China’s latest rules on facial recognition technology introduce mandatory registration for companies handling significant volumes of personal data, alongside a practical guide to compliance In an era where facial recognition technology is increasingly embedded in daily life, from unlocking smartphones to streamlining payments, China has introduced robust regulations to ensure its responsible use. On March 21, 2025, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) …
Law
As China continues to solidify its position as a global economic powerhouse, protecting intellectual property (IP) in the country remains a critical concern for British businesses seeking to enter or expand in this dynamic market. With rapid advancements in legislation, enforcement mechanisms, and technological tools, China’s IP landscape has evolved significantly in recent years. However, challenges persist, particularly for foreign companies navigating its unique legal and cultural environment Understanding China’s …
China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law (AFSL), in place since June 2021, has been updated with new regulations from the State Council, released in March 2025. These clarify how the law works and what it means for businesses operating in China. For British companies, particularly those balancing operations in China with ties to markets like the UK or US, it’s worth understanding these rules to stay on the right track. What’s the …
2024 was a standout year for intellectual property (IP) in China and around the world. In this article, Lydia Topping and Peter Mumford from Potter Clarkson LLP spotlight some of the most exciting IP developments from the Chinese market in 2024 China’s new patent extensions: A game-changer for innovators Exclusivity for pharmaceuticals in China has taken a giant leap forward with the introduction of new patent term extension (PTE), a …
From registering a trademark in China to protecting it once your business is established, for companies that want to export to China, IPR doesn’t have to be complicated, writes Daniel de Prado, Partner at HFG IP Protecting your trade mark and the distinctive signs and external appearance of your products in China should be one of the first and most crucial steps taken by any company aiming to develop its …
The latest IP win for a major brand in China shows China’s commitment to cracking down on counterfeiting and copyright infringement In April 2024, a Shanghai court handed a RMB 600 million (£66.5 million) fine to a company for criminal copyright infringement of Lego products and sentenced two key members of the business, brothers Chen XX and Chen YY, to eight and nine years in prison, respectively. According to China …
2023 was another remarkable year for intellectual property (IP) in China and around the world. Peter Mumford, senior associate with Potter Clarkson LLP, provides a brief overview of some of the top IP developments from the past year that may be of interest to businesses in China and the UK Four Supporting Regulations Issued for the Anti-monopoly Law Effective from 15 April 2023, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) …
In the latest in a series on China’s new Company Law, Marco Vinciguerra from HFG Law & Intellectual Property explores changes related to the roles and obligations of shareholders China’s revised Company Law, which will come into effect on 1 July 2024, has 266 articles, about a third of which have been added or substantially modified. Of these, a number relate to the rights and obligations of shareholders. This article …
In the latest in a series on China’s new Company Law, Marco Vinciguerra from HFG Law & Intellectual Property explores changes related to the roles and obligations of shareholders China’s revised Company Law, which will come into effect on 1 July 2024, has 266 articles, about a third of which have been added or substantially modified. Of these, a number relate to the rights and obligations of shareholders. The new …
In the first of a new series on China’s new Company Law, Marco Vinciguerra from HFG Law & Intellectual Property explores changes related to capital contribution obligations After a long revision process, on 29 December 2023, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress issued the new Company Law, 30 years after the first company law was enacted. The new Company Law will come into effect on 1 July 2024, …

