The “CN law blog” that people search for is almost always China Law Blog, one of the oldest legal blogs on the Internet about doing business in China. It is edited by the law firm Harris Sliwoski LLP and was founded by attorney Dan Harris.
It is designed for foreign companies that buy from, sell to, or invest in China. It is general information, not personal legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- “CN law blog” is a shorthand search term. The publication people mean is China Law Blog.
- The blog is published by Harris Sliwoski LLP, a law firm that was earlier called Harris Bricken.
- Dan Harris is the founder, and the blog began in 2006.
- It focuses on business law, including contracts, manufacturing, trademarks, disputes, and investment.
- The real blog lives at harris-sliwoski.com/chinalawblog, and the older chinalawblog.com address leads there.
- Treat posts as education, and talk to a licensed lawyer before acting on any of it.
What Is the CN Law Blog?
China Law Blog is a blog written by an attorney that focuses on Chinese law and the legal risks of doing business in China. The Library of Congress web archiva identifies it as the blog of an international law firm that focuses on Chinese law and business matters.
The blog began in 2006. Posts now come from the lawyers at Harris Sliwoski with Dan Harris penning a majority of those posts. Other contributors have included Jason Adelstone, Jonathan Bench, Elijah Hartman and Arlo Kipfer.
The name of the firm that runs the blog has evolved. Older content can be found under Harris Bricken, and the current site is labelled Harris Sliwoski LLP.
Who Is Behind It?
Dan Harris is named in an interview listing as the founder and managing partner of Harris Bricken and leader of its China manufacturing practice. He is the founder and operator of the blog, per that source.
The firm Harris Sliwoski LLP has offices in the U.S. in Seattle, Portland, Denver, Los Angeles and Phoenix. It also has offices in Barcelona, Lisbon, Madrid, Sydney and Mexico City.
What Does the Blog Cover?
Site’s recent posts paint a pretty accurate picture. They are all about practical risks for companies dealing with Chinese suppliers and partners.
- Intellectual property: protecting designs, molds, and brands before a manufacturer has them.
- Contracts: NNN agreements, manufacturing agreements, and why governing law and forum matter.
- Trademarks: China trademark registration and global trademark strategy.
- Disputes: how to sue a Chinese company, and choosing between court and arbitration.
- Fraud and supplier problems: for example, when to involve police instead of filing a lawsuit.
- Investment rules: China’s overseas investment approvals and foreign exchange compliance.
- Technology and AI: how AI drafted contracts can leave key terms blank.
Posts are usually written as plain English explainers with real world examples. The site has also a Spanish and Simplified Chinese version of the blog.
How to Find the Real Blog
The correct home is harris-sliwoski.com/chinalawblog. When we visited chinalawblog.com, it redirected us to that same page.
Since “CN law blog” is a generic term, you will also find other sites using the same or similar name and even copying the topic. Just a few basic tests help.
- Look for named authors. Real posts carry the byline of an identifiable attorney.
- Check the publisher. The page footer should show Harris Sliwoski LLP.
- Look for a disclaimer page. The site links a Disclaimer and Privacy page.
- Be careful with look alike domains. Use the address above rather than a search result you do not recognize.
What the Blog Is Not
This is not a source of official statutes or court rulings. It is a discussion of the risks and a law firm’s opinion.
It is also not an impartial news service. China Briefing, a competing publication, had an article in 2019 that characterized the blog as being “mostly opinion” and having a negative perspective on doing business in China. Harris Sliwoski would probably characterize their work differently. The message to readers is easy: it is a law firm blog, so read it in conjunction with other sources.
Common Mistakes About the CN Law Blog
- Thinking it is a single person’s personal blog. It is published by a law firm.
- Treating it as legal advice. It is general information for educational use.
- Assuming it covers all of Chinese law. The focus is business law.
- Assuming the firm name never changed. It changed from Harris Bricken to Harris Sliwoski.
- Trusting any site that uses the name. Check the domain and the byline.
Who Should Read It?
The most practical application is for small to medium sized businesses procuring products from China, brand owners concerned with copycats, and founders considering a China partnership. Law students and journalists may also find it helpful for real world scenarios.
If you are already involved in a dispute, or about to sign a contract, use this as a guide and then consult with a lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CN law blog? It is shorthand for China Law Blog, published by Harris Sliwoski LLP.
Who founded China Law Blog? Attorney Dan Harris founded it, and the blog began in 2006.
Is the blog legal advice? No. It is general information. Hire a licensed attorney for advice about your situation.
What is the official web address? harris-sliwoski.com/chinalawblog. The older chinalawblog.com address leads there.
What topics does it cover? Business law involving China, including contracts, trademarks, IP, manufacturing, disputes, and investment.
Is it free to read? Posts are publicly available on the site, and the site offers a way to subscribe to its blogs.
Conclusion
China Law Blog is the China law blog that most people want to read. It is a long-standing blog written by lawyers for lawyers (and business people). Use the blog to learn about the risks, look at the byline and the domain, and consult a licensed lawyer for real decisions.
