The China Law Blog focuses on the practical aspects of Chinese law and how it impacts foreign companies that do business in or with China. The goal is to help readers understand what works and what does not work and what businesspeople can do to use the law to their advantage. China Law Blog’s aim is to assist businesses already in China or planning to go into China, not to break new ground in legal theory or policy.

Chinese Free Look Schemes to Steal your IP

Chinese Free Look Schemes to Steal your IP

Last week, I wrote about how Chinese companies use fake investment scams to trick foreign companies into turning over their IP. This post goes into additional detail regarding the China fake investment scam, but it also goes beyond it to ecompass the various IP theft scams our China lawyers have been seeing in the last couple of years.

China too big to fail

Is China Too Big to Fail?

Is China too big to fail? Evergrande’s insolvency shows that state control over China's banking system does not eliminate systemic risk in the Chinese economy.

International

Transitioning from Product Development to Mass Manufacturing

This post looks at the two most common product development choices, with a focus on how they impact the transition to mass production. At this stage, the foreign company has typically approved a final prototype -- or it is close to that stage -- and it it looking at going into mass production with their Chinese manufacturer.

China product development

China Product Development Models and Risks

China product development is fraught with risks. This post explains the two main product development models employed by Chinese companies and explains the advantages and disadvantages of both. I am writing about product development here because in my experience and that of my company, the product development stage is both the easiest and mostly likely time for your Chinese counterparty to run off with your IP or even your product. 

China scam fraud

China Factory Scams

China factory scams are rising. These are the three most common China factory scams.

Think different about China Letters of Intent and Memoranda of Understanding. Please.

China LOI and MOU: Don’t Let Them Happen to You

At least once a month, an American or sometimes a British company will come to one of our China attorneys after having spent considerable time negotiating a complex transaction with a Chinese company. They then show us a Letter of Intent (LOI) or a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets out in great detail the