Doing Business in China For Dummies®

Hiring Consultants, Lawyers, and Accountants

Starting to use quality consultants, accountants, lawyers, and other professionals early in the planning process is a good idea. The following is a list of some professionals you may want to engage during the planning process:

✓	IP lawyers: As we discuss in Chapter 17, one of the first things you want to do is protect your intellectual property in China. That usually means applying for Chinese patents and trademarks. Also, you should get a non-compete/non-disclosure agreement drawn up for any discussions with potential partners.
✓	Corporate lawyers: Your corporate lawyers advise you on structuring issues. Knowing from the beginning how the laws will affect where and how you set up your companies for the China venture is essential. You may choose to use the same firm that does your IP work.
✓	Tax consultants: Some law firms have in-house tax experts who can help in the structuring advisory stage. If your law firm doesn’t, consult somebody in this field as you plan the structure. You want to make sure that the structure your lawyers propose works from a tax perspective.
✓	Market consultants: If you’re going to be selling in China, you would do well to have consultants research the potential markets for your product or service.
✓	Site selection consultants: If your company is going to manufacture, you want to start looking at sites right off the bat, because your location can affect your tax status, which may affect your corporate structure. See ...