Technology Media and Telecom

Troy Rice of SIPS Hong Kong discusses the implications for foreign IP owners of the recent changes to foreign investment, cross-border tech transfer, and trade secrets laws, as well as cross-border agreement drafting considerations in light of these developments. March and April 2019 were whirlwinds for foreign IP owners with respect to the legal and regulatory framework in China governing foreign investment, cross-border technology transfer, and trade secret protection.

Government officials may not require technology transfers in granting administrative permissions

For the second year, Chinese FDI into the U.S. falls; The CBIRC releases 12 new measures planned to ease foreign banks and insurers’ investments; and Tencent’s PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds game fails to get China licence.

A new law in January should boost China’s cross-border e-commerce, but rules now introduced by SAFE also reflect concerns about controlling capital outflows.

The scope of trade secret infringement is broadened

China eliminates cryptocurrency mining while encourages blockchain information services

Heng An Standard Life Insurance becomes the first foreign-invested pensions insurer to win CBIRC approval; Shanghai announces plans for more corporate tax cuts this year; and China mulls closure of virtual currency mining outfits.

With streamlined and registration-based rules issued last month, the new Sci-Tech Board is rapidly attracting IPO applications.

The revised Regulations remove provisions on restrictive clauses of technology import contracts

Following the tragic Yancheng explosion, China is reviewing its related safety regulations; the government released the names of 197 information providers now registered in the use of blockchain-based technology; and laws controlling production of the drug Fentanyl have now been extended to all its derivatives.