The Chambers Asia Pacific 2016 rankings have been released and we are pleased to announce that we have maintained our strong rankings from last year and that Prasit Siricheepchaiyan and Rachel Tan have been listed as notable practitioners for the first time.
What the team is known for: A well-respected offering with core strength in China, as well as Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Aids clients on a variety of IP issues with a focus on infringement litigation in respect of patents and copyright, anti-counterfeiting matters and domain name disputes.
Work highlights: Assisted fashion brand Perigot with trade mark portfolio work, regional licensing advice and brand name disputes in China.
Successfully represented GS Yuasa, the Japanese battery manufacturer, against two trade mark squatters in Supreme Court litigation in Indonesia, securing the cancellation of the infringing marks.
Assists investment and trading company FX Evolution with its regional franchising programme.
Notable practitioners: Linda Chang in Shanghai is a key contact for the firm's China practice and Lisa Yong is co-head of department in Indonesia. Chris Vale heads the Vietnam practice and splits his time between Vietnam and China. Prasit Siricheepchaiyan heads the patent division in Thailand and Lisa Yong is co-head of the firm's Philippines practice.
Significant clients: BMW, Christian Dior, adidas, Richemont, Mars.
What the team is known for: Substantial group with practitioners working from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Active across all aspects of IP issues, with an especially good reputation for trade mark enforcement and protection work. A high-profile clientele includes a number of leading technology companies.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"They offer some of the most comprehensive, professional legal opinions I have come across."
"They are certainly a trade mark powerhouse."
Work highlights: Acted for All Saints Retail in defending an opposition decision in favour of the client by the Hong Kong Trade Marks Registry, successfully convincing the High Court to dismiss the appeal by APGL.
Acted for Magpul Industries in civil actions against Ji Junwu for trade mark infringement before the Xiamen Intermediate Court, which resulted in a settlement agreement between the parties.
Notable practitioners: Elliot Papageorgiou has a focus on cross-border work, and often acts for European clients in relation to IP portfolio management and litigation in Asia. He is also noted for his anti-counterfeiting expertise. Elliot is ranked Band 3.
Shanghai-based practitioner Linda Chang offers a wealth of experience regarding trade mark registration and enforcement. She is additionally noted for her work in the area of domain name disputes and is ranked Band 4
Rachel Tan's work in China centres on trade mark enforcement, brand clearance and protection. Sources speak very highly of her, noting: "She has proven herself on many occasions" and "is very strong in IP prosecution." Rachel is ranked Band 4.
Significant clients: Starbucks, BMW, Christian Dior Paris, Philips.
What the team is known for: A pre-eminent firm, admired for its deep experience across the spectrum of IP matters. Particularly strong in contentious work, with expertise in anti-counterfeiting and trade mark enforcement actions. Also handles patent filings.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The team functions well, everyone willingly steps up. They have a good diversity of experience levels, so both complex and simpler matters each receive the proper amount of attention."
"They're a strong player, particularly for their contentious work."
Work highlights: Successfully acted for Cintas Sentul Raya in the Supreme Court in a patent invalidation action against a patent in respect of heat insulation technology.
Represented Yuasa Corporation in trade mark disputes against two battery manufacturers, brought before the Supreme Court.
Notable practitioners: Foreign legal consultant Kin Wah Chow is well respected by interviewees for his "excellent customer service and creative approach." He has a wealth of international experience, having previously practised in Singapore, Hong Kong and Mainland China. In a recent highlight, he assisted Harley-Davidson with its anti-counterfeiting campaign in Indonesia, involving numerous enforcement actions. Kin Wah is ranked Band 1.
Well-respected practitioner Gunawan Suryomurcito is highlighted by peers for his vast experience in all aspects of both contentious and non-contentious IP matters. One impressed commentator states: "We see him as the person to look up to in this space." Gunawan is ranked Band 1.
Significant clients: adidas International Marketing, Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, Starbucks.
What the team is known for: Provides a full range of IP services, offering particular expertise on contentious copyright and trade mark work and managing trade mark portfolios for an array of high-profile multinational clients. Thoroughly familiar with the procedures of the enforcement agencies, and also experienced in conducting litigation at Supreme Court and Court of Appeal level.
Work highlights: Acted for Jockey International with regard to the selling of counterfeits of its goods, arranging a raid action against an offending establishment and securing an undertaking to desist on the part of the owner.
Notable practitioners
Edmund Jason Baranda is ranked Band 2 and is noted for his in-depth patent knowledge and also specialises in enforcement actions. He has over 14 years' experience in the sphere and heads the firm's IP practice.
Significant clients: Association of American Publishers, Castrol, Harley-Davidson, Motion Picture Association, Schwan-Stabilo.
What the team is known for: Especially active on prosecution matters for big-name international clients. Notable experience handling contentious IP matters including patent and copyright disputes for local and international parties.
Notable practitioners
Peers report that Fabrice Mattei is "great on anti-counterfeiting and trade mark matters." He also handles patent prosecution and has a growing profile for geographical indications. Sources underscore his longevity in the Thai market. Fabrice is ranked Band 2.
Significant clients: Champagne, Jack Daniels’ Properties, Marriott, Siam Clement, Yum! Brands.
What the team is known for: Noted regional team advising household names on prosecution and enforcement mandates in Vietnam. Key industry sectors represented include food and drink, life sciences and IT. Recently active on significant anti-counterfeiting actions.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Our go-to firm for IP in Vietnam; we've had a very good experience."
"One of the very strong teams."
Work highlights: Represented the International Trademark Association through discussions concerning nationwide domain name disputes.
Advised Hermes on its opposition to another company's trade mark application, citing confusing similarity.
Notable practitioners
Department head Chris Vale is a key contact for IP matters.
Significant clients: adidas, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Mars, Yum! Brands.