Legal500

Morrison & Foerster

33/F EDINBURGH TOWER, THE LANDMARK, 15 QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG

Washington DC, Walnut Creek, Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, San Francisco and 11 more

What we say about this firm…
What the firm says…

What we say about the firm's legal practice in Hong Kong

Capital markets (equity)

Within Capital markets (equity), Morrison & Foerster LLP is a third tier firm,

Dramatically enhanced by the arrival of senior US securities partner John Moore from Herbert Smith, Morrison & Foerster will have even greater credibility amongst ‘tier one’ investment banks. Clients highlight Moore’s abilities in ‘sticky situations’, especially in dealings with the regulators, and to ‘bridge the US and Hong Kong law issues nicely’. Historically, the firm has done well out of its standing amongst second tier banks such as BNP Paribas. It has excellent connections with mainland China and has an impressive flow of mid-market deals. Hong Kong partner Ven Tan has an excellent reputation.

Corporate (including M&A)

Within Corporate (including M&A), tier 5

Morrison & Foerster has a strong private equity heritage, while building a prominence in TMT and healthcare. It recently acted for Harbin Pharmaceutical on its acquisition of Pfizer’s swine vaccine business in China. Thomas Chou is the lead partner. Senior name Tien-yo Chao left to join Linklaters.

Intellectual property

Within Intellectual property Other recommended firms

Private equity

Within Private equity, Morrison & Foerster LLP is a third tier firm,

Morrison & Foerster has a fine PRC facing private equity practice, acting for clients such as Warburg Pincus, Carlyle Asia, ICBC International and CB International Asset Management. Venture capital deals are also still an important element of the practice. Thomas Chou and Charles Chau are key members of the team.

TMT

Within TMT, Morrison & Foerster LLP is a first tier firm,

Morrison & Foerster recently lost Nigel Stamp to Eversheds LLP, leaving Gordon Milner at the helm of the TMT practice. Nevertheless, the group maintains a range of Asian, European and US clients in the technology, financial services, insurance, life sciences, telecoms and media industries. Recent work highlights include advising Standard Chartered Bank on various projects, including the development and roll-out across 16 countries of a new Unit Trust system and an extension of the outsourcing of its Hong Kong ATM network facilities to G4S.

Further information on Morrison & Foerster LLP

Please choose from this list to view details of what we say about Morrison & Foerster LLP in other jurisdictions.

China

Offices in Shanghai and Beijing

United States

Offices in Washington DC, Walnut Creek, Sacramento, Palo Alto, New York, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and McLean

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Legal Developments in Hong Kong

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to

Well-Known Trade Marks in Hong Kong

A trade mark which is entitled to protection under the Paris Convention as a well-known trade mark can be protected under the Trade Marks Ordinance in Hong Kong.

- Wenping & Co.
Trade Mark Applications filed in Bad Faith in Hong Kong

Section 11(5)(b) of the Trade Marks Ordinance provides that a trade mark shall not be registered if the application for registration of it is made in bad faith. Recently, there are two decided trade mark cases where each of the Opponents has established a case of bad faith successfully.

- Wenping & Co.
MOFCOM Gets Serious About Unreported M&A Transactions

The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (“MOFCOM”) passed the Provisional Measures on the Investigation and Handling of Concentrations between Business Operators which were Not Notified in accordance with the Law (the “Provisional Measures”) on 30 December 2011, and uploaded them on its website on 5 January 2012.

- Hogan Lovells
China VIE structure for foreign investment under attack from multiple directions

will it emerge (relatively) unscathed or is its very survival threatened?

- Hogan Lovells
LIABILITY FOR DIRECTORS OF LISTED COMPANIES – NOT JUST FOR FRAUD

Article by Timothy Loh and Sherry Xiao

- Timothy Loh, Solicitors
Hedge fund euthanasia?

Are the Courts sealing the fate of struggling hedge funds too early or should they be given further time to recover and realize their potential for investors?

- Harney Westwood & Riegels
A Brief introduction to an amendment of the 2008 Patent Law

New provisions: "Prior Art" refers to an art publicly known within and outside the country before the filing date; while Prior Design refers to a design publicly known within and outside the country before the filing date. Prior Art include arts that are being publicly disclosed in publications worldwide, publicly used or made known to public in the country in any other manner before the filing date (or priority date, in case a priority is claimed)

- Wenping & Co.
BVI Securities and Investment Business Bill 2010 receives its first reading

The long-awaited Securities and Investment Business Bill, 2010 (commonly referred to as “SIBA”) received its first reading by the BVI House of Assembly on 18 March 2010. This follows public consultation in Summer 2009.

- Harney Westwood & Riegels
Cayman Investment Company Obtains Chapter 15 Protection in the United States

The United States’ Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has recognised the liquidation of a Cayman company, Saad Investments Finance Company (No5) Limited (“SIFCO5”) (an SPV established to operate as an investment company), as a “foreign main proceeding” under Chapter 15 of the United States’ Bankruptcy Code.

- Harney Westwood & Riegels
BVI to update Intellectual Property laws

As the British Virgin Islands continues to play a vital role in facilitating global trade and investment, it turns its attention to helping its more than 60,000 new companies per year build a business environment where innovation can be a key economic driver. Towards this end, the BVI Financial Services Commission (the “FSC”), which is the public body with responsibility for, among other things, administering the intellectual property laws of the BVI, announced on 5 January 2010 the establishment of a Focus Group to review and revise the existing IP laws

- Harney Westwood & Riegels