China’s star may be on the rise as a global growth market, but for Taiwanese investors, the market has been fraught with legal challenges. A newly signed investor protection agreement between Beijing and Taipei on Aug. 9, however, is forging closer economic ties between the two nations, and has introduced a blueprint for resolving cross strait disputes. The deal is bolstering investor confidence, but some questions remain. Kanishk Verghese reports

The luxury brand market in general has continued to defy the global economic downturn, posting sustained growth especially in the East, with China continuing to grow at a much faster rate than the traditionally established markets of Japan, Italy, Europe and the U.S.

China's sustained efforts to develop its biotech industry are finally paying off as it is attracting a steady flow of foreign investment. Despite persisting regulatory challenges and lengthy approval processes, western multinationals and corporate funds are coming forward to invest.

ALB has invited six in-house counsels from major domestic and multinational energy companies to share their experiences, offer their insights of industry trends, discuss their risks and challenges, and speak of their requirements when hiring external lawyers.

Canada is on a mission to increase economic ties with China, now its second-largest single nation trading partner. It boasts open foreign investment policies, qualit y assets, and a proactive government that is working hard to reach out across the Pacific.

When administrative measures related to the strengthening of China’s compulsory licence framework came into effect from May 1, popular media misconstrued the regulation tweak. Various articles declared that compulsory licences could now be issued in China, and that Big Pharma companies were in trouble.

All eyes are on Hong Kong as the world’s last developed economy finally implements a competition law. In the making for over a decade, the bill has seen its fair share of controversy, attracting criticism from both SMEs and big businesses for being alternately toothless or overly harsh.

China’s commercial litigation business is booming as companies are feeling confident of getting fairer judgements and happy with its faster judicial process. The recent economic slowdown and the growing importance of the Chinese consumer market have provided the immediate spur to the trend. However, serious pitfalls in the Chinese judicial system still advise caution.

When Australian market leader Mallesons Stephen Jaques and Chinese powerhouse King & Wood officially merged on March 1, the new combined firm became a game changer. With 21 offices and 390 partners worldwide, King & Wood Mallesons is the first and only firm with its international network head quartered in Asia, a true “combination of equals” offering Australian, UK, Hong Kong and PRC law advice.

The world waited in excitement on May 18 for Facebook to launch its highly publicised initial public offering (IPO). But eager anticipation turned into alarm as the social media giant’s share price plunged from $38 to $27 over the next 10 trading sessions, wiping out roughly $30 billion of its market capitalisation.