Mayer Brown

Firm Overview:

Mayer Brown has “a long history” in China, and “deserves to be on this list”, say peers. The full-service firm mainly serves international companies and a number of globally recognised brand names, including Adidas. The Intellectual Property and Technology, Media and Telecommunications (IP & TMT) team offer a full range of trademark services, advising on brand protection, rebranding, and enforcement to maximise the value of clients’ portfolios. Lawyers in China coordinate with the wider Mayer Brown team across Asia to advise clients entering the market and are currently managing 40,000+ trademarks in the continent.

Team Overview:

Of its three locations in Greater China, Mayer Brown’s “foothold in Hong Kong is very strong”. Gabriela Kennedy is the head of the practice in Asia and co-leader of the global IP practice and has advised well-known clients for years in a range of sectors. Though based in Hong Kong, Kennedy works alongside the Beijing IP Agency and is adept in enforcement strategies against counterfeiters and brand hijacking in mainland China. Her practice extends into advising on brand management across Asia Pacific. Also experienced in domain names, Kennedy has drafted 600+ domain name complaints.

Also in Hong Kong is Amita Haylock, part of the IP & TMT group, who advises clients on all IP rights, including trademarks. Michelle Lee is head of brand management for Asia, and has particular expertise in Hong Kong and China. Lee advises on global trademark prosecution, opposition and cancellation matters and has written on multiple emerging IP topics in Greater China. Former China Trademark Office attorney Zhao Chunchun heads Mayer Brown’s Beijing IP Agency and has worked on a number of high-profile matters for famous international brands in China, and has experience in trademark prosecution and administrative litigation.

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