If the company refuses a shareholder’s inspection request, how should the shareholder properly protect its rights?
Proceed in three steps: 1. Written request: send the company a written inspection request stating the purpose and specific scope of inspection; 2. Waiting period: only if the company fails to reply or provide access, or explicitly refuses, within 15 days of receiving the request, may a lawsuit be filed; 3. Entrusted inspection: during the litigation, inspection may be entrusted to intermediary institutions such as accounting firms and law firms—professional, efficient, and consistent with confidentiality obligations. Note: procedural defects (such as failing to make a prior written request) may affect the court’s acceptance of the case; it is advisable to exercise the right strictly in accordance with the steps above.
