Shanghai

Competition – Antitrust

We regularly counsel on competition filings in connection with business combinations, as well as price fixing and restraints on competition.

Compliance

We provide regular coordination of compliance audits to develop risk assessment programs in regard to anti-bribery laws. We also counsel on the Foreign Corruption Practice Act and UK Bribery Act issues.

Corporate 

With decades of experience handling sophisticated transactions of all kinds in the US and Europe, as well as China, we combine a strong understanding of the rules of engagement with a mastery of the finer details.

Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology 

In recent years, China has been one of the leading sources of counterfeit goods seized by US customs officials. However, IP protection in China is evolving from a reactive, penalties-driven approach to a more adaptive approach. We can work closely with you to develop integrated strategies that take into account all legal and operational factors: human resources, factory use, research and development, third parties and sales/ purchasing. We counsel on rights and registrations, complex licensing arrangements and transfers of IP rights. 

Labor and Employment 

Because all employment relationships are contractual in China, employers must make sure they understand the terms governing their relationships with their PRC employees and include all the employment agreement protections they need. In these areas, we offer management support, including advice on employee handbooks and dealing with unions and labor representatives. We also have considerable insight into terminations and reductions in force.

Real Estate 

In the rapidly changing legal environment relating to foreign investment in real estate, you can draw on our worldwide resources to ensure success in your transactions. We provide assistance on day-to-day management skills using experienced international negotiators and multilingual support staff. Whether you are a China-based investor interested in cross-border real estate projects or a foreign client interested in real estate financing in China, our highly capable team can handle the matter efficiently.

Regulated Industries

We offer advice on customs and trade matters in China. Our lawyers have represented foreign companies before PRC customs authorities on a wide range of matters from valuation and classification to smuggling, inspection and regulatory compliance. We also advise China-based companies on similar matters across the globe.

Tax Strategy and Benefits 

We regularly counsel clients on structuring onshore and offshore holding companies to minimize taxes in the host country. We have worked with nearly all the tax treaties that support investment into China and provide for tax-advantaged exit strategies. We have designed special structures to comply with China’s restrictions on foreign investments and commercial arrangements to comply with local transfer pricing requirements. Through our deep local knowledge, we often negotiate more favorable terms than would be possible by practices less experienced in PRC tax matters. We also provide comprehensive advice on income tax and VAT.