Key practical points:
• Commercial bribery (paying secret kickbacks to win deals) is banned and carries penalties for both sides.
• Copying the name, look or packaging of a well-known product to mislead consumers is a violation.
• False or misleading advertising about your product or service is prohibited.
• Stealing or disclosing trade secrets (customer lists, recipes, designs) by improper means is a violation.
• Spreading false statements about competitors to damage their reputation is not allowed.
• If you are harmed by unfair competition, you can complain to the regulator and seek compensation.
🏢 Company setup
Anti-Unfair Competition Law · Yalla China
反不正当竞争法 / Anti-Unfair Competition Law
Enacted: 1993-09-02 ✅ Effective: 1993-12-01
📝 Overview
The law banning unfair competition methods in the Chinese market: commercial bribery, passing-off of trade dress, false advertising, and trade-secret theft. Useful for honest businesses and brand protection.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
The Anti-Unfair Competition Law exists to protect the market and ensure fair competition, which is in the interest of any honest trader. For you, the law cuts both ways: it protects you from copycats and defamers, while also requiring that you do not resort to bribery or exaggerated advertising. Commercial bribery in particular is very sensitive in China and can implicate both you and your counterpart. If your brand is being copied, document the evidence and complain to the regulator or engage an IP-specialist lawyer. This is general orientation, not formal legal advice.
📎 Official source
samr.gov.cn / npc.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026
