The Fundamentals of Hong Kong’s Legal System for Entrepreneurs

Welcome to the series!

Welcome to the first module of a 6-part Business Law Toolkit Series! This series is a collaboration between EmpowerU, Mayer Brown, and Foundation for Shared Impact. The series covers the most important and commonly needed legal prerequisites and knowledge for any aspiring or growing entrepreneurs. Throughout the series, legal professionals from Mayer Brown will guide you through various legal topics to support your entrepreneurial journey.

The 6 modules cover:

  • Module 1: The Fundamentals of Hong Kong’s Legal System for Entrepreneurs
    • Familiarise yourself with the general principles of the Basic Law and Common Law of Hong Kong’s “One Country Two Systems.”
  • Module 2: Choosing a Suitable Structure For Your Business
    • Find out more about different business structures and legal requirements. Increase your business’ efficiency through good corporate governance.
  • Module 3: The Basics of Hong Kong Employment Law
    • Learn how Employment Law sets out the rights, duties, and obligations of employees and employers.
  • Module 4: The Concept and Importance of Intellectual Property
    • Reinforce your understanding of intellectual property and methods to protect those of your business.
  • Module 5: Building Business Relationships and Entering into Contracts
    • Learn how you can grow your business by establishing strong and sound business relationships and entering into contractual relationships.
  • Module 6: Growing and Sustaining a Successful Business
    • The final module outlines the strategies for further sustainably growing your business and funding your initiative.

Introduction

You are now in Module 1: The Fundamentals of Hong Kong’s Legal System for Entrepreneurs. The learning objectives of this module include:

  • To understand the basics of Hong Kong’s court system
  • To understand the nature of disputes and litigation
  • To learn the General Principles of the Basic Law of Hong Kong’s “One Country Two Systems”

It is important to familiarise yourself with the legal framework as it will allow you to better understand the relevant areas of law as an entrepreneur.

Hong Kong Court and Common Law System

  • Hong Kong maintains a legal system, which is separate from, and different from, the legal system of Mainland China due to the principle of “one country, two systems”. This video explores the principle, the general structure of Hong Kong’s court system, and the nature of dispute resolution in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong and the PRC: Basic Law

  • The Basic Law provides the constitutional framework of Hong Kong and encompasses the fundamental rights and freedom of Hong Kong residents. The general principles of the Basic Law are covered in the video below. Additionally, Hong Kong’s political structure, economy, and relationship with the PRC central authorities are discussed.

Relevant Toolkits

Note that FSI has a detailed guide providing an overview of Hong Kong’s legal system. If you are interested in learning more, access the guide here:

The information provided on this website should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. This guide is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. The contents are limited to the laws of Hong Kong as at the date of writing and is intended for general informational purposes only. You are urged to consult your attorney concerning any particular situation and any specific legal question you may have. This website contains links to other third-party websites, and such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. These links to third-party websites or information are not intended as, and should not be interpreted by you as, constituting or implying our endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of the third party information, products, or services found there.

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