An Interpretation from the Supreme People's Court brought clarity over purchase and sale agreements, while Apple's trademark dispute reinforced that contracts are not always upheld before Chinese courts

All eyes were on the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) in 2012 as two sub-commissions broke away with the Commission's new Arbitration Rules as one of the contributing reasons for the split

The China Securities and Regulatory Commission (CSRC) rolled out a series of reforms in 2012 that showed that its commitment to opening up the country's capital markets remains strong

The China Securities and Regulatory Commission (CSRC) rolled out a series of reforms in 2012 that showed that its commitment to opening up the country's capital markets remains strong

The Trademark, Copyright and Patent Laws were all up for review in 2012, which shows China's commitment to strengthening IP rights. But are the changes enough to protect businesses and what can IP practitioners expect for the year ahead?

After liquidation, a creditor of a wholly individually-owned enterprise may still assert its rights against the investor in respect of the outstanding portion of its claim.

Insurance capital may now invest in 25 developed markets and 20 emerging markets. The amount allowed to be invested in emerging markets has also increased from not exceeding 5% of last year end's total assets to 10%. Investment instruments allowed include money market instruments, fixed-return instruments, equity, immovable property, investment funds and REITs.

The amended Lawyers Law better protects the rights of lawyers and defendants by expanding what constitutes confidential information and brings the law in line with the Criminal Procedure Law

Many foreign-invested companies have delayed establishing trade unions, but as the government pushes harder on this issue, unionisation and collective bargaining will become unavoidable