The core legislation that governs labor relations in Vietnam is the Labor Code, first passed by the National Assembly in 1994. The original Labor Code has since been superseded by the new Labor Code of 2012, which took effect on May 1, 2013, and introduced significant new developments relating to labor contracts, work hours, labor outsourcing, internal labor rules, and foreign employees. Employment is further governed by a large set of guiding decrees and circulars.

Planning for asset distribution after death is one of the most significant actions a person can take, both to provide a better future for one’s heirs and to ensure that one’s intentions are fulfilled. A properly constructed will is a significant step toward fulfilling these important aims.The primary purpose of a will is to clarify how you want your property to be distributed after you die. An equally important reason for having a will, however, is that it increases the likelihood that your assets will be transferred in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.

Like so many of us here in Thailand, Thai and foreigner alike, for the past several months I have been observing, listening, watching, and reading about the protests against the seated government of this country. As occurs elsewhere throughout this world of ours, Thai national and local politics are convoluted, complex, and not always what you see or think.

Among its many legal reforms now underway, Myanmar is beginning to develop new systems for the protection of intellectual property rights. Historically, there have not been any specific IP laws in Myanmar. Instead, IP owners have needed to rely on other systems of registration in order to protect their rights. But in a demonstration of its commitment to provide full protection for IP rights, the country is now drafting and reviewing its first Trademark Law.Existing Legal Regime – Registration Act

Legal duties of directors are “must do’s,” and good corporate governance (CG) principles are “should do’s.” Thus, a breach of legal duties leads to liability (civil and/or criminal), while mere noncompliance with CG principles does not.

Generally speaking, Specific Business Tax (SBT) is an alternative tax that is levied on certain types of businesses—particularly those in the financial services sectors. It was first introduced in tandem with the value-added tax (VAT) regime in 1992. The method for collecting SBT can be likened to that of sales tax, which was used in Thailand in the previous incarnation of indirect tax collection, before VAT.

“Begin with the End in Mind” is the second habit in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey. In a lawyer’s mind, everything must end badly. This is not because we truly believe that all transactions are destined to fail, but because we owe it to our clients to consider and prepare for the worst, so they can focus on the future potential of the deal at hand.

The key to developing a successful business lies not only with having good entrepreneurial spirit and skills, but also with having sound knowledge of the laws and regulations that affect you and your company. To help business owners understand and navigate the ever-shifting legal landscape, Practical Law Company, in association with Lex Mundi, has published the latest edition in its series of multi-jurisdictional question-and-answer guides to doing business worldwide.