Status of Responsibilities Map Pilot Program for Financial Investment Companies and Insurers
The financial regulators recently provided a preliminary consultation on the responsibilities map to 53 large financial investment companies and insurers (each with at least KRW 5 trillion in total assets or at least KRW 20 trillion in assets under management), following earlier consultations with 18 financial holding companies and banks, and announced the major deficiencies …
Amendment to E-Commerce Act Strengthening Regulations on Dark Patterns Took Effect
On February 14, 2025, an amendment to the Act on the Consumer Protection in Electronic Commerce (the “E-Commerce Act”), which strengthens regulations on dark patterns, went into effect, along with related amendments to the Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rules of the E-Commerce Act (the “Enforcement Regulations”). In particular, the amended Enforcement Regulations (i) specify obligations …
Expected Changes to Corporate Governance Policies and Regulations Following Presidential Election
On June 4, 2025, Lee Jae-myung was inaugurated as the 21st President of the Republic of Korea. The new administration announced several pledges and policy statements during its presidential campaign, and on July 3, 2025, the National Assembly passed the proposed amendments to the Korean Commercial Code (the “KCC”), which provide for (i) a broadened …
Enforcing Medical-Use Patents in China – Legal Challenges and Practical Insights
Authored by: Gordon Gao and Xiaoyi (Sherry) Yao Introduction In recent years, China has become an increasingly important jurisdiction for pharmaceutical patent protection, including patents covering the medical use of known substances. However, enforcement of medical-use patents in China presents unique legal challenges stemming from statutory exclusions and limited judicial practices. This article provides an …
Continue reading “Enforcing Medical-Use Patents in China – Legal Challenges and Practical Insights”
India’s Online Money Gaming Ban: How Social Gaming gains traction, but doesn’t escape regulation
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 swiftly received approval from both houses of the Indian Parliament, following its introduction (on August 20, 2025) by the Indian IT Ministry. The Bill marks a significant departure from the prevailing legal framework governing online gaming in India (comprising legislation at both the national and state …
An evolving investment landscape: the incoming Foreign Direct Investments screening framework of the EU applied in Cyprus
Background It is an undeniable fact that Foreign Direct Investments (the ‘FDI’) are a key contributor to the Union’s growth as they enhance its competitiveness, create jobs and economies of scale, bring in capital, technologies, innovation, expertise, and open up new markets for the Union’s exports. While maintaining an open investment environment, the EU has …
Doing Business in Nigeria in 2025: Legal Essentials for Foreign Investors
Introduction Nigeria remains a compelling destination for foreign direct investment in 2025. With its population of over 200 million, abundant natural resources, and a growing technology and services sector, the country offers significant business opportunities across industries—from fintech and logistics to manufacturing, infrastructure, and real estate.
Joint Ventures in Nigeria: How Foreign Investors Can Structure Safe, Profitable Partnerships
Introduction Nigeria is one of Africa’s most attractive markets for foreign direct investment, but entering the market alone can be daunting. Many foreign investors especially those in industries like oil and gas, infrastructure, agriculture, logistics, and manufacturing—opt to partner with Nigerian companies through joint ventures (JVs).
Co-Ownership of Intellectual Property – What Can Go Wrong?
When two or more parties collaborate on a creative or innovative project, establishing clear ownership arrangements of the resulting intellectual property (IP) is crucial. Given that IP rights often represent the most valuable asset generated from such collaborations, how these rights are negotiated can significantly impact the project’s success and its future opportunities for licensing, …
Continue reading “Co-Ownership of Intellectual Property – What Can Go Wrong?”
Recent developments in the hydrocarbon sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2025
I. Adoption of a new hydrocarbon regulation The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a decisive step in modernising its hydrocarbon sector with the publication of decree 25/14 of 1st April 2025 concerning hydrocarbon regulations. This ambitious text represents far more than a simple regulatory update; it constitutes a genuine strategic roadmap for the development …