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Two Chinese information security laws, the Data Security Law (“DSL”) and the Personal Information Protection Law (“PIPL”), are creating difficulties for parties involved in litigation in the United States seeking discovery materials stored in China.

Both the DSL and the PIPL require data processors to obtain approval from the Chinese government before transferring any data stored in China to a foreign court or law enforcement authority, or otherwise face significant penalties such as fines in the millions of dollars.

Litigants in the U.S. should be aware that the DSL and PIPL may impose significant costs and delays in the discovery process, and may be used to avoid turning over certain materials.Continue Reading Chinese data security laws increasingly create roadblocks for litigants seeking discovery in U.S. courts

In response to France’s Digital Services Tax (DST), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposed additional ad valorem duties of up to 100 percent on certain products from France. The USTR issued a Section 301 Investigation Report on the DST, concluding that the DST discriminates against U.S. companies, is inconsistent with prevailing principles