A creditor contracted with East Bridge Trading Co. The purchase orders use East Bridge’s seal, but sales calls came from West Bridge Machinery staff. Payments moved through a third affiliate, and all three companies share one office and one finance manager.
Look for assets, accounts, personnel, contracts, seals, public registration, websites, invoices, and actual performance.
Students should build an evidence matrix rather than jump straight to veil piercing. Strong answers distinguish normal group coordination from legally significant confusion.
Exercise sources
中华人民共和国公司法
The core statute for Chinese companies, covering legal personality, registration, capital, corporate organs, directors' duties, state-invested companies, bonds, accounting, restructuring, dissolution, liquidation, and liability.
指导案例15号：徐工集团工程机械股份有限公司诉成都川交工贸有限责任公司等买卖合同纠纷案
A corporate personality and creditor-protection case involving affiliated companies, commingled business, overlapping personnel, and confusion of assets.
指导案例9号：上海存亮贸易有限公司诉蒋志东、王卫明等买卖合同纠纷案
A leading case on shareholders' liquidation obligations and creditor protection after a company is deregulated or loses its business license.
The classic common-law authority for separate corporate personality and limited liability.