This memorandum has been prepared by the Commercial Department of the Hong Kong office of Johnson Stokes & Master as a brief introduction to the laws that are relevant to persons intending to set up business in Hong Kong.

This memorandum is intended as a summary providing general guidance. It should not be regarded as providing legal advice on any matter nor relied upon for that purpose.

Johnson Stokes & Master is the largest firm of solicitors based in South East Asia and currently has over 140 lawyers and a support staff of approximately 600.

The combined experience and expertise of its many lawyers enables the firm to advise on most aspects of Hong Kong and English law.

In 1976 the firm established a formal association with Norton Rose, one of the leading firms of solicitors in the City of London. Several partners and solicitors from the associate firm are based in Hong Kong and practise law as consultants to Johnson Stokes & Master, thus adding current City of London expertise to the firm's practice.

The principal areas of legal service include corporate and commercial matters, banking, finance, property, aviation, shipping, litigation, tax planning, intellectual property and China trade.

Office Address:
17th Floor, Prince's Building
10 Chater Road
Hong Kong

Telephone: (852) 843 2211
Facsimile Nos.: (852) 845 9121 / 845 1735
Telex Nos.: 73704 HX / 75107 HX

Enquiries on the subject matter of this memorandum should be addressed to any of the following:

Amy S.F. Ko Office Telephone 2843 2326
Rosaline O.W. Cheung " 2843 2340
James F. Chapman " 2843 2202


INDEX OF CONTENTS


A. INTRODUCTION TO HONG KONG - 1997


B. LEGAL SYSTEM


C. BUSINESS VEHICLES

1. Limited Company

2. Branch Office

3. Sole Proprietorship/General Partnership

4. Limited Partnership

5. Representative Office


D. SPECIAL KINDS OF BUSINESS

1. Banking

2. Securities

3. Insurance


E. TAXATION

1. Introduction

2. Principal Taxes

3. Current Rates of Taxation

4. Tax Treaties and Foreign Taxes

5. Tax Administration and Compliance

6. Other Taxes


F. EMPLOYMENT LAW

1. Employment Ordinance

2. Employees Compensation Ordinance

3. Labour Relations Ordinance

4. Work Permits

G. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

1. Introduction

2. Patents

3. Trademarks

4. Copyright

5. Design rights

If you would like further advice please contact: David Ellis, Johnson Stokes & Master, 16th Floor, Princes Building, 10 Chater Road, Hong Kong; Tel 2843 4226; Fax no. : 2845 9121. Alternatively do a text search "Johnson Stokes and Master" and "Business Monitor"