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China Releases Intellectual Property Plan for Strategic Emerging Industries
China’s State Intellectual Property Office officially released the “2013 Intellectual Property Work Plan for Strategic Emerging Industries (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Plan’)” on February 18, which has been jointly prepared by 10 departments, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.
China Revises Computer Software Copyright Protection Regulations
China’s State Council released the “Decision on Revising the Regulation on Computer Software Protection (Order of the State Council No. 632)” on January 30, 2013, which increases the maximum fine imposed on certain copyright infringement actions from RMB50,000 to RMB200,000. Detailed information relating to the “Revised Computer Software Protection Regulation (hereinafter referred to as ‘Regulation’)” can be found below.
China Releases 12th Five-Year Plan for Energy Development
As part of China’s efforts to curb energy consumption and foster greener growth, the State Council released the “12th Five-Year Plan for Energy Development (guofa [2013] No. 2, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Plan’)” on January 1, 2013. The Plan summarizes China’s major achievements in energy development during the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006 to 2010) and sets out key development objectives for the industry during the 12th Five-Year Plan. Detailed information can be found below.
China Releases Interpretations on the Application of Law in Labor Disputes
The Supreme People’s Court of China released its “Interpretation on Several Issues Regarding the Application of Law in the Trial of Cases Involving Labor Disputes (IV) (fashi [2013] No. 4, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Interpretation’)” on January 18, 2013, clarifying several issues concerning the application of laws when labor disputes are brought to trial. Detailed information can be found below.
China’s First National Standard on Personal Information Protection to Take Effect
China’s first national standard on personal information protection, namely the “Guideline on Information Security Technologies for the Protection of Personal Information in Public and Commercial Service Information Systems (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Guideline’),” came into effect on February 1, 2013. The Guideline, which was officially released last November, is the first of its kind in China.
China Releases Announcement on VAT Determination for Direct Selling Enterprises
To clarify issues regarding the determination of value-added tax (VAT) in direct selling, China’s State Administration of Taxation released the “Announcement on Issues Concerning the Determination of Value-Added Tax for Direct Selling Enterprises (Announcement [2013] No. 5, hereinafter referred to as ‘Announcement’)” on January 17, 2013. Detailed information can be found below.
Qianhai Introduces Incentives to Attract High-End Foreign Talent
The Shenzhen Qianhai Administration Bureau released the “Interim Measures on Individual Income Tax Subsidies for Overseas High-End Talent” on December 24, 2012, which provides that high caliber foreign professionals working in major industries in Qianhai will receive subsidies from the Shenzhen government.
Hong Kong’s New Companies Ordinance Expected to Take Effect in 2014
Jan. 29 – With the aim to modernize Hong Kong’s Company Law and further enhance the region’s status as a major international business and financial center, a comprehensive rewrite to the existing Companies Ordinance was initiated in mid-2006. This long and arduous process began to bear fruit on July 12, 2012 as the Companies Bill was eventually passed by the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
Shenzhen Adjusts Social Insurance Policy
Jan. 23 – Shenzhen’s Social Insurance Bureau recently released a circular concerning social insurance payments in the city, which came into effect from January 1, 2013. The circular provides new policies regarding the payment of pension insurance and unemployment insurance in Shenzhen, and cancels over-age pension insurance contributions for individuals with Shenzhen hukou.
Foreign Visitors Can Enjoy 72 Hour Visa-Free Stay in Beijing and Shanghai
Jan. 16 – From January 1, 2013, foreign visitors in China from 45 countries can enjoy a 72 hour visa-free stay in Beijing and Shanghai.
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