TMT: Data Protection & Privacy (International Firms) | Greater China Region

DLA Piper retains its prominent name in the IT space, especially for data privacy, cybersecurity and GDPR issues arising from artificial intelligence. It is well regarded for transactional and corporate advice on outsourcing, telecoms and data projects. The law firm maintains a strong client following, including financial institutions and multinational insurers, and has been proactive in taking on fintech mandates, with additional experience relating to digital gaming products and distribution. DLA Piper often advises clients outside TMT sectors on their technology needs. The firm's clients include Burberry, Levi Strauss and Symbio.

Morrison Foerster's technology transactions group handles an array of cutting-edge work spanning all areas of TMT, while being particularly acclaimed for outsourcing work. It is highly regarded for cross-border deals, especially involving high-end US clients looking to expand into the China market, as well as for domestic clients on outbound deals. The group frequently assists notable technology companies with regulatory issues relating to data privacy and cybersecurity, with particular expertise in e-payments and cloud services. It is especially well thought of for representing clients in the media, software, fintech and pharmaceutical industries. The firm's key clients include Roblox, Six Waves and Alpha Financial Technology Group.

The skilled TMT group of Hogan Lovells holds a proven track record advising multinationals on transactional, regulatory and contentious matters relating to artificial intelligence and e-commerce. It provides sophisticated advice on issues of data privacy and protection, regularly advising major Chinese corporates on cybersecurity. The law firm is recognised for its telecoms know-how, assisting operators and service providers with wide-ranging commercial and compliance issues. It is active in the licensing of intellectual property and other assets in the media and entertainment industries, and it offers a growing focus on fintech issues, including e-payments and open banking. The firm's key clients include FTI Consulting, HKEX and Kuaishou.

King & Wood Mallesons has a respected TMT outfit acting for players in the finance, energy, software and media sectors on instructions relating to system procurements, M&A transactions, joint ventures and collaborations in the technology space. It is equally noted for its capacity to litigate disputes in the TMT arena and is sought after for regulatory advice on questions of technology licensing, telecoms and data transfer. The law firm is also able to advise on fintech mandates, including token offerings, digital asset exchanges and data compliance, and is known for its breadth of coverage across the PRC and Hong Kong. The firm's key clients include HSBC Group, Nike China and Bit Digital.

Linklaters' TMT team offers strong expertise in data protection and transactional mandates. It advises clients in the financial services, IT, hospitality and FMCG sectors on cross-border data transfer, GDPR and related data compliance matters in China, the US, the EU and other regions. Additionally, the lawyers are experienced in handling general advisory and transactional work for companies in the fintech, telecoms and media spaces. The team's key clients include Asia Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA), Bank of East Asia and Standard Chartered Bank.

Mayer Brown wins impressive TMT instructions from a diverse array of clients and is supported by an equally impressive IP practice. The law firm deals with work ranging from complex outsourcing projects to IT agreements and licensing issues. Mayer Brown is highly sought after for advice on cybersecurity and data protection as well as fintech, e-commerce and AI-related mandates. It also acts for media and broadcasting entities on regulatory matters. The firm's key clients include the University of Hong Kong, Airport Authority Hong Kong and Air8.

Reed Smith is well known for its depth of experience in data compliance work. The firm works on the full range of compliance for multinational clients operating in China and elsewhere in the APAC region. The team is frequently mandated to advise regional clients on cross-border data transfer regulations and cybersecurity compliance.

The highly respected group of Bird & Bird serves big-league clients on matters across the TMT sector, including digital business and IT, and is a firm of choice for telecom regulatory compliance and commercial mandates. It is well regarded by a wide range of clients for specialist advice on local data protection issues in Hong Kong and in the PRC, as well as on GDPR compliance for outbound Chinese corporates. The group frequently represents large corporates in venture capital investments and mid-market M&A transactions, as well as a host of prominent telecoms companies, and is supported by a strong IP team. The firm's key clients include Riot Games, Sony and Water21 Holdings.

Tanner De Witt's TMT practice offers considerable experience in multi-jurisdictional technology transactions and offers technology businesses broad legal support through all stages of their growth and development. The firm is also able to advise clients on their data protection regulatory obligations. The firm includes companies such as Betatron Ventures Group, Bowtie Life Insurance and Earnings International among its key clients.