Newsletter – November 2017

Draft E-commerce Law Highlights IP Protection

The draft law on e-commerce, submitted at a six-day bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, categorizes e-commerce operators into three groups: those conducting business on their own websites, e-commerce platform operators, and stores on e-commerce platforms.

The draft was first read by the top legislature in December 2016. The latest version, submitted for the second reading, further clarifies the liabilities of e-commerce operators and punishments for infringing intellectual property and consumer rights.

According to the draft, e-commerce platform operators should be registered with the industry and commerce administrations, except for those that sell homegrown farm produce or handmade products, and others who by law do not need to be registered.