Can intellectual property rights be effectively protected at all in the PR of China? Reports about "copying" the Transrapid maglev train recently triggered a vehement debate in Germany.

The PRC Anti-monopoly Law ("AML") has been in effect for over a year, during which time anti-monopoly authorities have worked to establish a comprehensive system for combating monopolistic practices by issuing various implementing regulations.

On 1 March 2010, a new structure for foreign investment--the foreign-invested partnership ("FIP")--was officially launched in China, and local media reported the registration of China’s first FIP in Kunshan, Jiangsu.

On 1 September 2008, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce ("SAIC") and the administrative authorities for industry and commerce issued the Measures on Registration of Equity Pledges, effective as of 1 October 2008.

On 24 April 2009, the PRC Supreme Court issued the Second Judicial Explanation on the PRC Contract Law (“Second Judicial Explanation”).

Owing to different employee protection laws which came into effect in 2008, HR managers in the People's Republic of China face new challenges. These new laws are to have a lasting impact on personnel work.

Coal Bed Methane ("CBM"), also known as coal mine gas, naturally exists as a gas absorbed in coal deposits. CBM has great potential in China as a clean source of energy.

How can a European enterprise protect itself against product piracy in China?

Tax authorities in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) are strengthening their oversight of non-resident enterprises.

The Provisional Minimum Wage Commission is planning to propose a minimum wage rate to the Hong Kong Government. This may take place as early as July 2010, before the Legislative Council, which has the authority to accept or reject the proposal, takes its summer recess.

The government of Beijing has published the “Several Provisions on Encouraging Multinational Companies to Establish Regional Headquarters in Beijing” on 21 May 2009 which update the previous version from 1999.

The Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Contract Violations ("Measures") promulgated by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce ("SAIC") were implemented on 13 November 2010.

In an effort to ease foreign exchange controls and expedite payments for services in foreign exchange, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and the State Administration of Taxation of the People's Republic of China jointly promulgated.

In November 2008, Deutsche Börse AG and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) concluded a cooperation agreement in which both partners agreed to simplify access to their stock exchanges for companies in their respective markets.

On 5 May 2008, the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China ("PRC") issued the Guiding Opinion on the Dissolution and Liquidation of Foreign Invested Enterprises ("Dissolution Opinion").

On 18 September 2008, the State Council promulgated the Implementation Regulations of the Labour Contract Law. The Labour Contract Law was implemented on 1 January 2008.

On 8 April 2009 by Directive No. 322 the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers adopted a new procedure concerning the granting, extension and withdrawal of a work permit for foreign nationals.

Product quality, after-sales service and product liability concerns have been receiving increased attention in the PRC. High profile cases, such as the recent milk scandal involving Sanlu, have highlighted product liability concerns and put pressure on national and local authorities to enact legislation and streamline administrative proceedings. PRC consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their legal rights and are willing to enforce them, if necessary, through court proceedings. Generally