The Court of Appeal clarifies the nature and standard of proof of Market Misconduct Tribunal proceedings in Hong Kong
Business,Hong Kong,Regional Law

Reading Time: 4 minutesIn Securities and Futures Commission v Cheng Chak Ngok and Another (CACV 95/2017, 10 September 2018), the Securities and Futures Commission (the “SFC”) appealed against the decision of the Market Misconduct Tribunal (the “MMT”) that Mr Cheng Chak Ngok (“Mr Cheng”) had not engaged in insider dealing in the shares of China Gas Holdings Limited (“China Gas”). […]

The Court of Final Appeal’s ruling on the right to dependent visas for same-sex couples in Hong Kong
Business,LGBTQ,Personal

Reading Time: 4 minutesIntroduction In our October 2017 newsletter, we discussed the judgment of the Court of Appeal (the “CA”) in QT v Director of Immigration CACV 117/2016, where the decision of the Court of First Instance (the “CFI”) was reversed and the CA held that the Director of Immigration’s refusal to grant dependant visa to an expatriate in a same-sex […]

The Competition Commission commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal against individuals for the first time in Hong Kong
Hong Kong,Legal Updates,Regional Law

Reading Time: 3 minutesIntroduction On 6 September 2018, the Competition Commission (the “Commission”) commenced proceedings in the Competition Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) against three companies and two individuals – Mr Chan and Mr Lam in relation to the provision of renovation services at a subsidised housing estate in San Po Kong. Notably, this is the first time that the […]

Hong Kong Legal Update: Sex discrimination in workplace cannot be inferred
Hong Kong,Regional Law

Reading Time: 4 minutesIt is unlawful for any employer to dismiss any of its employees on the basis of his or her gender. However, it is often difficult, if not impossible, for an employee to produce direct evidence of such discrimination against his or her employer. In addition, the Court is often reluctant to draw an inference of […]

Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal clarifies what civil disobedience is and other aspects on unlawful assembly
Hong Kong,Legal Updates,Personal,Regional Law

Reading Time: 6 minutesIn a decision handed down recently, the Court of Final Appeal quashed the jail terms of Joshua Wong Chi Fung and his two allies imposed by the Court of Appeal but made it clear that the stricter sentencing guidelines laid down by the Court of Appeal will apply to future offenders involved in large scale […]

Protect Your Brand – FAQ on Trademark Registration in Hong Kong
Business,Business Advice,Hong Kong,Intellectual Property,Regional Law

Reading Time: 4 minutes#1 .  What counts as a trademark? A trademark usually takes the form of a logo that would serve as distinctive corporate identity. It may consist of text and numbers, as well as more intangible elements such as colour, sound, smell and shape. The full definition according to the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) of Hong […]

Lawyers in Hong Kong: Kristi Swartz from Bryan Cave LLP
Features,Hong Kong,Lawyer Features,Regional Law

Reading Time: 6 minutesIn this Lawyers in Hong Kong feature, we interview Kristi Swartz, Managing Partner of Bryan Cave LLP Hong Kong. Kristi concentrates her practice in corporate finance and securities. She has experience with SFC and HKEx Listing and compliance issues. She has acted for, and successfully defended, both companies and Directors (to include INEDS) on enquiries and investigations […]

Lawyers in Hong Kong: Dominic Wai from ONC Lawyers
Features,Hong Kong,Lawyer Features,Regional Law

Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this Lawyers in Hong Kong feature, we interview Dominic Wai, Partner of ONC Lawyers.  Dominic’s practice focuses on advising clients on matters relating to anti-corruption, white-collar crime, law enforcement, regulatory and compliance matters in Hong Kong, including advice on anti-money laundering. He also handles cases involving corporate litigation, shareholders’ disputes and insolvency matters, defamation cases, […]

Lawyers in Hong Kong: Janice Chew from JC Legal
Features,Hong Kong,Lawyer Features,Regional Law

Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this Lawyers in Hong Kong feature, we interview Janice Chew, Principal and Solicitor of JC Legal.  Janice was qualified as an advocate and solicitor in Malaysia in 2008 and as a solicitor in Hong Kong in 2014. She specializes in commercial litigation and transactions, intellectual property, shareholder disputes, insolvency, employment and compliance in Asia. She now […]

Amendments to Securities and Futures (Professional Investor) Rules Expected to Take Effect on 13 July 2018
Business,Business Advice,Hong Kong,Legal Updates,Regional Law

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Securities and Futures (Professional Investor) Rules (PI Rules) will be amended to incorporate modifications previously granted by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) under section 134 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO). The amended PI Rules are expected to come into effect on 13 July 2018, subject to the legislative process. The amended […]