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China Law Key Words · Dispute Resolution

Civil Litigation

Navigating PRC civil courts as a foreign party—jurisdiction, evidence, interim measures, and enforcement realities for commercial and civil claims.

  • Courts procedure
  • Evidence notarisation
  • Interim asset freezes
  • Counsel directory

What civil litigation covers

Filing through judgment and enforcement

Start

Jurisdiction & filing

Where to sue, standing, and document formalities for foreign parties.

Proof

Evidence rules

Notarisation, authentication, and electronic evidence themes.

Speed

Interim measures

Property preservation and conduct preservation tactics.

End

Judgment & enforcement

Winning on paper vs collecting against assets.

Start with these guides

Flagship explainers and practical orientation

Core

Civil litigation complete guide

Guide for foreign businesses and individuals.

Read guide →Foreign parties

Practical guide for foreign parties

What international clients should expect in Chinese courts.

Read →Procedure

Procedure for foreign parties

Step orientation through Chinese civil procedure.

Read →Parent

Dispute resolution law

Litigation, arbitration, mediation overview.

Open →Enforce

Enforcing foreign judgments

Recognition themes for overseas judgments.

Read →Alt forum

Commercial arbitration

When arbitration is the better track.

Open →

Litigation readiness for foreign parties

Authentication lead times are the hidden critical path

  • Legalise corporate authority documents early POAs and certificates can take weeks.
  • Notarise key electronic evidence Screenshots alone are weak.
  • Map defendant assets before filing Enforcement geography shapes strategy.
  • Consider preservation applications Freezes can define settlement leverage.
  • Budget translation quality Bad translations create factual disputes.
  • Pick local co-counsel deliberately Court practice is still highly local.

Frequently asked questions

Orientation only—not legal advice

Can a foreign company sue in China?

Often yes if jurisdiction and standing conditions are met. Formalities for foreign entities are stricter—plan authentication early.

How long do civil cases take?

Varies widely by court, complexity, and appeals. Interim measures can be faster than final judgment.

Is mediation still important if we file suit?

Yes. Courts often encourage settlement; prepare a realistic BATNA.

When do we need litigation counsel?

Any claim worth authenticating documents for. Use the civil litigation lawyer directory.

Need civil litigation counsel in China?

Find verified dispute lawyers or start with the foreign-party litigation guides.

Find Civil Litigation lawyers →Ask a LawyerForeign party guide

Directory and legal information only—not legal advice. No attorney–client relationship is formed by using this site. Rules and thresholds change; verify current requirements for your facts and jurisdiction.

Guides & articles

Practical writing from counsel and the portal editorial team on this topic