Nonetheless, recent legislation signifies that Common Prosperity and digital transformation shall continue to dominate forthcoming regulations in 2023 and beyond. For companies, it is crucial to keep abreast of new policies and changes, as provisions can significantly impact business operations and strategies.
Common prosperity (共同富裕 gòngtóng fùyù)

‘Common Prosperity’ is not a 20th-century political term. Its literal translation is to get rich (富裕 fùyù) altogether (共同 gòngtóng) and first appeared in 1953 in People’s Daily newspaper. The term is attributed to the holding of resources for the common and reflects the fundamental collective society in China. Most recently, it resurfaced in President Xi Jinping’s inauguration speech as Party Secretary in 2017, and more predominantly in the Prospect Vision of the year 2035 in the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (October 2020). The principle refers to prosperity for all people. Namely, socioeconomic development and wealth shall not be obtained by select individuals or groups, rather it is collectively acquired and benefited by the people.

In practice, Common Prosperity underlines socioeconomic reforms to alleviate poverty in the poorer regions and reduce socioeconomic polarisation between the urban and rural areas.

Common Prosperity in legislation

Legislation fostering sustainable economic growth and high-quality development are key to achieving Common Prosperity. For example, the revised Anti-Monopoly Law effective from 1 August 2022 elevates legal liabilities to prevent larger companies from monopolising the market and eliminating smaller competitors. Equally, the revisions prioritise anti-trust policies to ensure sustained market development and fairer market practices.

More recently, the revised Unfair Competition Law, draft for comment (‘Revision’), issued on 22 November, strengthens legal protection for small and medium companies (‘SMEs’) in China. Specifically, Article 13 of the Revision targets companies with comparatively dominant positions and lists forbidden practices that disrupt fair trade and fair competition. Violating companies can face fines of up to 1 million RMB.

Moving into 2023, curbing monopolies, especially in the big tech companies and optimising a fairer market for SMEs shall continue. Common Prosperity promotion within the material, ecological and cultural in a context of high-quality development, as outlined by President Xi Jinping in the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs (2021) will underline national and local policies.

Digital transformation of SME

SMEs are a driving force in China. Accounting for 50% of taxes, 60% of GDP and 70% of technology innovation, SMEs significantly contribute to economic growth. Industrial digital transformation for SMEs can be financially and practically challenging to implement. However, the digital transformation of SMEs is key to long-term development, reducing reliance on the external environment, and accelerating the overall digital economy.

The Circular of the General Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Issuing the Guide to the Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (‘Guide’), effective from 3 November 2022, calls local governments to advance digital development in SMEs. The Guide reflects Common Prosperity principles in fostering high-quality and sustained development for smaller companies. And provisions focus on lowering investment barriers for SMEs to upgrade software and integrate into a digital ecosystem.

Specific provisions promote the following:

• providing small, fast, lightweight, and precise products and solutions;
• researching, developing, and promoting low-code products and services;
• developing subscription-based software services;
• helping SMEs to create, deploy, use, and adjust digital applications themselves, and
• improving SMEs’ secondary development capability and demand response capability.

Overall, digitalisation plays a vital role in China’s socioeconomic development. In 2023, we predict that local supportive policies should be issued by local governments to expedite internet applications for SMEs, upgrade company infrastructure, and make business operations more efficient and cost-effective. In addition, forthcoming cyber and data security regulations and rules are anticipated across sectors. Cyber security will become increasingly prevalent, as digitalisation accelerates in the business world.

What it means for foreign investment in China

For foreign companies, understanding Common Prosperity and its practical implications are essential.

Aligning business strategies with Chinese politics and policies determines a company’s success and profits significantly.

The days of leveraging cheap labour in China or a western brand story are long gone. Sustainable investments that fulfills Common Prosperity are here to stay.

Moving to 2023, China’s outlook may seem unpredictable, however, it is clear that foreign investment in China has moved into a new era.

Author: Roberto Gilardino, Managing Partner APAC, Horizons Corporate Advisory

This content appears as a courtesy of Horizons Corporate Advisory, a proud member of the China Collaborative Group (CCG Association). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship between you and its author, publisher or any member of CCG. For more information, please visit www.horizons-advisory.com. 

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Werden im Rahmen einer Hausdurchsuchung Unterlagen und Datenträger sichergestellt, die aus der Sicht des Beschuldigten nicht durchsucht werden dürfen, so ist er berechtigt, diese versiegeln zu lassen. Als Siegelungsgründe gelten unter anderem persönliche Aufzeichnung des Beschuldigten sowie dessen Korrespondenzen mit seiner Verteidigung oder anderen Berufsgeheimnisträgern.

Ist ein Siegelungsbegehren rechtsgültig gestellt, so ist die Staatsanwaltschaft gehalten, innerhalb von 20 Tagen ein Entsiegelungsbegehren beim zuständigen Zwangsmassnahmengericht zu stellen.

Als anerkannt galt bis anhin, dass der Siegelungsantrag an keine Form gebunden ist. Insofern konnte dieser auch mündlich vor Ort oder gar telefonisch eingebracht werden. Ebenso herrschte Klarheit darüber, dass der Siegelungsantrag in unmittelbarem zeitlichen Zusammenhang mit der Sicherstellung der betreffenden Unterlagen bzw. Datenträger zu erfolgen hat.

Unklarheit herrschte demgegenüber über die Frage, inwiefern im Siegelungsantrag auf die einzelnen Siegelungsgründe einzugehen ist. In einem neu ergangenen Entscheid stellte das Bundesgericht hierzu fest, dass zur Glaubhaftmachung eines Siegelungsantrags mindestens ein Siegelungsgrund geltend gemacht werden muss. Die Siegelungsgründe müssen dabei zwar noch nicht im Detail begründet werden, aber es muss mindestens ein Siegelungsgrund sinngemäss vorgebracht werden (BGE 1B_273/2021, E. 3.3 f).

Es empfiehlt sich daher, bereits anlässlich einer Hausdurchsuchung die entsprechenden Siegelungsgründe möglichst exakt zu benennen. Andernfalls läuft man Gefahr, dass die entsprechenden Sicherstellungen unversiegelt der Staatsanwaltschaft zur Durchsuchung ausgehändigt werden.

Author: Darko Radovic

This content appears as a courtesy of HütteLAW, a proud member of the China Collaborative Group (CCG Association). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship between you and its author, publisher or any member of CCG. For more information, please visit www.huettelaw.ch.

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Anwendbar ist der DSA auf alle Vermittlungsdienste, die ihre Dienstleistungen in der EU anbieten. Davon ausgenommen sind Klein- und Kleinstunternehmen. Es gilt analog zur DSGVO, die extraterritoriale Wirkung, weshalb somit auch Schweizer Online-Vermittlungsdienste, die ihre Dienstleistungen in Europa anbieten, grundsätzlich ab Inkrafttreten der Verordnung unter den DSA fallen. Nachfolgend wird zwischen vier Kategorien von Online-Intermediären unterschieden, wobei gilt, je höher die Kategorie, desto umfassender die Pflichten gemäss DSA.

Kategorie 1: Alle Vermittlungsdienste / Online-Intermediäre

• Pflicht, gegen illegale Inhalte vorzugehen und/oder Pflicht zur Herausgabe von Informationen, falls verfügt (keine Überwachungspflicht der Vermittlungsdienste / Online-Intermediäre);
• Einrichtung einer zentralen Kontaktstelle (single–point-of–contact) in der EU;
• Ernennung eines Rechtsvertreters, falls keine Niederlassung in der EU;
• Transparenzpflichten in den allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen;
• Mindestens jährliche Berichterstattung an den Koordinator für digitale Dienste des EU-Mitgliedstaates über Moderation von Inhalten.

Kategorie 2: Nur Hosting-Provider (inkl. Online-Plattformen)

• Alle Pflichten aus Kategorie 1 und zusätzlich:
• Pflichten zu Melde- und Abhilfeverfahren;
• Mitteilung der Gründe für Entfernung von Inhalten oder Zugangssperren;
• Veröffentlichung von anonymisierten Entscheiden.

Kategorie 3: Nur Online-Plattformen

• Alle Pflichten aus Kategorie 1 + 2 und zusätzlich:
• Beschwerde- und Rechtsbehelfsmechanismus sowie aussergerichtliche Streitbeilegung;
• Priorisierung von Meldungen von sog. „vertrauenswürdigen Hinweisgebern“;
• Massnahmen gegen missbräuchliche Meldungen sowie Gegendarstellungen;
• Sicherheitsüberprüfung von Drittanbietern;
• Transparenz von Online-Werbung gegenüber Nutzerinnen;
• Meldung von Straftaten.

Kategorie 4: Nur sehr grosse Online-Plattformen (mehr als 45 Mio. User/Monat)

• Alle Pflichten aus Kategorie 1, 2 + 3 und zusätzlich:
• Risikomanagement-Pflichten und Ernennung eines Compliance-Beauftragten;
• Jährliche externe Risikoprüfungen und öffentliche Rechenschaftspflicht;
• Transparenz der Empfehlungssysteme und Wahlmöglichkeiten für Nutzerinnen beim Zugriff auf Information;
• Datenaustausch mit Behörden aus der Forschung.

Bei Verletzungen drohen den Unternehmen empfindliche Geldbussen von bis zu 6% der Jahreseinnahmen oder des Jahresumsatzes. Zudem können Geldstrafen für fortgesetzte Verstösse in Höhe von bis zu 5% des durchschnittlichen Tagesumsatzes verhängt werden.

Besteht nun Handlungsbedarf für Ihr Unternehmen?

Zwar wird die Verordnung voraussichtlich erst 2023 in Kraft treten, wir empfehlen Ihnen jedoch, frühzeitig die kommenden Entwicklungen zum DSA zu verfolgen und insbesondere schon vorab abzuklären, ob Ihr Unternehmen unter den DSA fallen wird.

Haben Sie weitere Fragen? Das HütteLAW-Team berät Sie gerne.

Author: Stephanie Kaiser

This content appears as a courtesy of HütteLAW, a proud member of the China Collaborative Group (CCG Association). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship between you and its author, publisher or any member of CCG. For more information, please visit www.huettelaw.ch.

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• Provisional Regulations on Enterprise Information Disclosure (“Provisional Regulations”), effective from 1 October 2014

• Interim measures for administration of List of Enterprise with Abnormal Operations (“Interim Measures”) effective from 1 October 2014

• Administrative Measures for Market Regulation of the Seriously Illegal and Dishonest Entities List (“Administrative Measures for Dishonest Entities List”), effective from 1 September 2021

• Administrative Measures for Market Regulation of Credit Restoration (“Administrative Measures for Credit Restoration”), effective from 1 September 2021

The Provisional Regulations requires enterprises to submit the annual report for the previous year between the 1st January to 30^th June, and publicly disclose such information. The information submitted and disclosed shall include the address and contact number of the company, operation status of the company (open, closed or liquidated), investment or shares purchasing related information, capital contribution, contribution date and form of contribution by the company’s shareholder, number of employees, total assets, total liabilities, operating income, main business income, total profits, total tax paid, and so forth.

Enterprises who do not submit the annual report on time shall be listed as Enterprise with Abnormal Operations, as stipulated in the Interim Measures.

Also, enterprises will be listed as Enterprise with Abnormal Operations in the following cases:

• Failing to disclose information upon alteration as according to Article 10 of the Provisional Regulations, and failing rectify the violation on time after being notified by the administrative management department

• Concealing the real situation or practicing fraud when disclosing enterprise information

• Failing to contact enterprise at the registered address (site of business operation)

If an enterprise is listed as an Enterprise with Abnormal Operations and rectifies such violations on time, may apply to be removed. Specifically, the Interim Measures, provision the specific rectifications:

• Enterprises who fail to submit the annual report on time may apply to be removed upon submitting and publishing the annual report.

• Enterprises who fail to disclose information after alteration on time shall publish the altered information. Then apply to regain its normal operation status record at the administration of industry and commerce.

• Enterprises who could not be contacted at its registered address, may regain its normal operation status record after conducting the regular procedures for alteration of registered address or business operation site, or claimed that the Enterprise can contacted at its registered address.

From the listed date, enterprises listed as Enterprises with Abnormal Operations and exceeding three years will be listed as “seriously illegal and dishonest enterprises”. As “seriously illegal and dishonest enterprises”, enterprises will face severe negative image and reputation.

Therefore, enterprises should take corrective actions promptly when listed as “enterprises with abnormal operations”, and apply to be removed at the competent administration of industry and commerce as according to the aforesaid procedures.

Dishonest Entities List

The Administrative Measures for Dishonest Entities List, defines the Dishonest List as companies that:

• seriously endanger people’s health and life safety,
• seriously destroy the fair market competition order and normal social order,
• refuse to perform legal obligations,
• seriously affect the credibility of administrative organs and companies with other serious illegal and dishonest behaviors.

Generally, enterprises in industries directly related to the people’s life, health and safety are affected including food, drugs, special equipment, and other related sectors.

Similar to the “Enterprise with abnormal operations list”, enterprises, listed as “illegal and dishonest enterprise” for more than one year, may request to be removed at the competent Market Supervision Administration. Specifically, the Administrative Measures for Credit Restoration stipulates the below preconditions:

• The enterprise has fulfilled the obligations provided in the administrative penalty
• The enterprise has proactively rectified the negative impacts and consequences
• The enterprise is no-longer subject to further serious administrative sanctions provisioned by the relevant administrative departments

Removal from the “abnormal operations list” or “illegal and dishonest enterprises list” will not delete the historical record of enterprises being listed. Rather such records are held on the company’s credit file and publicly disclosed.

Therefore, understanding and comply with the Chinese laws and regulations is essential to enterprises’ operations and entire life-circle. Any irregularities detected by the competent authorities will be an irreversible record for the company.

This content appears as a courtesy of Horizons Corporate Advisory, a proud member of the China Collaborative Group (CCG Association). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship between you and its author, publisher or any member of CCG. For more information, please visit www.horizons-advisory.com. 

The post Operating business in China? Here are two blacklists to avoid appeared first on China Collaborative Group.

Im Gesuch ist die finanzielle Situation der Gesellschaft darzulegen, wobei das Gesuch gemäss Art. 293 ff. SchKG zwingend folgende Beilagen zu enthalten hat:

• eine aktuelle Bilanz der Gesellschaft
• eine Erfolgsrechnung
• eine Liquiditätsplanung oder entsprechende Unterlagen, aus denen die derzeitige und künftige Vermögens-, Ertrags- oder Einkommenslage des Schuldners ersichtlich ist, sowie
• ein provisorischer Sanierungsplan

Die Gesuchstellerin kann das Gericht um provisorische Nachlassstundung für maximal vier Monate ersuchen. Auf Antrag kann die provisorische Nachlassstundung in begründeten Fällen um weitere vier Monate verlängert werden. Ein Gesuch wird bewilligt, sofern nicht offensichtlich keine Aussicht auf Sanierung oder Bestätigung eines Nachlassvertrages besteht. Das Nachlassgericht hat die provisorische Stundung unverzüglich nach Eingang des Gesuches zu behandeln und trifft von Amtes wegen weitere zur Erhaltung des schuldnerischen Vermögens notwendige Massnahmen (Art. 293a Abs. 1 SchKG).

Nach Art. 293b SchKG setzt das Nachlassgericht einen oder mehrere Sachwalter zur näheren Prüfung der Aussicht auf Sanierung oder Bestätigung des Nachlassvertrages ein. In begründeten Fällen kann jedoch von der Einsetzung eines Sachwalters abgesehen werden.

Haben Sie weitere Fragen? Das HütteLAW-Team berät Sie gerne.

Author: Larissa Kälin

This content appears as a courtesy of HütteLAW, a proud member of the China Collaborative Group (CCG Association). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship between you and its author, publisher or any member of CCG. For more information, please visit www.huettelaw.ch.

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Permanent Residency highlights 

Minimum investment amount

Investors must invest minimum 300,000 EURO in one of the following investment categories:

• Investment in a house/apartment: Purchase of a house or apartment from a development company,
• Investment in real estate (excluding houses/apartments): Purchase of other types of real estate such as offices, shops, hotels or related estate developments or a combination of these with a total value of €300,000.
• Investment in Cyprus Company’s share capital, with business activities and personnel in the Republic: €300,000 in the share capital of a company registered in the Republic of Cyprus, based, and operating in the Republic of Cyprus with proven physical presence in Cyprus and employment of least five (5) people.
• Investment in units of Cyprus Investment Organization of Collective Investments (forms of AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF): Investment worth €300,000 in units of Cyprus Investment Organization Collective Investments.

The applicant must prove a secure annual income of at least 30,000 EURO. A 5,000 EURO will be added for each dependent family member and 8,000 EURO for each dependent parent (of the applicant and/or his spouse).

Family Reunification

Both spouse and children under the age of 18 years old can be included in the investment program. Furthermore, residency can be extended to parents of both spouses. 

Employment

Applicants and their spouses cannot undertake any employment under this investment program. If the applicant has chosen the investment in a Cypriot company, the individual can be employed as the director of the company.

Investment Eligibility

Applicants need to meet the following requirements:

• Non-EU/EEA country citizen
• Min 18 years old
• No criminal record
• Obtain medical insurance
• Good character

Schedule

Approximately 2 months from the submitted date of the application

Author: Maria Georgiou

This content appears as a courtesy of Georgios K Georgiou LLC, a proud member of the China Collaborative Group (CCG Association). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship between you and its author, publisher or any member of CCG. For more information related to its content, please visit www.georgioullc.com

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E-CNY

In 2020 China launched the digital yuan pilot program within four cities. Today, the program has been extended to more than 20 cities and national areas including Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. E-CNY is a digital legal tender issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and equivalent to physical renminbi (RMB).

Storing and using E-CNY

E-CNY is stored on a digital wallet which is available on iOS and Android Chinaapp stores. Users located in the piloted areas can download the APP and pay for goods and services with E-CNY, similar to physical money.

Data Privacy

Personal information of E-CNY Users will be encrypted during small transactions such as eCommerce purchasers. In this manner, e-commerce platforms can obtain and mishandle personal information related to the users.

Anti -money laundering

Establishing a cashless society through E-CNY can reduce illegal activities such as anonymous counterfeiting, money laundering and terrorist financing. Through big data, Chinese authorities can directly analyze and track transactions to identify suspicious accounts.

Offline payment

E-CNY supports offline payment through near-field communication technology. Therefore, e-CNY unlike online payments such as Alipay and WeChat works in many underdeveloped and remote areas with limited wireless access.

Operators

The following commercial banks are able to provide e-CNY:

ICBC
Agricultural Bank of China
Bank of China
China Construction Bank
Bank of Communications
Postal Savings Bank of China
China Merchant’s Bank

E-CNY Expansion in China

Both Tecent and Alibaba have announced the integration of E-CNY on their platform, respectively WeChat pay and Alipay. As an additional payment option for pilot areas, WeChat pay and Alipay users can utilise the E-CNY as an alternative to pay for goods and expand E-CNY usage in the mainstream market.

According to People’s Bank of China, there were 261 million users in the extended trial period who had transacted for USD 13.8 billion at the end of 2021.

E-CNY offers a safer and accessible digital payment option and further a cashless society. Equally, digital currencies can reduce money laundering, corruption and terrorist financing and improve the efficiency of financial transactions.

This content appears as a courtesy of Horizons Corporate Advisory, a proud member of the China Collaborative Group (CCG Association). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship between you and its author, publisher or any member of CCG. For more information, please visit www.horizons-advisory.com. 

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Namely foreign niche brands or those with a high IPRs value should be equipped with the right safeguard tools before entering the China market. For example, prioritising the registration of your brand name and associated graphics and text as trademark (‘TM’).

However, many may find that through an anteriority search, a third party may have registered their trademark registration priorly. Under such circumstances, brands may be highly concerned about the following aspects:

• Who is the third party that registered my trademark? And what is the purpose?
• It that still feasible to register my trademark in China?
• If not, would it be possible to purchase my trademark from such third party?

In the below, we highlight the key issues in China trademark protection.

1. Determining a malicious intention

Firstly, trademark protection is “territorial” based and trademarks registered in their original country should be registered within the territory of China. Secondly, the China follows the principle of “first to file” rather than the ‘first to use’. Therefore, third parties can register trademarks identical or similar to foreign brands in China before company applies. Such applicant will be the legitimate owner of the trademark once it will be approved for registration.

Despite that the “first to file” principle for trademark registration, if solid evidence can prove that the trademark application was filed with malicious intention, then invalidation of such trademark registration can be applied according to Article 4, 19, 32 of the Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China (“Trademark Law”). Invalidation is determined by whether the registrant/applicant is a trademark squatter. Generally, the nature and number of trademarks registrations/applications that has been registered or filed under the name of the same registrant/applicant can be investigated. “Trademark squatter” refers to a legal person or natural person who accumulates in mala fede trademark registrations to be connected or profit from the brand-value by improper means.

For trademark registrations filed from a legal person or an organization, retrieving all the trademark registrations or ongoing trademark applications can be relatively easily conducted through the online Chinese Trademark Office search system. Whilst natural persons could be more challenging to retrieve due to likely duplication of names. In such case, we need to identify the registrant/applicant through other means.

We have encountered many cases in which the “partners” or “potential partners” in China have registered the foreign brands’ trademark. Foreign brands may have meet with potential partners at industry exhibitions prior to launching in China. Under such cases, if the foreign brand entered a certain relationship or collaboration with the third party who filed their trademark registration. The foreign brand may apply to invalidate the registered trademark before the Chinese Trademark Office for violation of Articles 4, 7, 19 and 32 of the Trademark Law.

2. Cancellation for non-use in three consecutive years

Besides claiming malicious intention of trademark squatting, the foreign brands may also apply to cancel the disputed trademark by non-use cancellation for three consecutive years. Trademarks are unlikely to be used by trademark squatters since they only accumulate them and may resell to the interested parties. If the disputed trademark has been registered for over three years without any usage, then there is higher probability to cancel the registration.

After the non-use cancellation application is submitted, the registrant of the trademark can provide relevant evidence (‘defense’) within the defense period. Under this circumstance, the applicant should analyze the authenticity and rationality of the defense and determine whether it should be deemed as “post-factum” evidence or symbolic evidence (generated intentionally solely or mainly to maintain the trademark effectiveness).

Equally, the non-use cancellation for three consecutive years regulates if the trademark holders’ uses the trademarks on designated products/services an actual, legal, compliant, open and effective manner. In other words, proper utilisation of trademarks is conducted by the holder and relevant customs can distinguish any products/services that derive from different sources. Therefore, symbolic use is generally not deemed as true, reasonable and regular use of the trademark by the Trademark Office or Intellectual Property Court.

3. Purchasing the registered trademark or “transfer with compensation”

Brands may face tougher challenges if the non-use cancellation for three years cannot be applied and no solid evidence can demonstrate a malicious trademark registration. Under such situation, brands may wish to purchase the disputed trademark. Although, purchasing the trademark from the registrant is not recommended for two main reasons noted below.

Firstly, trademark squatters mainly register and maliciously accumulate trademarks with the objective of reselling to the highest bidder. Many perfectly understand the importance of trademarks in brand promotion and sales in a specific market. As a result, trademark squatters will likely transfer the ownership of their registered trademarks to the highest bidder. If foreign brand contacts the trademark’s owner to purchase the ownership back, it would be a likely entrapment.

Secondly, foreign brands wishing to purchase back their trademark can be victims of “fruit from the poisonous tree”. Namely, if the trademark registration was applied in violation of the Trademark Laws, such as registered by fraud or other improper means, then the brand foreign will bear responsibility once the trademark is transferred. For example, after the trademark is assigned from its original registrant (the “Assignor”) to other entity or individual (the “Assignee”), a third party can raise an invalidation application against the said trademark for violation of the articles 4, 10, 11, 12 and 19 paragraph 4 of the Trademark Law. Though the Assignee may claim that the assignment of the trademark has been conducted in bona fede, and request approval for the trademark registration or remain effective is unlikely to be supported by the court.

Therefore, if the registered trademark has violated the Trademark Laws upon its application of registration after the transfer, the foreign brand will still face the invalidations risks.

In conclusion, we do not recommend purchasing the registered trademark from the trademark squatter. Such approach may not guarantee the validity of the trademark and could risk unnecessary economic losses for the brand.

4. In summary, we recommend the following:

• The trademark registration of the related marks (device or words) shall be applied as soon as possible – upon the establishment of the brand
• In the initial brand promotion and prior to the application of trademark registration, brands shall be very prudent when working with “potential partners”, and adequately evidence any discussion or information exchange concerning the brand cooperation including but not limited to name cards exchanged, group photos, correspondence etc.
• Seek qualified and experienced Chinese local IP lawyer to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights.

This content appears as a courtesy of Horizons Corporate Advisory, a proud member of the China Collaborative Group (CCG Association). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship between you and its author, publisher or any member of CCG. For more information, please visit www.horizons-advisory.com. 

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Während der Pandemie in den Jahren 2020 und 2021 waren plötzlich sehr viele Unternehmen in der Situation Lohnkosten nicht mehr alleine tragen zu können und somit auf die Einführung von Kurzarbeit im Betrieb angewiesen. Ein Grossteil der betroffenen Unternehmen hatte zuvor keinerlei Erfahrung mit Kurzarbeit und war weder mit den eigenen noch den behördlichen administrativen Verfahrensabläufen und –anforderungen vertraut. Die dringliche Gesamtsituation in der Pandemie führte schliesslich dazu, dass das Antragsverfahren um Kurzarbeitsentschädigung durch den Staat stark vereinfacht wurde und aufgrund der Flut an Anträgen, die behördliche Prüfung über die Berechtigung zur Kurzarbeitsentschädigung zumindest für die Dauer der Pandemie nur summarisch erfolgte. Betroffene Unternehmen und ihre Mitarbeiter waren dankbar für die schnelle Bearbeitung, die staatliche Unterstützung und den geringeren bürokratischen Aufwand. Vielen Unternehmen mag die Gewährung der Kurzarbeitsentschädigung aus der finanziellen Notlage geholfen und den Fortbestand des Betriebs sowie die bestehenden Arbeitsplätze gesichert haben. Sie haben darauf vertraut, dass ihnen die Kurzarbeitsentschädigung berechtigterweise gewährt und ausbezahlt wurde. Nun bringen es Krisen leider auch mit sich, dass natürliche und juristische Personen mit gewisser krimineller Energie versuchen, sich bewusst und in unberechtigter Weise Leistungen zu erschleichen. Die Behörden waren sich dieses Problems durchaus bewusst, hatten sich zum Schutz der Unternehmen, die rechtskonform und lauter handeln, jedoch für das vereinfachte Antrags- und Prüfverfahren entschieden. Es wurde jedoch von Anfang an darauf hingewiesen, dass sämtliche Anträge auf Kurzarbeitsentschädigung nach der Pandemie einer intensiven Überprüfung unterzogen werden und es bei unberechtigtem Bezug von Kurzarbeitsentschädigungen zu Rückforderungen und allenfalls Bussen kommen könne.

Seit einigen Monaten läuft eine umfassendere behördliche Überprüfung der pandemiebedingten Anträge auf Kurzarbeitsentschädigung. Nun sehen sich manche Unternehmen oftmals unerwartet einer Rückforderung der vormals gewährten Kurzarbeitsentschädigungen ausgesetzt, weil die behördlich intensivierte nachträgliche Überprüfung Unstimmigkeiten bei der Antragsstellung oder sonstige Gründe feststellte, die gegen einen berechtigten Bezug der Kurzarbeitsentschädigung sprechen. Gegen den Rückforderungsentscheid können sich die betroffenen Unternehmen mittels Einsprache zur Wehr setzen. Diese bleibt jedoch häufig erfolglos, insbesondere wenn tatsächlich ein unberechtigter Bezug nachgewiesen wird. Die staatlichen Rückforderungsansprüche können sehr hoch sein und wirtschaftliche Engpässe und Unternehmenskrisen verursachen. Die erhaltenen Kurzarbeitsentschädigungen sind längst an die Mitarbeiter ausbezahlt worden und das Unternehmen verfügt zwischenzeitlich nicht über die nötigen liquiden Mittel für eine Rückzahlung. Die Rückforderung darf keinesfalls auf die Mitarbeiter abgewälzt werden, d.h. ausbezahlte Kurzarbeitsentschädigungen dürfen seitens des Arbeitgebers nicht zurückgefordert werden.

Welche Möglichkeiten haben Sie in einem solchen Fall?

Das Gesetz sieht unter gewissen Voraussetzungen vor, dass staatliche Ansprüche auf Rückzahlung der Kurzarbeitsentschädigung im Einzelfall erlassen werden können (Art 25 Abs. 1 ATSG, Art. 4 + 5 ATSV). Hierfür muss ein Erlassgesuch bei der zuständigen Behörde gestellt werden, sobald die Rückforderungsverfügung in Rechtskraft erwachsen ist. Im Gesuch ist darzulegen, dass das Unternehmen beim Leistungsbezug sowohl gutgläubig war als auch die Rückforderung aus finanzieller Sicht eine grosse Härte darstellt. Blosse Unkenntnis darüber, dass man die Leistungen unberechtigt bezog, begründet den geforderten Gutglaubensschutz nicht. Aussicht auf Erfolg besteht, sofern dem Antragsteller nur leichte Fahrlässigkeit vorgeworfen werden kann. Das kumulative Kriterium der grossen Härte wird in der Regel dann bejaht, wenn die zurückgeforderten Beträge in Summe mehr als 20 % des durchschnittlichen Reingewinns von 3 Jahren betragen.

Haben Sie weitere Fragen? Das HütteLAW-Team berät Sie gerne.

Author: Cornelia Arnold

This content appears as a courtesy of HütteLAW, a proud member of the China Collaborative Group (CCG Association). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship between you and its author, publisher or any member of CCG. For more information, please visit www.huettelaw.ch.

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