Ms Gabriela Kennedy > Mayer Brown > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Lawyer Profile

Mayer Brown’s IP and TMT practice is well-regarded for its handling of IT and fintech projects, with the team frequently assisting on issues pertaining to fintech, regtech, AI and payments. Other key areas of expertise include cyber security and data privacy, in addition to regulatory telecoms matters. The team also advises on the establishment of virtual banks, cross-border data transfers and the implementation of fintech and e-commerce platforms. Practice leader Gabriela Kennedy handles data privacy mandates throughout Asia, as well as domain name and IT matters. Amita Haylock stands out for her expertise in cross-border arbitrations involving licensing, technology and IP issues, while TL Lim is a key contact for cybersecurity work extending to response strategies after catastrophic accidents. Joshua Woo, who advises on technology-related transactions, is another key contact in the group.

Mayer Brown has strong regulatory capabilities when acting on mandates concerning national security and data security requirements within Hong Kong, and the implications of the PIPL. The group is also known for handling procedures in relation to ransom demands. The well known Gabriela Kennedy leads the team, and is noted for her experience in handling cyber incident responses, often advising on post incident strategies and responses to customers and regulators. Kennedy has broad expertise in the privacy aspects of digital transformation projects, including issues such as data audits, the sovereignty of data, and adequacy assessments under Hong Kong national security rules and GDPR. With ‘unparalleled‘ experience, TL Lim takes a ‘dynamic‘ approach when acting as a breach coach in notifications and communication strategies, often conducting workshops with international corporations.

Leveraging its strong credentials in Hong Kong and on Mainland China, Mayer Brown is accomplished at advising clients from a range of sectors including financial services, construction, manufacturing, retail, luxury and fashion, in relation to both regional and global IPR protection. On the litigation front, a particular strength is the firm’s ability to effectively mobilise local law and US law advice for Chinese clients on cross-border IP litigation, including as it relates to Section 337 of the International Trade Commission (ITC). Combining strong broad-based TMT knowledge with core IP experience, ‘very professional’ team head Gabriela Kennedy provides ‘sound advice’ to clients seeking to protect, enforce and commercialise their brands throughout Asia and beyond. In addition, Kennedy is well-versed in domain name disputes and has niche data privacy expertise. Amita Haylock is particularly adept at advising on IP issues arising within the software and technology sectors, including arbitration of copyright infringement and disputes arising out of licensing agreements. Counsel Michelle Yee has strong credentials advising on brand management matters.

Mayer Brown’s Hong Kong-based team offers advice on a diverse array of contemporary issues, from AI, blockchain, and virtual banking to cybersecurity and the nuances of fintech platforms. Gabriela Kennedy leads the team with her experience in handling data privacy and cybersecurity issues across various Asian jurisdictions, and proficiency in media litigation, IT sourcing, and telecoms regulations. Amita Haylock specialises in complex litigation and alternate dispute resolution, particularly in telecoms, broadcasting, IP, and competition law.

Mayer Brown‘s Hong Kong-based IP team has enviable roots in IP dispute resolution, handling matters pertaining to company hijacking, litigation and arbitration, most of which involve insolvency issues or cross-border elements. The department’s combined sectoral experience encompasses the financial services, construction, manufacturing, retail, fashion, real estate, hospitality, media, tech and telecommunications sectors. Team head and co-leader of the firm’s global IP practice Gabriela Kennedy is a towering figure in the IP and TMT fields; her clients include tech start-ups, media companies and universities. Other recommended individuals include Amita Haylock, whose IP expertise covers trademarks, copyright, designs and patents; and counsel Michelle Yee, who is head of brand management and specialises in the biotech sector.