Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/23/2009 -- Edward Lehman, Managing Director of leading red circle law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu has been named as one of Who's Who leading Business Lawyers.

Lehman, who founded his form seventeen years ago has been consistently ranked among the top corporate and IP lawyers in the country for the last decade. "Its an honor to be recognized in this category. As China continues to open up the legal market here gets more competitive. Its important to keep focus and remember that the client must always remain the central focus" relays Lehman, a Chicago native who first came to China in 1987.

Who's Who Legal publishes a list annually of lawyers who are considered pre eminent experts in their field. The guide takes twelve months of intensive research with the winners being chosen through a careful vetting and peer review process. "In China the names are traditionally from foreign firms with representative offices in the PRC" states Lehman. "I've always been especially proud to be nominated as it shows that local firms are now matching the foreign firms in terms of expertise." Lehman has no doubt that one day the names will be made up almost exclusively of practitioners from local Chinese firms. "Within the next decade there will be a sea change as local practitioners become more sophisticated".

The guide, seen as a crucial tool for selecting and vetting practitioners in an increasingly crowded marketplace, is endorsed both by the International Bar Association and the International Section of the American Bar Association.

For more information on Lehman, Lee & Xu visit http://www.lehmanlaw.com

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Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/22/2009 -- Guangdong province has announced that special trial courts will be established in Guangzhou to deal with an increasing number of labor contract disputes. Such special courts have already been set up in Shenzhen and Foshan, two other Pearl River delta cities that have also witnessed soaring labor disputes.

Labor disputes have experienced a sharp increase following the implementation of the new Labor Contract Law in 2008 as well as from the many company closures resulting from the ongoing global financial crisis. The Guangzhou courts have handled more than 2,800 labor dispute cases in the first half of 2009, accounting for more than half of all civil cases. Most of the reported cases involve disputes over back pay and appeals for compensation from laid off workers.

Scott Garner of Lehman, Lee & Xu commented that "the new courts are absolutely necessary to alleviate the severe backlog of employment cases. Under the current system in China, labor arbitration is a free service provided to all workers and workers are encouraged to use this system when there is a dispute with a former employer. This combined with the many factory closures, slashing of pay rates, cutting of benefits, illegal terminations, and other labor problems resulting from the economic downturn, have created a situation in which workers cases may not be heard for months and in some cases years. Since 2008, our firm has handled many more employment cases than in previous years and our Shanghai and Beijing offices have also experienced delays in having our clients cases heard. However, as the economy improves, the number of labor disputes should go down as factories and companies re-open and people are re-employed"

Lehman, Lee & Xu is a prominent Chinese corporate law firm and trademark and patent agency with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mongolia. The firm is recognized as a leading expert in corporate law and an active member of the Shanghai community.

To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.lehmanlaw.com

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Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/21/2009 -- Lehman, Lee & Xu represented Katcon Global in the acquisition of the exhaust system assets of Delphi China.

Katcon Global closed its purchase of Delphi's catalytic converter and exhaust system business on July 31st, acquiring plants in China, India, Poland, Australia and South Africa, as well as research centers and IP assets in Luxembourg and the US. The deal required approval from Mexico's antitrust agency, the CDC, and regulators in other jurisdictions.

Katcon Global is Mexico's largest supplier of catalytic converters, exhaust models, formed pipes, mufflers and complete systems and previously owned facilities in Mexico and Venezuela. With the completion of the asset purchase, Katcon now has offices and manufacturing facilities located in Mexico, China, India, Venezuela, Australia, Poland and South Africa. Katcon Global's design, R&D, and engineering offices are located in Michigan and Luxembourg.

Delphi is a leading global supplier of mobile electronics and transportation systems, including powertrain, safety, steering, thermal, and controls & security systems, electrical/electronic architecture, and in-car entertainment technologies. Headquartered in Troy, Mich., Delphi has approximately 124,000 employees and operates 136 wholly owned manufacturing sites in 34 countries with sales of $18.1 billion in 2008. On July 30th, a New York bankruptcy judge approved Delphi's plan to hand over control of the company to a group of creditors in exchange for the waiver of US$3.4 billion in debt, with some of its US assets going to GM. If the deal receives regulatory clearance, it could close by the end of August, allowing Delphi to emerge from the bankruptcy protection it first sought in October 2005.

Counsel to Katcon Global

Australia
Piper Alderman

China
Lehman, Lee & Xu LLP

India
Seth Dua and Associates

Luxembourg
Leclere & Walry

Mexico
Astudillo, Rodriguez y Gonzalez Sandoval

Poland
Wiercinski Kwiecinski Baehr

US
Butzel Long

Counsel to Delphi

In-house counsel
David Sherbin, Sean Corcoran, Margaret Fukuda and Karen Craft,

US
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Lehman, Lee & Xu's M&A team was lead by Ms Zhang Fan with assistance from Ms. Amy Yang, and Mr. Justin Zhu. The Firm's Tax team was lead by Mr. Scott Garner with assistance from Mr. Bexcel Chen and Ms. Phoebe Zhu.

Lehman, Lee & Xu is a prominent Chinese corporate law firm and trademark and patent agency with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mongolia. The firm is recognized as a leading expert in corporate law and an active member of the Shanghai community.

To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.lehmanlaw.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/20/2009 -- On Tuesday, Shanghai announced that it will establish a city-level organization by the end of 2009 to support the local software and information technology service industry. As part of the plan, Shanghai will establish 10 IT service and software industry zones by 2012. This would double the current number. It is also expected that around 400,000 people will work for the local IT industry, accounting for 6 % of the city's gross domestic product. In addition, Shanghai will establish a fund to support IT innovation and lend assistance to IT enterprises in obtaining bank loans.

According to the Shanghai Economic and Information Technology Development Commission, Shanghai's software and IT service industry is expected to generate RMB 360 billion (US$52.9 billion) in revenue by 2012. This would be a massive 74 % increase over the expected revenue of RMB 210 billion in 2009.

To lend further support to China's IT and software industry, the People's Bank of China has announced that the central government will implement national policies to support large-scale IT services firms which plan to launch initial public offerings or company bonds in the domestic market.

Edward Lehman of the "red circle" firm Lehman, Lee & Xu commented that "the government has really begun to push China's IT industry in an effort to move China up the economic food chain. While China will certainly rely on low wages as its competitive advantage for years to come, low skill manufacturing for export is not the direction the government wants the country to continue in. For example, Guangdong province enacted policies a year ago aimed at encouraging high-tech and IT companies to set up in the province while at the same time discouraging low-tech or polluting manufacturing enterprises. China has also begun to develop its own domestically produced airliners and jet engines for aviation. Every indicator shows that the Chinese government is moving the economy in the direction of being reliant on an educated, high-skilled labor force which produces higher value goods and services. Our firm represents a number of software development companies and these are incredibly exciting times for this industry."

Lehman, Lee & Xu is a prominent Chinese corporate law firm and trademark and patent agency with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau, and Mongolia. The firm is recognized as a leading expert in corporate law and an active member of the Shanghai community.

To learn more about us, please visit our website at http://www.lehmanlaw.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/19/2009 -- While leading red circle law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu has been assisting multinational corporations and high net worth individuals for almost two decades with issues related to Chinese law, the firm also has significant experience in the field of educational consultancy. "Education is often unfairly discounted as an investment sector in China" states Edward Lehman, Managing Director of the firm.

Education in China has become a multibillion dollar business in the country with some of the biggest names in education worldwide establishing programs throughout the country. "From Princeton and Harvard to Oxford and Cambridge virtually every leading institution in the world is showing an interest in China," relays Lehman.

Negotiating China's complex set of laws, policies and regulations can be troublesome though. "There's no published guide to the Chinese education business" states Lehman. "Instead, it's a case of learn by experience. We've been helping some of the world's biggest establish in China for years, either solely or in conjunction with Chinese universities".

Education though has traditionally been a restricted area of foreign investment in China and the field is still not fully open to foreign investment. "This is what leads to partnership program such as the Renmin University/University of Minnesota summer law program or the London School of Economics/Fudan university global media program" says Lehman.

The process for getting approval for such programs is onerous and approvals from numerous authorities must be sought. "I've been involved in this field for almost two decades" relays Lehman, who also sits on the board of Shanghai Jiao Tong School of Law. "I've seen programs succeed and programs fail. In my experience it's important to have focus and realistic goals".

Lehman, who in some cases commands in excess of $2,000 per hour for educational consultancy in China is keen to stress that while he counts a number of international institutions as clients, the firm also assists education projects on a pro bono basis. "We've helped set up a number of schools in Western China. These are schools where donors in developed countries came to us with ideas for how to help out some of China's poorest regions. We played a role in making their dreams a reality and there is no doubt that that is the most satisfying work of all".

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/18/2009 -- China's middle-class is expanding at a fast pace, and with it grows the basin of consumers who can effectively be reached by advertising campaigns. A recent article authored by Marisa Planess Valerio, a foreign attorney affiliated within Lehman, Lee & Xu, titled Advertising to Chinese Children, and published in Young Consumers (vol. 10, no. 2, 2009, p. 170-74), analyses the current Chinese advertising environment with a focus on the market for advertising to children – roughly 274 million "under-14" in 2007 – and internet advertising.

These "Little Emperors" with "One Mouth, Six Pockets" – as they are defined in the article – "receive virtually anything they want". Their middle-class parents believe that "investing their income in the future of their children is the most intelligent and noble mission" and as such "they never deprive them of all the toys, sweets and brand clothes they like".

An understanding of the regulations governing the field – essentially, the 1987 Administration of Advertising Regulations and its Implementing Rules, recently amended in 2005, and the 2002 Administration for Internet Publishing Tentative Provisions – which have to be interpreted in connection with laws on the protection of minors and children, are essential for businesses to effectively take advantage of advertising as a mean to boost sales.

Lehman, Lee & Xu, China member of the Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance (GALA) – an international association of advertising lawyers – maintains a dedicated practice group in media and advertising law and has advised many major corporations from the Western world with compliance issues regarding entry into the China market and promoting products in China.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/17/2009 -- As China's tax system grows more complicated the scope to reduce or avoid tax has become considerably smaller. Yet, there are still some opportunities for companies to reduce their overall tax burden. One of these opportunities is the concessions for high technology enterprises. Enterprises that obtain high technology status are entitled to a pref?erential corporate income tax rate of 15%, which is substantially lower than China's ordinary 25% corporate tax rate. This can obviously lead to significant tax savings for such enterprises. So-called 'high technology enterprises' are essentially companies which own independent, core IP rights, and which derive a specified portion of their income from new high technology products. Other requirements include employing of specified numbers of qualified engineers. Tax incentives have helped high technology status to be very popular with businesses in China, and to date approximately sixteen thousand enterprises have been granted certification.

Lehman, Lee & Xu, a leading red circle law firm, has been at the forefront of assisting clients obtain high technology status. Edward Lehman, Managing Director of firm, comments that "[o]btaining status as a high technology enterprise is one of the most significant ways that a company can secure tax savings in China. Interestingly, we have noticed that many clients, particularly foreign investors are not aware of this generous concession."

However, obtaining high-technology status is not simple and such applications are considered very carefully by officials from the State Administration of Taxation (SAT). It is, in fact, quite a lengthy and difficult process and one which requires accomplished tax counsel from professionals with good a relationship with the SAT. "You have to satisfy the officials that you are truly a high technology enterprise. The requirements are actually quite technical" comments Lehman. "Fortunately our people are very experienced in this area and we have managed to have some good successes in this area for our clients. That is always very satisfying as it is one of the reasons you enter into law."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/17/2009 -- When asked, most people would identify leading red circle law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu with the fields of Intellectual Property, Mergers and Acquisitions or Private Equity. The firm however also has a thriving diplomatic and government relations practice group. "Most people think that missions have diplomatic immunity and have no interaction with local law. This is simply not the case", relays Andrew Lillis, part of the firm's diplomatic practice group.

The firm, one of the longest established in China, prides itself in providing advice to a number of diplomatic missions in China. "Many embassies have issues with labor law", relays Lillis. "The natural course for most embassies is to hire local Chinese staff for administrative positions to keep costs down and assist with communication". Under a long standing policy however embassies could not hire staff directly, rather they needed to use a human resources organization called the Diplomatic Service Bureau (DSB). "Many embassies run into problems regarding the specific nature of the relationship between DSB, the diplomatic mission, organization and employee".

Another issue where missions need help is real estate. "It's a little known fact but virtually all embassies and diplomatic compounds are leased. There are only a handful, such as the Polish embassy which are owned outright by their occupants." Notes Edward Lehman, the firm's Managing Director. "The practical effect of this is that that most missions need to deal with real estate issues. The laws, regulations and policies are often confusing, making the assistance of a law firm with significant knowledge in the area invaluable."

The role of local lawyers however is not limited to real estate and labor issues. "Occasionally are help is sought regarding broader economic relations. One case recently dealt with a global mining deal and the relations between governments. We're always help out, no matter how small or large the matter is", relays Lehman.

It would be difficult for a law firm to provide representation to diplomatic missions without also offering advice on matters related to Chinese criminal law. "We were quite busy during the Olympic Games", relays Lillis. "Prior to the games we provided seminars on Chinese criminal law to delegations of athletes and embassy personnel and were then on call during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in case any issues arose".

Inevitably a number of foreigners found themselves in trouble with the law and while many were briefly detained for minor matters, others found that their stay in China ended up being longer than expected. "We had a number of clients who were sentenced to lengthy jail terms for crimes committed during the Games" notes Lillis. "In several of these instances those incarcerated would have faced a fine in their home country rather than a lengthy jail term. Situations such as this illustrate how important it is to be aware of local laws and regulations when in a foreign country."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/13/2009 -- Wang Donghi, IP attorney at leading red circle law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu, has been invited to attend the famous "IP Salon" in 2009. The event, which is organized by the Intellectual Property channel of people.com, IPR. gov.cn and the China IPR magazine will bring together professionals from the field to discuss important legal developments in the field.

The firm, Lehman, Lee & Xu, is one of the first five Chinese private law firms found at 1992. After two decades of development, Lehman, Lee & Xu now has more than two hundreds patent attorneys, trademark attorneys and PRC licensed attorneys working in several branch offices located in all most developed cities of China to provide high quality legal service to our clients.

Lehman, Lee & Xu has been consistently ranked as one of the top three IP law firms in China. Since its establishment, the firm has successfully assisted many foreign clients to register their IP rights in China, in addition to assisting them to enforce their IP rights in the jurisdiction. Moreover as a top three commercial law firm, Lehman, Lee & Xu has successfully provided commercial related legal service to hundreds of clients; many of them are MNCs and fortune 100 companies, which related to FDI, M&A, Tax, Employment and other matters.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/12/2009 -- Representing the requirements of both multinational companies, and domestic Chinese companies Lehman, Lee & Xu's highly praised Intellectual Property department, has extensive knowledge and expertise in areas concerning patents, trademarks, and copyright. Our specialist awareness in the field has resulted in Lehman, Lee & Xu being acknowledged and recognized by accolades of awards.

Since the establishment of the Lehman, Lee & Xu law firm in 1992, the Intellectual Property department has developed and strengthened year on year to the elevated level where it is at currently. Our wide ranging services include enforcement, monitoring, litigation, prosecution, licensing, software registration, and counseling services for patent, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets. Our services and practices have led to the presentation of many awards, including recognition of the Intellectual Property department and key individuals within the company by the World IP Survey, and the Asia Law & Practice award. Earlier this year, Asia IP magazine ranked Lehman, Lee & Xu's Intellectual Property practice as falling under a tier 1 category law firm.

Eion Murdock, Foreign Legal Consultant within the Intellectual Property department at Lehman, Lee & Xu states that "even in the current economic climate both domestic Chinese companies, and large multinational companies are approaching Lehman, Lee & Xu to represent their needs as they are aware of our high reputation, the quality of service offered, and most importantly the fact that we are renowned as being at the forefront of intellectual property issues in China."

Lehman, Lee & Xu's client base includes the successful representation of client's needs, these include leading designer fashion magazines, global oil companies, and electrical manufacturers. Representation is not merely limited to large multinational companies, but also equally represented are the interests of both smaller international and domestic companies in main land China.

Edward Lehman, Managing Director of Lehman, Lee & Xu comments that "Lehman, Lee & Xu continues to excel in all practice areas, especially in the intellectual property domain. Our highest quality service and expert specialist knowledge sets Lehman, Lee & Xu miles apart from the competition." He continues by adding that "our firm is regarded as the go to firm for any intellectual property related issues, and representation for registration of well known trademarks for both international companies and domestic companies."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/06/2009 -- While Edward Lehman, Managing Director of leading red circle law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu is no stranger to providing counsel to diplomatic missions and financial institutions, Lehman is also widely recognized as an expert in the field of mining law. "The mining sector in China has developed later than developed countries and the authorities have had to develop laws in a very short time", states Ed Lehman, Managing Director of the firm, "as one of the longest established law firms we have been at the forefront of legal developments in the field, giving us a unique perspective in this area. Similarly our Mongolia office is the leading firm regarding mining and resource law in that jurisdiction" .

Lehman, the longest serving (and only foreign) Managing Director of any law firm in China, has long had an interest in the area and was recently appointed to the board of directors of the Shoshone mining corporation, based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. "I've had a passion for the field for a long time due to its relevance to the economy and its fascinating history. To be appointed as a board member was truly an honor". Lehman's passion for the mining sector has led to him being called upon by the business community in China to assist with mining related matters. "I'm always happy to help out in any way I can. My door is always open".

The Silver Summit is the pinnacle event in the silver mining calendar, bringing experts from the field globally each year for to discuss the development of the global silver mining industry.

The two day conference organized by the Pan American Silver Corporation is being held in Spokane Washington, a mining centre known for its proximity to some of North America's largest silver mines. The summit brings together some of the most prominent names in the field including Ross Beatty, Earl Bennett, David Bond and Jeffrey Christian. "You literally have the global silver mining industry's key people at this event" relays Lehman. "Bringing these names toghther with some of the leading players in the field commercially such as Bear Creek, Endeavor and First Majestic you really have an unmissable event".

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/30/2009 -- "Red circle" Chinese law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu, which maintains one of the largest corporate-commercial practices in the country, has been invited to hold a workshop at the 6th Annual China Summit organized by China Law and Practice, a conference that will host hundreds of in-house counsels and lawyers from a variety of organizations. "We are glad to have been invited by CLP to speak at the event. We have witnessed a growing public interest toward local Chinese law firms" commented Edward Lehman, managing director of the firm.

Foreign "multi-national" law firms are restricted under Chinese law in both the number of offices they can have and the type of activities they can perform and thus mainly focus on outbound work. As such, they have to cooperate with local Chinese law firms on a number of matters, such as litigation and rendering legal opinions on Chinese law. Lehman, Lee & Xu is well placed to serve the needs of foreign law firms, maintaining one of the largest and most efficient dispute resolution practices in the country, with a particular specialty in labor and employment disputes.

Unfortunately, Lehman, Lee & Xu are unable to attend the event. Edward Lehman explained that "our internal client selection process, which is at the core of our business model, is very selective. Our practice is driven by word-of-mouth referrals and the careful vetting of potential clients, who are willing to receive advice addressed to their particular questions regarding China, but also advice regarding issues they may have overlooked".

Lehman, Lee & Xu, from the date of its inception in 1992, has placed an emphasis on developing the legal profession in China. Its managing director, Edward Lehman, has been living and practicing in China from before the Tiananmen events, a time where the private legal profession was yet to be re-established and Chinese law firms were state-run entities employing lawyers lacking western-style legal education and experience. Lehman has witnessed the continual transformation of the Chinese legal environment over the past 23 years and – different from US diplomats – without interruption.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/30/2009 -- Experts from a wide range of industries gathered together at the China Cleantech Business Forum conference held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing on July 8th, 2009. Lehman, Lee & Xu's managing director Edward Lehman, head of the Energy & Resources practice at the firm, was satisfied with the results of the conference. He commented that "the fast-growing clean energy and clean technology industry brings in new challenges and opportunities for businesses and law firms. It is our goal to stay ahead of the curve and we believe that networking with the key players is the best way to achieve this end".

Events seem to be moving in China faster than in any other country in relation to the development of green-tech and new and renewable energy. "At least there is a strong commitment – comments Edward Lehman – and at the very least there is noticeable movement. Authorities' representatives, investors, and other players are working together, engaging in discussion, and building new opportunities. It doesn't really matter now how strong the legal framework is, and the degree to which the laws will be enforced. What really matters is that there is a will to progress".

Moreover, an amazing feature of the clean-tech conference was the participation not only of experts and businesses from the clean-tech industry, but also of people not related to the clean-tech field, attending simply for personal interest and curiosity. This is a sign that clean-tech may switch from mere business to a way of living, a green-trend. And the creation of such awareness is fundamental to feed a major change for China toward a sustainable economic growth.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/26/2009 -- The People's Bank of China (PBOC) recently issued answers to questions submitted to it regarding the Administrative Measures for the Pilot Operation of RMB Settlement for Cross-border Trade. Under the pilot program, selected enterprises will now be allowed to settle foreign trade accounts using RMB.

According to the PBOC, the pilot program was initiated as a result of the global financial crisis in which the exchange rates of the major international settlement currencies including the US dollar and euro etc have seen large fluctuations. As a result of the severe exchange rate fluctuations, Chinese companies were confronted with high risks of fluctuation of exchange rate when conducting trade settlements with currency of a third nation. In addition, China has seen a rapid development of trade, investment and personal exchanges between China and nations composing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as with Hong Kong and Macao and saw an increasing demand for using RMB as a means of payment.. For these reasons, the State Council decided on April 8, 2009 to carry out a pilot program in which the RMB could be used to settle cross-border trade between Shanghai and four cities in Guangzhou Province (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Dongguan) and ASEAN, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Under the pilot program, the PBOC will maintain strict supervision over the commercial banks and pilot enterprises in order to enforce the existing anti-money laundering system, the RMB deposit account management system, as well as to establish an information management system for RMB cross-border collection and payment to gather and store various information about RMB settlements and to conduct statistical analysis.

Shanghai and Guangdong were selected for the pilot program because these regions were viewed as relatively well-prepared in supporting central government monitoring policies and due to the pool of suitable enterprises to include in the pilot program. Pilot program companies were chosen after they had been recommended by the governments of Shanghai and Guangdong and approved by the PBOC in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, General Administration of Customs, State Administration of Taxation and China Banking Regulatory Commission.. The companies were selected based on such criteria as significant experience of international settlement business, sound credibility, a history of conducting business in full compliance with regulations of taxation, commerce, customs and foreign exchange administration, the companies government filings were complete and up to date, registered capital was fully paid in, and the companies were operated out of real business sites.

In its statement, the PBOC issued answers to several questions regarding the operations of the pilot program as regards to the pilot companies engaged in the cross border trade. Pilot enterprises must guarantee the authenticity of cross-border trade settled in RMB and establish and strictly maintain statistical records so that the government can monitor cross-border trade settled in RMB. Pilot enterprises must collect their RMB payments within 210 days after the goods are shipped, otherwise they must report within five working days, the uncollected transaction amount to the PBOC. The statistical information that is collected by the program enterprises must be filed with the relevant customs, banking, foreign exchange, and taxation authorities. To satisfy the actual requirements of pilot enterprises, companies are allowed to deposit their RMB denominated export income into overseas banks but are required to report the income to the local branch of PBOC via domestic settlement banks. Pilot enterprises shall select one domestic settlement bank as the "major reporting bank" for their RMB settlements and this major reporting bank shall be responsible for reminding the pilot enterprises to fulfill its information reporting requirements.

Under the program, export trade settled in RMB is fully eligible for export tax rebates (exemption) in accordance with the relevant regulations. The pilot enterprises are not required to present foreign exchange verification and writing-off forms when conducting customs declaration for cross-border trade settled in RMB and export tax rebate (exemption). The specific administrative measures for export tax rebate (exemption) are yet to be formulated by competent taxation departments under the State Council. Pilot program enterprise who are found to have violated State regulations on RMB settlement will be punished according to law and will be disqualified as a pilot program enterprise. For enterprises who have been disqualified from the pilot program, the PBOC will enter the company's breach of the law regarding RMB settlement into an information management system for RMB cross-border collection and payment and shared with other relevant departments.

Reported by: Scott Garner, JD, CPA

Lehman Tax & Accounting is a prominent Chinese CPA and business advisory firm with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Mongolia.

To learn more about Lehman Tax & Accounting, please visit the firm's website at http://www.lehman.com.cn.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/24/2009 -- Shanghai Daily has reported that current economic statistics show that Shanghai is well on its way to full recover from the global economic crisis. In the second quarter, the city delivered a much better than expected economic performance, with improved data related to fiscal income, investment and trade. Fiscal income rose a significant 14.9 % over last year with growth returning to positive numbers after posting negative figures for the six straight months. Fixed-asset investment in Shanghai expanded 15.7 % over one year ago. Shanghai's outbound investment more than tripled from a year earlier to US$715 million in the first half, surpassing the total amount in 2008. The trade sector, Shanghai's hardest hit, had its downward momentum halted last month. By June, total trade volume was US$43.1 billion, down 15.1 % from a year earlier but was an expansion of 13 % from May. While Shanghai's exports fell 19.9 %on an annual basis to US$25.8 billion last month, this was an 8.1 % increase over May. Imports also decreased 6.6 % from a year ago but were likewise a 21.1 % over May of this year. In addition, Shanghai created 67,000 new jobs in the first half of the year, with about 25,000 coming from the 5,540 small and medium enterprises that were established under the supportive government policies.

Xinhua news agency said yesterday in a report releasing some figures ahead of the regular disclosure by the Shanghai Statistics Bureau stated that " a series of key economic data shows that Shanghai's economy has bottomed out and has staged a stable recovery. Weng Jianhua, deputy chief economist at the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission stated that "the Shanghai government has adopted many unusual ways to stimulate the economy." Among the several government initiatives were lowering the threshold level for starting a company, reducing taxes for small and medium enterprises, providing subsidies for buyers of cars, television sets and air-conditioners to encourage consumption, and launching a series of policies to accelerate construction in a bid to turn the city into a global financial center.

Scott Garner of Lehman Tax & Accounting commented that "the policies of the Shanghai government to combat the effects of the global financial crisis have certainly had a positive impact on the Shanghai economy. It is well know that overall exports in China, including Shanghai, are down by about 26%, and the Shanghai government has relied on domestic spending initiatives to offset this loss in the export sector. All over Shanghai, the government has poured money into public works projects including road and bridge building, construction of new subway lines, and the massive Expo 2009 building site. To combat the fall in real estate prices, the government has created tax incentives for families to purchase homes and created incentives for local banks to make home loans to local residents. To encourage companies to set up in Shanghai, the investment requirements have been relaxed. The city government really has done a remarkable job in keeping the local economy on track, in spite of the economic crisis that has gripped the rest of the world."

Lehman Tax & Accounting is a prominent Chinese CPA and business advisory firm with offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Mongolia.

To learn more about Lehman Tax & Accounting, please visit the firm's website at http://www.lehman.com.cn.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/23/2009 -- Ed Lehman, Managing Director of leading red circle law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu, has been named as the President of the Asia-Pacific grouping of the Global Advertising Lawyer Alliance.

Lehman, a long time China resident and preeminent expert on Chinese intellectual property and media/advertising law, has played a leading role in the Global Advertising Lawyer's Alliance since its inception and is regularly called upon to comment on developments in Chinese advertising law by members of the organization. "Its an exciting time to assume this role", relays Lehman. "There are a number of new developments throughout the region in a number of countries, from Australia to China and the downturn is providing opportunities for a lot of smaller players in the field."

The Global Advertising Lawyer's Alliance was founded to provide a network of the leading independent law firms in the industry. A main goal of the organization is to improve cooperation amongst firms from different regions as the industry becomes increasingly globalized. "Client often ask about our relationships with other law firms", relays Ed. "Its always reassuring for our clients to know that they are not only getting our own expertise but additionally are getting the expertise of 57 law firms throughout six continents".

Lehman's journey to where he is today was a long one. "I first came to China in 1987 and stayed after the turmoil that defined 1989." Relays Ed. "The domestic advertising industry was still in an embryonic stage – it had been less than a decade since the first licensed domestic advertisement was aired". The country has come along way since then with many of the global players now established in China. "From the sole Radar watch advertisement in 1979 to the multiple medium media blitzes seen today the industry has transformed itself and I'm honored to have worked with some of the leading players in the industry".

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Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/22/2009 -- Attorneys from Lehman, Lee & Xu's have been asked to present to students from the China School of Business & Law. The program, which gives students from the school the chance to experience Chinese law and culture first hand demonstrates the increasing importance foreign law schools are placing on Chinese law.

A key aspect of the address is to be practical issues faced by lawyers working in China. "The practical aspects are really the most important. There is only so much that can be learned in the classroom. It is our hope that providing an insight into the way we practice law will provide the students with an added dimension", relays Edward Lehman, Managing Director of Lehman, Lee & Xu.

Such programs were virtually unheard of even several years ago however there are now a number of such programs where students from a number of countries come to China to experience first hand the explosive economic growth and meet key people from the fields of business and law.

This is the second year Lehman, Lee & Xu has been asked to present to China School of Business and Law. "We always cherish the relationships we build with educational institutions." Relays Lehman "CBL is an excellent example of education that is both thorough and relevant".

The firm, one of China's largest, is a leader in the field of corporate law and also specialized in intellectual property. With a team comprised of both foreign and Chinese law styled on an American law firm model the firm offers a unique approach amongst Chinese law firms.

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Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/22/2009 -- While leading red circle law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu has built up a strong reputation in the fields of Intellectual Property and Mergers & Acquisitions, the firm also plays a key role in combating corporate fraud. "Every year billions are lost through corporate fraud," relays Edward Lehman, managing director of the firm, "and unfortunately a lot of is due to carelessness."

Many people in business who were used to meeting targets in the boom years are now feeling pressure to achieve the same levels in spite of the downturn. "This, unfortunately can lead to fraud" states Lehman, long time China resident and Sinologist.

During the boom years businesses were successful in spite of corporate fraud. Now however businesses are suffering because of it, with recent surveys showing that fraud is a real concern for over 60% of senior managers in China. "Its only natural to worry about receivables during tough economic times. The last thing businesses want though is to be worried about fraud".

In an effort to help its clients cope with the problem the firm has began giving seminars on how to avoid fraud and the legal recourse available where business managers find themselves victims. "Forewarned is forearmed in these situations" says Lehman who has been advising companies on best business practices for over two decades. "Senior managers need to have an awareness of potential red flags". Such flags are not just related to the behavior but also to business partners and suppliers. "What makes it so difficult to combat corporate fraud is the many forms it comes in".

Although more prevalent in tough times Lehman is under no illusion as to the route cause of the problem. "The combination of greed and carelessness is at the root of most fraud. When you look at the Bernard Madoff scandal, it was the history of poor oversight which allowed the scheme to continue for so long" notes Lehman.

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Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/20/2009 -- Attorneys from Lehman, Lee & Xu's Beijing practice recently presented to students from the University of Minnesota School of Law and Renmin School of Law. The program, which gives students from the University of Minnesota and other law schools the chance to experience Chinese law and culture for a month each summer demonstrates the increasing importance foreign law schools are placing on Chinese law.

Attorneys Andrew Lillis (a Minnesota alumi) and Marisa Planells Valero spoke about the life of a foreign lawyer in China, using practical examples to augment their talk. "The practical aspects are really the most important. There is only so much that can be learned in the classroom. It is our hope that providing an insight into the way we practice law will provide the students with an added dimension", relays Lehman.

Such programs were virtually unheard of even several years ago however there are now a number of such programs where students from a number of U.S. and European law schools visit China. "While few will want to practice long term in China many find it useful to have an overview of the legal system here. I really think it helps them in their careers".

Lehman, Lee & Xu has had a long and fruitful relationship with Renmin University, having hosted a number of its professors as "of counsel" to boost its litigation practice. "I have always viewed Renmin University as one of the most innovative in China" , relays Ed, long time China resident who has forged relationships with a number of China's top educational institutions.

The firm, one of China's largest, is a leader in the field of corporate law and also specialized in intellectual property. With a team comprised of both foreign and Chinese law styled on an American law firm model the firm offers a unique approach amongst Chinese law firms.

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Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/20/2009 -- While leading red circle law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu is no stranger to providing counsel to multinational corporations and high net worth individuals, the firm is also known for its role in contributing and authoring of legal publications. "Chinese law is still firmly in a developing phase. We feel that our practical experience enables us to play a role in the development of Chinese law from a research perspective", stated Ed Lehman, Managing Director of the firm.

A central focus of the firm is its media and advertising law practice. "We are the exclusive China member for the Global Advertising Lawyers Alliance", relays Lehman "this puts is in a unique position to both cooperate with other firms in the advertising field internationally and also to contribute the global body of knowledge on media law generally".

One aspect of this has been the firm's contribution to the Promotional Media and Advertising Association's publication on new developments in promotional and advertising law throughout the globe. "China has seen some interesting developments lately with the focus of promotions shifting toward both general fairness and public safety".

Much of the firm's contribution to the guide springs from experience. "We have had a number of clients recently who have dealt with many of the issues raised in the chapter. This has given us a unique perspective to comment on developments in this field", states Lehman.

Traditionally sales promotions were covered by general laws but in the past number of years both the central government and provincial/municipal governments have published specific laws in the arena. "As China continues to develop economically specific laws are needed to ensure that consumers are treated fairly" says Lehman, a long time China resident and currently the longest serving (and only foreign) of any Managing Director of a law firm in China.

Other contributors to the guide include Thomson Playford Cutlers, Studio Legale Associato and Reed Smith. "It is truly an honor to work with Reed Smith. They have a wide reach globally. They are in China also and focus on outbound work while we focus on inbound work. This provides a good synergy", states Lehman.

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Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/17/2009 -- While leading red circle law firm Lehman, Lee & Xu is no stranger to providing counsel to diplomatic missions and financial institutions, the firm is also known for its prominent health sciences practice. "The life sciences sector in China has developed later than developed countries and the authorities have had to develop laws in a very short time", states Ed Lehman, Managing Director of the firm, "as one of the longest established law firms we have been at the forefront of legal developments in the field and we have been involved in both lobbying for better regulation and have assisted in the development of some of the most important legislative developments in this area. "

Lehman, the longest serving (and only foreign) Managing Director of any law firm in China, had roots in the field long before he came to China, "I was a chemistry major and biochemistry always interested me. When I came China in the 1980s I was eager to assist in the development of a body of pharmaceutical law in any way I could". Lehman was a legal pioneer in the sector, acting as counsel for the Research and Development Pharmaceutical Association of China in addition to representing 28 of the 42 research based pharmaceutical companies in China.

When Lehman came to China in 1987 the pharmaceutical industry was in its infancy. Today the field is significantly different with Chinese manufacturers producing many of the drugs purchased in pharmacies throughout the United States and Europe. "The manufacturing sector has developed at an astronomical rate and legal regulation has not lagged behind", relays Ed, "the State Food and Drug Administration has developed into a highly professional and regulated organization".

The two day conference organized by the Asia Business Forum is designed to bring some of the leading names in the Asia Pacific region together such as Allan Marx Ancheta, Director of Sales Operations, for Merck Sharp & Dohme Philippines and Dr. Suchitra Kataria, head of business development for Bayer, Schering Pharma, Singapore.

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Lehman, Lee & Xu is notably pro-active in the area, with its Energy & Resources practice group well-focused on green investment and new and renewable energy projects.

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/15/2009 -- The clean-tech industry in China is witnessing an amazing rate of growth, and firms from all sectors are vying to get a piece of the pie. Lehman, Lee & Xu is notably pro-active in the area, with its Energy & Resources practice group well-focused on green investment and new and renewable energy projects. The Energy & Resources group is headed by Edward Lehman himself, the managing director of the firm.

As such, the China Cleantech Business Forum is a conference that the firm could not miss. The event takes place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing today and represents a significant opportunity for players from the clean-tech industry to network and expand their business. Lehman underlines that "events like the China Cleantech Business Forum are key to getting the practical insights and the necessary connections that we professionals need to advance in China's clean-energy and clean-technology fields. We believe that the event will be a success for all of the participants".

China's commitment to become more energy-efficient and to shift toward a more environmentally-friendly approach to sustain its fast-pace economic growth and comply with its obligations - though they are non-binding - under the Kyoto Protocol, create numerous opportunities for foreign and domestic investors in the research, development, and sale of green technology. The most technologically advanced countries, such as Japan and the US – California in particular – play major roles and are seeing the greatest benefits from their investment in the area.

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Lehman Lee & Xu was invited to the Amcham Shanghai meeting

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/13/2009 -- The third largest corporate and commercial Chinese law firm, Lehman Lee & Xu, was invited to the Amcham Shanghai meeting held on July 6th, 2009, with the China Working Group US Congressional Staff Delegation. In attendance was Scott Garner, director of the Shanghai office of the firm, who commented "The event scores a goal in giving members the chance to engage in discussions with the people who directly influence US-China commercial relationships".

The delegation included attendees such as Rich Goldberg (Senior Aide to Congressman Mark Kirk) and Mark Middaugh (Military Legislative Assistant to Congressman Rick Larsen). Many other US congressional staff also attended including Toni-Marie Calabrese (Legislative Assistant to Congressman John Boozman) and George Behan (Chief of Staff to Congressman Norm Dicks), in addition to Jan Berris (Vice President, National Committee on U.S. China Relations) and Andrew Mertha (Associate Professor of Government at Cornell University).

Amcham Shanghai – also called the "Voice of American Business" – is the largest and fastest-growing American Chamber of Commerce in the Asia-Pacific region, with over 4,000 members. The Chamber is fairly active in organizing activities for its associates spanning from business networking events to conferences and seminars. The goal of these events is to help members find new opportunities, expand their business, enhance their understanding of how to navigate the Chinese legal and cultural environment, and strengthen the US-China commercial partnership.

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Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/12/2009 -- With China's global presence increasing at a phenomenal rate abroad, and international investment flooding into the country, trademark registration is turning out to be a topic high on the agenda list of any company incorporated in China, be it domestic or international.

The Chinese legislature has recognised the growing importance of all intellectual property law rights, from trademarks to patents. The revised 2001 Trademark Law seeks to deal with changes in China's growing domestic market, such as an increase in the maximum statutory damages that can be awarded, and the inclusion of three dimensional marks deemed satisfactory for registration purposes. Coinciding with China's WTO commitments and obligations, that promised stronger enforcement of trademark rights, China has started making progressive steps to protect the rights of others in an attempt to curb the rapid spate of counterfeiting.

One advantage from the 2001 Trademark Law companies can benefit from is the registration of well known marks, with Chivas Regal being one of the most recent companies to jump onto the trademark registration bandwagon. The Chinese Trade Mark Office (CTMO) recognised both 'Chivas Regal' and 'Chivas' as "well known trademarks" satisfying the criteria laid down under Article 14 of the 2001 Trademark Law. The former name being registered in both English and Chinese characters, and the latter in English. Chivas' scope of protection is not merely limited to "goods" under Class 33 (alcoholic beverages) but cross-class protection if registration of a new product is likely to cause public confusion.

With China accounting for the largest market of Chivas Regal whiskey, and with significant levels of investments being ploughed into the country for promotional reasons, the rubber stamped approval of the Chivas trademark ensures that a third party cannot appropriate the good name and accrued reputation Chivas has amassed over their years of business. Charles Chan, Foreign Legal Counsel at Lehman, Lee & Xu detailed that "the recognition of an international brand name such as Chivas Regal attaining copyright protection in China indicates how far China has progressed in aligning its stance with that of other countries."

Chivas' brand name protection marks the second victory for the whiskey industry in its steady battle against Chinese counterfeiting. Earlier in 2008, the CTMO granted trademark protection to 'Scotch whiskey,' which, registered as a collective trademark prohibits counterfitters from passing off spirits that have not been produced in Scotland.

Further progress taken by the Chinese authorities also included an award of $180,000 to Diageo, the manufacturers of Johnnie Walker Black Label, after a Shanghai based firm was found guilty of unlawfully infringing upon the trademarked Johnnie Walker packaging.

Eion Murdock, Foreign Legal Counsel at Lehman, Lee & Xu highlighted that "both the Chivas Regal and the Johnnie Walker issues highlights that in order to protect potential investment into China from international companies in the future, the courts need to uphold and protect their identifiable intellectual property rights," he continues "by actually doing this the judiciary are opening the door for more foreign companies to sell their products in China, as they know that their trademarks will be protected, upheld and enforced under Chinese law."

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The American Citizens Abroad association traditionally places considerable efforts to support the US residential community in China.

Beijing, China -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/09/2009 -- The American Citizens Abroad (ACA; http://www.aca.ch/ ) association traditionally places considerable efforts to support the US residential community in China. ACA Chairman, Mr Edward Lehman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Lehman ), a US citizen and US attorney, is the longest serving foreigner in China and the only foreign managing director of Chinese law firm, Lehman, Lee & Xu (http://www.lehmanlaw.com/ ). He first practiced in Shanghai in 1987, working for a renowned "pioneer" US law firm, switching then to a state-run Chinese law firm -- being the first foreign national to do so -- then choosing to remain in China in the early 1990s when foreign law firms were instead swimming back to Hong Kong or to their own countries citing security concerns. In 1992, he co-founded his Lehman, Lee & Xu, one of the first eight private law firms to be set-up after the liberalization of the legal profession in the early '90s.

The 2009 Thomas Jefferson award has been assigned by the ACA to Ms Anne-Marie Cassela and Mr Mark Storella (http://www.us-mission.ch/BIOS/MarkStorellaText.html ), US citizens residing in Haiti and Switzerland, who have both greatly contributed to the benefit of their local American community. Ms Cassela -- Head of the American Citizens Services in Port-au-Prince, Haiti -- has dealt with a considerable number of natural disasters and kidnapping situations, showing care for victims and their families and highlighting outstanding efficiency in her duties. Geneva-based Mr Storella, Charge d'Affaires and Deputy Permanent Representative at the US mission, has been doing an impressive job in coordinating activities and meetings for overseas Americans. His exemplary methods are now being proposed to be adopted by US diplomatic missions all over the world.

Chairman of the ACA, Edward Lehman, a representative of the US community in China, expresses full support for Cassela and Storella commenting that "the examples given by Anne-Marie and Mark are the reflection of the mission we should all serve as US citizens abroad, that of solidarity to our people and devotion to our country. We look forward to having candidates for the next edition of the award from the US Embassy in China as we did in the previous years".

Edward Lehman certainly plays an important role as a representative of a US citizen in China. It is a fact that he has been living here longer than any other person from any of the US diplomatic missions in China, serving on the board of governors of Amcham and participating in key negotiations with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of US citizens and businesses. Lehman has also been closely relating with the US Charge d'Affaires Dan Piccuta in these recent years.

As Managing Director of Lehman, Lee & Xu -- the third largest Chinese law firm in China -- he has coupled his role of an American citizens community organizer at the ACA, with that of a representative of the US Embassy in Beijing (http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/ ) and US diplomatic missions in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Wuhan over the last 23 years. Additionally, he was the official counsel and representative of the US Olympic team at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. When asked to provide his thoughts about China's progress in the protections of foreigners' rights, Edward proudly said that "at the ACA we are committed in promoting the rule of law in China" and seems satisfied when noting that "we believe that the Chinese government is doing a fine job to make that happen".

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