Jan 21, All -- Riyadh-based Al Rajhi Bank, a major Saudi Arabian bank, is challenging the U.S. Patriot Act, claiming it unconstitutionally allows U.S. officials to punish foreign financial institutions that refuse to cooperate with demands for their records. ...

Jan 19, USA -- The Export Control Practitioners Group has released recommendations for reform of the U.S. export control system -- especially reform of outdated U.S. export controls -- recommendations similar to those of the Coalition for Security and Competitiveness. ...

Jan 18, Asia & Pacific -- New incorporation regulations that will affect foreign investors setting up representative offices in China, as well as those already already established, have been released by the Chinese State Administration for Industry and Commerce. ...

Jan 14, Europe -- The EU Article 29 Data Protection Working Party has published an opinion finding that Israel provides an "adequate" level of data protection under the EU Data Protection Directive. If the EU adopts the recommendation, Israel would join a select group. ...

Jan 15, 2009, Europe -- As of January 1st, 2009, the Italian legal system will allow for class action lawsuits, but they will be different from other countries' style of common law actions, and in complete contrast to the American system....

Jan 14, 2009, Asia & Pacific -- The Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress has voted to revise the country's patent law, effective October 1, 2009. The revisions focus primarily on improving patent quality and patent enforcement....

Dec 12, 2008, USA -- Hiring an "independent contractor" may at times be preferable to hiring and "employee", but legally there is no "bright line" test in Texas to determine the work relationship. Making the wrong assumption may leave an employer in a complicated situation....

Nov 24, 2008, Mexico -- The creation of a unipersonal company in Mexico is currently in the proposal stage. It was approved by the Cámara de Diputados (Chamber of Representatives) in February 2008, and could potentially be set in law within a year. ...