SIPS

Firm Overview:

Established in 2012 by ex-Baker McKenzie US lawyer and regional stalwart, Joe Simone, SIPS is an IP boutique recognised by peers. SIPS assists clients of all sizes to manage their IP portfolios in Greater China, including the registration, enforcement and licensing of trademarks. The firm’s primary focus is the PRC (85%) but a number of its clients have related interests in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. SIPS also handles regional and global matters for its Asian clientele.

In 2021, SIPS became a member of Shanghai-based Sinofaith IP Group, one of the largest domestic IP protection service providers, with a patent agency, an investigation division and other IP-related businesses, such as valuation, licensing management, and technology consulting. SIPS operates independently but now offers a full range of IP services to clients. The firm plans further integration and expansion with market observers interested to see the impact of recent changes, and how the ambitious firm will develop in the future.

SIPS has been active recently on managing global trademark filing programmes, a successful claim of unfair competition, a criminal IP infringement case, a counterfeit goods investigation, a trademark counterfeit case, and successful trademark oppositions and invalidations.

Team Overview:

“Dynamic character” Joe Simone is the driving force of the firm and is acknowledged for his work in trademark prosecution, although he is also now seen to be active on firm development. Fans describe Simone as an “impressive thought leader” in the area. Simone focuses primarily on registry and enforcement work in the PRC. He also manages investigations and leads the government affairs practice of the firm. Hong Kong and regional matters are handled by partner Helen Tang, a “go-to person” for trademark prosecution in the territory. SIPS also has team members in Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver.

Joann Chan, partner and head of investigations and enforcement, joined in April 2022 with a team of 15 based in Shanghai/Guangzhou working with several household-name multinational clients. SIPS has a headcount of over 85 with offices in HK, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and a new Shenzhen office and is known to be actively recruiting new partner hires.