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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

CMS has a TMT practice group which is notable for its data protection expertise, showcasing robust experience in advising clients on regulatory compliance across the Asia-Pacific region, with a special emphasis on Greater China. Its expertise extends to cross-border data transfer regulations and data breaches.

Eversheds Sutherland has a solid offering in data compliance across China, the UK, the EU and other regions. It regularly advises clients on cybersecurity, data protection and cross-border data transfer matters. Its clientele spans various sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, fintech and aviation. Additionally, the team also offers expertise in commercial transactions and regulatory issues to international IT providers and fintech companies.

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.