East IP
Firm overview:
East IP, previously known as SIPS, is a leading IP firm in China offering extensive trademark and IP enforcement services. As of March 29, 2024, the trademark and IP enforcement teams from East IP Limited and Beijing East IP Limited have merged to operate under the single name "East IP," bringing together over 150 professionals. The firm's main offices are located in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
East IP stands out for its comprehensive trademark services, which encompass registration, enforcement, litigation, and strategic counselling. The firm has earned considerable recognition in the field of trademark law; international industry surveys have identified 23 members of their team as top practitioners. At the helm of East IP's esteemed trademark division are seasoned experts such as founding partner Joe Simone, as well as Zhang Yan and Jimmy Huang Jingwen, who joined with a team of 36 professionals from a prominent Chinese law firm.
Team overview:
East IP’s trademark team provides a comprehensive range of services centred around trademark clearance, registration, enforcement, and litigation. The firm addresses both domestic and international trademark issues with a focus on anti-counterfeiting measures, oppositions, invalidations, and strategic counselling. Utilising their proprietary database alongside extensive external resources enables them to conduct thorough clearance searches and investigations to identify potential risks in the prosecution and enforcement of trademarks.
The team is highly experienced in managing intricate trademark disputes, often representing clients before the Chinese Trademark Office (CTMO) and the Trademark Review and Adjudication Board (TRAB). Their expertise covers a wide range of issues including celebrity name protection, well-known mark recognition, and addressing bad faith trademark filings.
Joe Simone, the Partner and Founder of SIPS, which is now integrated with East IP, brings more than 36 years of expertise in helping both foreign and Asian companies navigate trademark registration and enforcement. He has played a pivotal role in championing enhanced trademark protections, especially against online infringements and bad faith registrations. Additionally, Simone serves as an arbitrator for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and has significantly contributed to major policy initiatives through his involvement with organisations such as the International Trademark Association (INTA) and the Quality Brands Protection Committee (QBPC).
Helen Tang specialises in strategic planning and management of international trademark portfolios, providing expert advice on trademark protection, enforcement, licensing, and acquisitions. Having previously worked with the Hong Kong Government’s Intellectual Property Department, she contributed to drafting Hong Kong's current Trade Marks Ordinance. Her proficiency spans managing diverse industry trademarks—ranging from fashion to pharmaceuticals and electronics. Tang is acknowledged as a top-tier trademark professional.
The hire of experienced practitioner Tracy Liu will be seen as a gain for the firm.
Individuals:
- Joe Simone, Outstanding (Non-contentious)
- Helen Tang, Recommended (Non-contentious)
