China's top legislature opens bimonthly session

BEIJING - China's top legislature on Monday started to review a series of draft laws and amendments, including those on trademarks, protection of consumers' rights and asset appraisal.

At a bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, from Monday to Friday, lawmakers will review the third reading of the draft amendment to the Trademark Law, which is likely to raise the compensation ceiling for trademark infringements.

Lawmakers will also mull clarifying on items that call for a seven-day period that would allow shoppers to return goods for a full refund. The law is also expected to impose a heavier punishment for commercial fraud.

The draft asset appraisal law aims to regulate appraisal services and protect the legal rights of clients.

Lawmakers will also be briefed about the work of the State Council, or the Cabinet. Reports will include the progress in implementing this year's national economic and social development plan, budget implementation, infectious disease prevention and control, and enforcement of the renewable energy law.

Two amendments to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants listing nine new pollutants and endosulfan, an insecticide, will also be reviewed for approval during the session.