Intellectual Property (International Firms) - China
What the team is known for
Deacons combines one of Hong Kong's largest and most established teams with a solid presence in the PRC. It offers a high degree of expertise across the full range of IP, and is especially noted for its trade mark enforcement capabilities. The firm also has extensive experience advising on patent infringement and enforcement cases, with a number of practitioners having a science or technology background. The team acts for many of the world's best-known brands, and maintains a strong base of clients across sectors such as luxury and consumer goods, insurance, life sciences and TMT, such as Ping An Group, PCCW and Alibaba Group. It benefits from an in-house patent team that is qualified to prosecute patents across Europe, the USA and the wider Asia region. In addition, the team is equipped to advise on data privacy and protection matters.
Strengths
"Deacons' China team is reputable for its in-depth knowledge of PRC IP laws. The lawyers are able to provide detailed analysis and practical advice."
"Deacons is able to provide well-rounded strategies and tactics in dealing with our IP matters."
Work highlights
Deacons defended telecommunications conglomerate PCCW in a patent infringement lawsuit in Hong Kong.
Notable practitioners
Charmaine Koo co-heads the IP department from Deacons' base in Hong Kong. She has a distinguished reputation and continues to offer an impressive clientele expert advice on a wide range of IP matters, from patent, trade mark and copyright infringement cases to portfolio management and data protection matters. "She is approachable and experienced in dispute resolution. We have no doubt about, and rely on, her litigious experience and judgement without hesitation." "Charmaine Koo is one of the most impressive IP individuals in Hong Kong. There are very few people who do proper IP litigation; Charmaine definitely does it. She has a good practice and is a good lawyer."
Annie Tsoi is well regarded for the depth of her experience in the IP field. She receives frequent mandates in the trade mark space, advising on prosecutions, enforcement actions and portfolio management. "She knows exactly what the clients' needs and concerns are, and is able to advise her clients on the market trends too, which is very much appreciated." "She is excellent at identifying issues and solving them."
Catherine Zheng offers expertise in a range of IP work, ranging from brand protection and portfolio management strategies to patent and trade mark disputes. Her expertise is highly sought after by companies based in Mainland China and Hong Kong, especially those in the pharmaceutical and technology industries. "Catherine is a sophisticated IP practitioner. She is willing to spend time understanding our business needs. As a result, she is able to provide pragmatic legal advice which fits our business development." "Catherine goes all the way to accommodate clients' needs and is always responsive."
Patsy Lau brings to bear extensive experience advising on trade mark portfolio management, filing strategy and brand management matters. Her client roster encompasses entities in various sectors such as consumer goods and insurance. "Patsy Lau has a good name in the market." "Patsy Lau is a trade mark expert."