "closed customs operations" to promote free trade with the world.
Trump signs defense bill including restrictions on U.S. outbound investments into China. | Trump orders HieFo to divest acquired technology on national security grounds. | China includes drones into Civil Aviation Law in major overhaul
Beijing Municipality considers adopting other negative lists of outbound data transfer programs nationwide | Court rules that AI prompts are not “works” hence not copyright-protected. | U.S. coffee giant shifts to joint venture model amid slowing growth and fierce competition in China.
Proposed AI ethics rules will require ethical committees in institutions; Japanese brand Muji’s two-decades old trademark dispute ends in defeat; and China steps up Belt and Road investment as Western trade barriers rise.
A Chinese court has loosened the scope of “product similarity” in trademark law to include virtual models of actual trademarked products. | China’s conviction of a crypto laundering defendant reflects stricter enforcement in cryptocurrency-related crimes. | New draft regulations allow for loans for minority M&A stakes.
