Global China Intellectual Property (International Firms)

DLA Piper LLP houses well-regarded IP practitioners with on-the-ground presence in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. Demonstrates skill in the full range of trade mark work, including opposition and infringement matters, as well as the enforcement of patent rights. Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and technology constitute core sectors of expertise, while the firm is also known for advising food and beverages, financial services, hospitality and consumer products companies. Highly experienced acting for international firms on trade mark issues related to inbound investments and divestments.

Noted group with offices in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. Hogan Lovells serves a high-calibre international clientele by working with its global network, and in association with Fujian Fidelity, in order to better service PRC clients on domestic matters. Notable experience across anti-counterfeiting, trade mark portfolio management and copyright infringement. Client roster includes companies in the luxury goods, real estate, consumer products, entertainment and TMT sectors.

Full-service IP group with notable expertise in cross-border patent litigation, including cases involving criminal prosecutions and damages claims. The Jones Day IP team also handles trade secrets litigation and technology licensing disputes, as well as IP portfolio management. Particularly experienced in work for technology and life sciences companies and a popular choice among US-headquartered clients. The firm also has an IP agency in Beijing to offer additional consulting services to PRC clients.

Mayer Brown is a respected practice that provides a wide range of IP services to a high-end client base, including many well-known Chinese and overseas brand owners. Known for its expertise in trade mark litigation and portfolio management, the team also enjoys a strong reputation for its commercial IP work, particularly in the field of copyright licensing. Also well equipped to advise on brand protection and management. Instructed by blue-chip clients in the fashion, consumer goods, telecommunications, technology and education sectors. Active on IP matters involving South-East Asian countries and the USA.

Clifford Chance is noted for its deft handling of both contentious and non-contentious patent and trade mark work, including experience in significant IP litigation and licensing issues. Also well placed to advise clients on IP issues stemming from acquisitions, joint ventures, investments and business expansion. Offers advice to clients in a range of sectors, including media, healthcare, food and beverage and financial services. Especially known for its comprehensive cross-border offering, thanks to its international network.

Norton Rose Fulbright houses an established Hong Kong-based team, well versed in managing large trade mark portfolios for blue-chip clients. Additionally active in a broad range of IP disputes, patent infringement and enforcement, software development agreements and domain name disputes, and also works on licensing issues. Manages a robust client portfolio including financial institutions and companies from the technology, logistics, life sciences and apparel sectors. Represents clients in both inbound and outbound work, and has a solid track record advising on the IP aspects of cross-border M&A. Also well placed to handle patent prosecution mandates.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is a well-respected practice that includes lawyers with a background in science and engineering. Especially noted for its work on patent infringements and anti-counterfeiting mandates, including cross-border work involving US and Chinese clients. Also experienced in trade secrets and unfair competition litigation. Acts for a range of key international players in the technology, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors, working closely with the firm's US offices.

Ropes & Gray houses a compact team with experience in a wide range of IP work, and notably focused on taking on significant cross-border transactional matters, as well as being skilled at handling patent infringement litigation and trade secret misappropriation disputes. Distinguished client following, including top pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies such as Zai Lab and Everest Medicines, as well as having a strong following in the technology and software sectors. Notably active on US-China matters and well versed in data privacy and technology transfer matters.

Stephenson Harwood houses a compact team with a notable presence both in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Advises international clients from the TMT, consumer goods and life sciences sectors on trade mark search and applications, oppositions and infringement proceedings, in addition to copyright litigation and trade secrets disputes. Additionally active on transactional matters, advising clients on IP aspects of M&A deals and joint venture agreements. Also advises on IP portfolios.

Vivien Chan & Co is a well-established boutique that works with both local and international companies to enforce IP rights across Greater China, with offices in Hong Kong and Beijing. Handles IP portfolio management as well as transactional IP mandates. In addition to its extensive trade mark prosecution practice, the team is also active on enforcement matters. Clientele includes a number of consumer goods, luxury retail and cosmetics brands.