Kevin Duan

Data Protection; Intellectual Property; Artificial Intelligence

Member of the PRC Bar & Member of the PRC Patent Bar

Kevin Duan is a Partner at Han Kun Law Offices in Beijing and is widely recognised for his work in data protection, intellectual property, and technology-related regulatory compliance. His practice focuses on advising multinational corporations and leading Chinese enterprises on complex, technology-driven and cross-border legal and regulatory matters.

Mr. Duan advises clients across a range of technology-intensive industries, including Internet platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), automobiles, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and financial services. Drawing on his multidisciplinary academic background and extensive professional experience, he is particularly noted for his ability to bridge law and technology. This combination of deep technical expertise and legal acumen enables him to analyse and resolve complex legal issues arising from emerging technologies with clarity and precision, placing him among a small group of practitioners in China capable of delivering comprehensive advice on technology-driven, cross-border matters.

At Han Kun Law Offices, Mr. Duan focuses on three principal areas of practice:

• Data Protection and Cybersecurity Compliance

With the increasing complexity of cross-border data transfer regulations and the implementation of China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), Mr. Duan has become a key advisor to both multinational and Chinese companies navigating China’s stringent data protection regime. He regularly assists clients with data mapping, regulatory filings, cross-border data transfer assessments, and compliance with PRC cybersecurity review, personal information audit,and security assessment requirements.

• Intellectual Property Law

Mr. Duan handles both contentious and non-contentious IP matters, with particular emphasis on high-stakes IP litigation, licensing, and complex transactional work. Leveraging his engineering background, he is uniquely positioned to address the sophisticated technical issues that frequently arise in technology-driven IP transactions and disputes.

• Regulatory Compliance: Kevin Duan plays a crucial role in helping clients understand and comply with China’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape for emerging technologies, such as generative AI, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and cross-border data flows. His ability to merge technical knowledge with legal strategy makes him particularly sought after in regulatory matters involving complex technical infrastructures.

Mr. Duan advises a wide range of global clients on cross-border regulatory compliance, particularly in industries facing significant cross-border data challenges:

• Technology and Internet Platforms: He advises Chinese Internet giants and multinational tech firms on cross-border privacy and data security issues, particularly on how to comply with China’s PIPL while adhering to the GDPR in Europe and CCPA in the U.S.

• Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: He works with life sciences companies on cross-border issues, especially those involving data sharing for clinical trials and ensuring compliance with China’s security assessments for cross-border data transfers.

• Automobiles: Mr. Duan routinely works with some of the most known names in the automobile industry in their data and autonomous driving-related legal matters. Notably, Mr. Duan helps companies navigate through the complex mapping and survey data compliance requirements in China, which are critical for both car makers and autonomous driving solutions providers.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): As China ramps up its regulation of AI, Mr. Duan has become a central figure in helping AI firms comply with cross-border IP and data regulations, such as data localization, generative AI compliance, and AI algorithm filings.

• Semiconductors: With his technical background, Mr. Duan is well-positioned to handle legal matters in the semiconductor sector. He routinely advises semiconductor clients in their IP transactions, patent/trade secret litigations, and technology export control matters.

Through his work with these clients, Kevin Duan is at the forefront of China’s digital transformation and legal regulation of AI technologies, providing companies with the legal guidance they need to innovate responsibly.

Peking University

LL.M.

University of Southern California

Ph.D. in Engineering

Southeast University

B.Eng.

Leading Lawyer in TMT: Data Protection & Privacy

Chambers Greater China Region, 2023-2025

Leading Partner in Data protection

Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2026

Next Generation Partner in Data protection

Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2021-2025

Data Privacy Lawyer of the Year

(The Asia Legal Awards

2025

Top 15 Cybersecurity & Data Protection Lawyers

ALB

2023

Cybersecurity Lawyer of the Year

China Law and Practice, 2021-2022

China Top 15 Lawyers for Cybersecurity and Data Compliance

Legalband, 2020, 2022

Client Choice: Top 15 IP Versatile Practitioners

Legalband

2021