Band 1: Intellectual Property: Foreign 1 Baker & McKenzie Firm profile
Following its involvement in some of the top cases of recent years, including the widely reported Silk Street Market landlord liability case, this “robust IP firm” is recognised for its combination of experience and resources in the PRC. It has successfully built a pre-eminent IP practice, particularly in enforcement, anti-counterfeiting and trade mark work. Its “excellent stable of clients” speaks volumes; it acts for Nokia on various design infringement injunctions in China, and other clients include Sony and Starbucks. Although it recently lost a number of Hong Kong-based professionals to Jones Day, the firm remains a strong IP presence there. Christopher Smith is a fluent Chinese speaker and a specialist in trade mark and anti-piracy work. Sources single out his “pragmatic advice and clear communication skills” for particular praise. For more information on Tan Loke-Khoon, Joseph Simone and Maria Smith, please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
1 Lovells Firm profile
Sources report that this practice is “ever more active in China matters,” noting its newly augmented teams in Beijing and Shanghai. Clients find the firm’s “deep experience and proactive approach” helpful, particularly in trade mark matters. Its IP and TMT practices are merged, enabling seamless communication across these often related practice areas, and the firm notably operates its own PRC trade mark agency. The firm in acting for QUALCOMM on a global patent litigation action with Nokia, and other clients include Anheuser-Busch and Citi. Douglas Clark heads the China IP practice and is a “strong trade mark professional” as well as a committed Asia practitioner; he is an alumnus of Fudan University and is fluent in both Mandarin and Japanese. Sources laud him as a “professional, personable and knowledgeable adviser.” Beijing-based Horace Lam’s contribution to the China practice was recently recognised by a promotion to partner status. His varied practice includes trade marks, enforcement and technology-related IP. Clients laud his “wide-ranging experience and proactive approach.” For more information on Gabriela Kennedy and Henry Wheare, please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
Band 2: Intellectual Property: Foreign 2 Bird & Bird Firm profile
The Beijing office of this major international outfit complements its fine standing in Europe for IP. Sources admire it for maintaining a “strong, competitive IP offering” in the face of recent staffing changes. It enjoys a rising profile in patents, technology-related IP and associated litigation, adding to its reputable trade mark practice and its partner PRC trade mark agency. Matthew Laight is the managing partner of both the Hong Kong and Beijing offices, and is the main contact partner for IP matters in either jurisdiction. For more information on Shirley Kwok and Alison Wong, please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
2 Gide Loyrette Nouel Firm profile
The China offices of this French firm are “a fine choice for IP advisory work in China, and not just for French-speaking clients,” according to sources. The practice assists with a variety of matters, including enforcement, licensing and trade marks. Clients appreciate the lawyers’ ability to “act as an effective bridge between us and the PRC institutions” and also for being “efficient case managers.” The firm is currently advising Barovier & Toso on its IP protection strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. It also acts for optic lens manufacturer Essilor and FIFA. Huang Zhen is the main contact for China IP matters.
2 Jones Day Firm profile
The firm’s renown for patents work is still one of its major draws; it has been “a serious player” in this field for many years. It is currently acting for Nokia on its dispute with QUALCOMM over technology rights, and also for Guangzhou Hongli and Shenzhen Unilight on US patent litigation proceedings. “Top-drawer patent specialist” Benjamin Bai specialises in chemistry-related patents and divides his time between the USA and Beijing. He co-ordinates the China IP practice and is a force in both patent prosecution and associated litigation. Tony Chen is a biotechnology and hi-tech patent expert. He was formerly a patent professional with Watson Pharmaceuticals, and impresses with his “wide-ranging experience and sound judgement.” For more information on Peggy Cheung, Anita Leung, Li Chiang Ling and Helen Xin Xi Tang please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
2 Rouse & Co International Firm profile
This IP specialist is lauded for its commitment to Greater China through its one Hong Kong and three PRC offices. Clients single it out for its “great value and service,” particularly in patent and trade mark enforcement work. The quality of its client roster speaks for itself, and includes the likes of Sony Ericsson, Diageo and Dunhill. Luke Minford is a Mandarin speaker and wins plaudits for being an “effective operator” in IP protection and enforcement in China.
Band 1: Intellectual Property: Hong Kong-based Counsel 1 Baker & McKenzie Firm profile
See above.
1 Lovells LLP Firm profileSee above.
Band 2: Intellectual Property: Hong Kong-based Counsel 2 Bird & Bird Firm profile
See above.
2 Deacons Firm profileFor more information on Deacons and Lindsay Esler, Charmaine Koo and Annie Tsoi, please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
2 Jones Day Firm profile
See above.
2 Mayer Brown JSM Firm profileFor more information on JSM and Kenny Wong please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
2 Wilkinson & Grist Firm profile
For more information on Wilkinson & Grist and Anne Choi,
Yvonne Chua and Andrea Fong please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
Band 3: Intellectual Property: Hong Kong-based Counsel 3 Clifford Chance Firm profile
For more information on Clifford Chance and Ling Ho please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
3 Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Firm profile
For more information on Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Connie Carnabuci please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
3 Simmons & Simmons Firm profile
For more information on Simmons & Simmons and John Slater please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
Band 4: Intellectual Property: Hong Kong-based Counsel 4 Clyde & Co Firm profile
For more information please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
4 DLA Piper Firm profile
For more information on DLA Piper and Justin Davidson please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
4 Richards Butler in association with Reed Smith LLP Firm profile
For more information on Richards Butler and Steven Birt please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
4 Stephenson Harwood & Lo Firm profile
For more information on Stephenson Harwood & Lo and Chloe Lee please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
4 Troutman Sanders LLP Firm profile
For more information on Troutman Sanders and Sebastian Hughes please refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
4 Yu & Partners in association with Rouse Legal Firm profile
See above.
Other Notable Practitioners Patrick Ma is an associate who splits his time between White & Case’s Shanghai and Palo Alto offices. He is a lawyer as well as a qualified patent attorney, and his practice is concentrated around IP litigation, where sources report “an impressive depth of professional insight, which even opposing parties find easy to accept.” For more information on Ella Cheong, Anthony Eccles, Tim Hancock and Rebecca Loplease refer to the Hong Kong chapter.
