Singled out for its expertise in commercial and regulatory TMT matters, Bird & Bird‘s broad offering covers NFT transactions, autonomous driving, cloud, IT and telecoms work. Fintech and payments mandates also continue to be a strength for a group that has seen an increase in instructions relating to data protection and privacy matters, namely security assessments. Leadership duties are split between Beijing-based partner James Gong and Wilfred Ng, who joined from Tencent in November 2022 and spearheads the corporate and commercial TMT team in Hong Kong. Matthew Laight’s caseload includes contentious and non-contentious IP matters, while Hank Leung’s IP know-how extends to mandates involving monetisation in China and across the APAC region. Calista Chiu is another key contact in the group. Clarice Yue left the firm in December 2022.
TMT in Hong Kong
Bird & Bird
Practice head(s):
James Gong; Wilfred Ng
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Laight; Hank Leung; Calista Chiu; Olivia Cheng
Testimonials
‘Bird & Bird provides quality service at a reasonable price. It has a strong TMT practice.’
‘Wilfred Ng is a strong technical lawyer who is prudent and gives practical advice. He is sincere and a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Riot Games
Water21 Holdings Limited
Hogan Lovells
Consumer brands, financial services clients and a wide array of players in the TMT sector turn to Hogan Lovells for assistance with issues concerning cyber security, open banking, cloud services and blockchain. Key types of work at the firm include market access analysis, regulatory advice and the drafting and review of commercial contracts; the team is also well-placed to draft and negotiate agreements for technology collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Mark Parsons spearheads the offering; his commercial and regulatory expertise extends to advising on technology and business process outsourcing projects. Eugene Low leads the Hong Kong IPMT practice and has focuses on IP and data privacy matters. Andrew McGinty handles transactional work in the TMT arena, while Tommy Liu advises on contractual arrangements for TMT-related projects. PJ Kaur and Katherine Tsang are also key contacts in the group.
Practice head(s):
Mark Parsons
Other key lawyers:
Andrew McGinty; Eugene Low; Tommy Liu; PJ Kaur; Katherine Tsang
Testimonials
‘Hogan Lovells is our go-to law firm for wider APAC data privacy, commercial and general regulatory work.’
‘The team is based in Hong Kong, co-led by Mark Parsons and Tommy Liu, and adopts a practical approach when handling complicated regulatory and compliance work and is able to navigate clients on implementing measures and handling business requests.’
‘Tommy Liu handles client relationship management, daily legal work, billing and other correspondence with our team in a professional manner, but also with a personal touch.’
Key clients
Kuaishou
ESGTech Pte. Ltd.
The Hong Kong Association of Banks, the trade organization representing banks in Hong Kong
FTI Consulting
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
HSBC
Work highlights
- Advised Kuaishou on its: (1) multi-jurisdictional and global data compliance project; and (2) launch of its live streaming video in various jurisdictions globally.
- Advised Singapore-headquartered start-up technology service provider ESG Tech on the launch of its next generation utility data exchange platform.
- Advised the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) in relation to the launch of Hong Kong’s Multiple Credit Reference Agency Model (MCRA).
Ashurst
Multinational corporates and financial institutions turn to the digital economy group at Ashurst for assistance on a broad array of multi-jurisdictional and multidisciplinary mandates covering corporate transactions, technology issues and regulatory matters. The team is also noted for its expertise in mandates concerning subsea power cables. Joshua Cole oversees the team and has demonstrable experience advising on network infrastructure-related transactions in Asia. Strategic transaction structuring and digital assets stands out as a key focus for counsel Hoi Tak Leung.
Practice head(s):
Joshua Cole
Other key lawyers:
Hoi Tak Leung
Key clients
Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook)
Tencent Group
Lightstorm Telecom Connectivity Private Limited
Tung Wah Group of Hospitals
Hang Seng Bank
Walsin Lihwa Corporation
DBS
Vitasoy
OKEx
Rego Interactive Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Assisting Meta Platforms on its digital infrastructure and sub-sea telecoms projects across Asia and internationally.
- Advised Walsin Lihwa on its joint venture with NKT HV Cables AB to construct the first subsea power cable factory in Taiwan.
- Advised Tung Wah Group of Hospitals on the establishment and launch of its non-fungible tokens marketplace.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie's TMT practice is well-placed to deliver transactional and advisory advice, with demonstrable experience in data privacy compliance matters, technology-related transactions and disputes. Key clients include social media operators, e-commerce platform operators, banks, and entertainment and telecoms companies. Co-head of the practice Lex Kuo sits in the firm’s global TMT steering committee; the seasoned practitioner is frequently engaged by Chinese technology companies for assistance on regulatory and transactional projects encompassing IP and new media content licensing agreements. Shanghai-based co-head Zhenyu Ruan acts for clients ranging from multinational fashion companies to financial institutions, in expansion and cross-border efforts across the Asia Pacific region. Dominic Edmondson is singled out for his expertise in IT advisory mandates, while Grace Gao is a key contact for clients in the gaming, media, entertainment and IT sectors. Paolo Sbuttoni left the firm in February 2023.
Practice head(s):
Lex Kuo; Zhenyu Ruan
Other key lawyers:
Dominic Edmondson; Grace Gao
Key clients
Agoda
Becton Dickinson & Co
Bose Corporation
Chanel
Gulf Innova Company Limited
Porsche
UBS
Work highlights
- Counselled UBS in its role as distributor and custodian on the issuance of a blockchain-based tokenized bond.
- Advised Chanel on technology-related regulations in Hong Kong and Mainland China, including concerning platforms, online consumer law, artificial intelligence, metaverses, cyber security, NFTs, blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
- Advised Gulf on a joint venture with a major digital asset exchange firm originating in China and the drafting of a technical services agreement between the JV and the regulated Thai entity of the exchange.
Clifford Chance
Clifford Chance is well-placed to advise on transformational technology projects, platform collaborations and TMT transactions, in addition to regulatory issues relating to the implementation of technologies such as blockchain and AI. The team is co-headed by the Singapore-based Stella Cramer, who joined in April 2023 from Norton Rose Fulbright, and Ling Ho, whose contentious and non-contentious practice extends to technology-related IP litigation and licensing issues. Fang Liu specialises in TMT work with a capital markets dimension and counsel Clarice Yue joined from Bird & Bird in December 2022, and advises on cross-border data transfer issues in the context of the rolling out of digital platforms.
Practice head(s):
Stella Cramer; Ling Ho
Other key lawyers:
Fang Liu; Clarice Yue
Key clients
Linmon Media Limited
Tencent
Huitongda Network Co., Ltd.
Shokz (formerly AfterShokz)
Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd.
JF Wealth Holding Ltd.
Dingdang Medicine Express Technology Group Company Limited
Qingdao AInnovation Technology Co. Ltd.
Weimob Inc.
Gotion High Tech Co., Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd. on its $807m initial public offering and listing on the mainboard of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
- Advised Tencent as lead investor in the Series B fund raising round of Flip, Indonesia’s leading consumer payments platform.
- Acting for a leading Chinese smartphone maker (as Respondent) in a TMT-related, Hong Kong-seated HKIAC arbitration for more than $160m brought by a prior joint venture partner.
DLA Piper
With demonstrable experience advising on mandates relating to telecoms and technology, DLA Piper acts for fintech entities, platform operators, financial services clients, insurance companies and telecoms operators on a range of matters, including collaboration transactions, e-money and online payment systems projects, data privacy and market and financial data-related agreements. Lauren Hurcombe leads the practice and is praised for her ‘clear understanding of what the customer needs now and in the future’. Yue Lin Lee is singled out for her expertise in IT outsourcings and technology contracts, while Venus Cheung advises on a wide range of APAC technology and data matters. Alice Li left the firm in April 2023.
Practice head(s):
Lauren Hurcombe
Other key lawyers:
Yue Lin Lee; Venus Cheung
Testimonials
‘A clear understanding of the expectation from the client. Solutions and advice is practical. A mindset to understand the client and the environment first before legal advice is given.’
‘Lauren Hurcombe, a trusted legal adviser and partner with a clear understanding of what the customer needs now and in the future.’
Key clients
HSBC
Ping An Technology / OneConnect
LEGO
China Telecom
Olympus
The Hut Group
Hilton
Telus
Iron Mountain
Lightricks
NBA
Oracle
Symbio
Adobe
Northern Trust
MoonActive
Science 37
CurrencyFair
Vayyar
Work highlights
- Advising a leading insuretech company on the negotiation of a first-generation, multi-jurisdictional outsourcing of its global back and mid-office functions.
- Advising an international drinks manufacturer on the formation and operation of a joint venture to expand operations in the Greater China region.
- Advising Symbio on its telecoms licensing and network requirements in connection with its cloud communication and UCaaS services across Asia.
Gibson Dunn
Technology-driven transformational projects, outsourcing, privacy and cyber security are key areas of expertise for Gibson Dunn’s TMT practice. The team has also seen an increase in mandates concerning digital infrastructure. Connell O’Neill leads the group and is noted for his experience in digital transformation projects, while private equity expert Scott Jalowayski is well-versed in cross-border technology-related transactions. Nate Hancock is frequently tasked with the drafting of domestic and international technology and commercial agreements, and Nick Hay boasts the practice's transactional capability.
Practice head(s):
Connell O’Neill
Other key lawyers:
Scott Jalowayski; Brian Schwarzwalder; Nate Hancock; Nick Hay
Testimonials
‘Good knowledge of the industry.’
‘Connell O’Neill and his team have a very good knowledge of towers in the Philippines and how the contracts between a telecom operator and a towers operator work generally.’
‘Very strong team with diversified backgrounds. Know how to split up the work and then present as a team. Extremely focused on delivering the desired target and will do what is required to get it done.’
Key clients
MVP Group of Companies
Nokia Corporation
PCCW Limited
E& Group / Etisalat
Zoom
NetEase
Meta (Facebook) / Edge Network Services Limited
Amazon Group
I Squared
TPG Capital
KKR
IPI Partners
Kuwait Food Company (Americana) LLC
Senko Advanced Components
Sequoia Capital India
Western Digital Corporation
Platinum Equity Advisors, LLC.
King & Wood Mallesons
With a strong portfolio of contentious and non-contentious work, King & Wood Mallesons acts for clients in the financial services, energy, software and media sectors on a broad range of TMT matters, including system procurements, network access agreements and disputes, in addition to M&A transactions and technology-related collaborations. Other key areas of expertise include fintech mandates and regulatory issues, with additional experience in token offerings and technology licensing matters. Practice lead Peter Bullock frequently provides regulatory advice on cyber risks, data law and the digital economy, while Urszula McCormack advises on digital and blockchain mandates arising out of the financial services sector. Francois Tung is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
Peter Bullock
Other key lawyers:
Urszula McCormack; Minny Siu; Francois Tung
Testimonials
‘The team is responsive and commercial in their advice.’
‘King & Wood Mallesons’ team led by Peter Bullock has been stable and reliable. They are highly skilled, understand the client’s needs and are not afraid of speaking up.’
‘Urszula McCormack leads the team and is fantastic to work with.’
Key clients
Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority / |eMPF Platform Company Limited
The Hong Kong Association of Banks
Bank for International Settlements
The World Bank
Ping An OneConnect Bank (Hong Kong) Limited
HSBC
Bit Digital
Akamai Technologies Hong Kong Limited
ECARX (Hubei) Technology Co Ltd
Bosch Automotive Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising the Government of Hong Kong SAR’s Monetary Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) on the implementation of the innovative eMPF Platform.
- Acting as lead counsel for the Hong Kong Association of Banks in supporting regulatory reforms in line with the government’s digital transformation strategy and the Fintech 2025 strategy of the HKMA.
- Acted as lead counsel to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) on Project mBridge, which successfully piloted a landmark new blockchain-based platform for cross-border transactions.
Mayer Brown
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.
Practice head(s):
Gabriela Kennedy
Other key lawyers:
Amita Haylock; TL Lim; Joshua Woo
Testimonials
‘Amita Haylock is a standout. She’s commercial, responsive and is always willing to roll up her sleeves to get the job done. We are happy to trust her with both small and large mandates – she takes the time to know the business well, and is always looking to provide strategic but actionable advice.’
Key clients
Soramitsu,
University of Hong Kong/ Versitech Limited (HKU’s patent licensing arm)
Mirae Asset Global Investment
Corney & Barrow
Alibaba and its subsidiaries and member companies
AsiaSat
Airport Authority Hong Kong
Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
Charlotte Tilbury
Air8, a subsidiary of the Li & Fung Group
Metlife
China Life Insurance (Overseas)
MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong)
Chubb Life Insurance
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Morrison Foerster
A slew of blue-chip TMT companies and start-ups turn to Morrison Foerster for assistance on mandates, including technology-related transactions, outsourcing and IP licensing arrangements. The firm is also a key destination for technology investors and technology companies looking for advice concerning the Chinese regulatory landscape, while financial services and health science clients are among those who entrust the team to handle data privacy issues. A trio of partners head up the practice, with Hong Kong-based Gordon Milner singled out for his expertise in online services in China. In Shanghai, fellow co-head, Chuan Sun specialises in transactional work including technology collaborations; and Paul McKenzie, who completes the leadership trio, divides his time between Shanghai and Beijing and is well-placed to advise investors based outside of Asia on strategic investments into China. In Hong Kong, Marcia Ellis and Gigi Yuen are key contacts for private equity mandates and technology-related transactions respectively.
Practice head(s):
Gordon Milner; Paul McKenzie; Chuan Sun
Other key lawyers:
Marcia Ellis; Gigi Yuen; Tyler Xiu; Sarah Wang
Key clients
Airbnb
Alibaba Group
Dairy Farm
Oracle
Princeton Digital Group
Roblox
SoftBank
SoftBank Vision Fund
Verizon
Unity
Work highlights
- Advised SoftBank Group Corp. and SoftBank Vision Fun on their acquisition of a substantial interest in Arm China, as a necessary step enabling the planned listing of Arm Limited.
- Represented Roblox in the structuring and establishment of its joint venture with Tencent and the launch and ongoing operations of the Roblox platform.
- Advised Amperex Technology Limited in its RMB14bn joint ventures for mid-size battery cells and packs and $1.5bn technology cross-license arrangement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited.
Norton Rose Fulbright
With demonstrable experience in the financial services, fintech, retail, leisure, and transportation sectors, Norton Rose Fulbright's technology and innovation team is active across a broad spectrum of TMT work, spanning technology agreements, outsourcing transactions, cryptocurrency regulation, DeFi products and internet regulatory issues. Practice head Anna Gamvros is a key figure behind the firm’s recognised expertise in cyber breach response and compliance. Gamvros frequently works alongside fintech expert Etelka Bogardi, who is well-versed in the regulatory challenges faced by digital asset exchanges and wider blockchain projects. US and Hong Kong-qualified lawyer Harold Tin is frequently involved in equity and debt capital markets transactions, while Ruby Kwok and Edward Yau further boast the practice's expertise in data protection.
Practice head(s):
Anna Gamvros
Other key lawyers:
Etelka Bogardi; Harold Tin; Ruby Kwok; Edward Yau
Key clients
Bybit
Gaw Capital Partners
Deliveroo
Tencent
Work highlights
- Advised Bybit on its entry into UAE market, assisting the company in setting up new locations for its technology and software business, investment arm and headquarters in the UAE.
- Advised Gaw Capital Partners on a series of investments which includes supporting the growing of one of its financed groups to become the premier cyber security incident response business in Asia.
CMS
CMS’ technology, media and communications group covers a wide range of fintech, entertainment and technology-related mandates ranging from commercial transactions and agreements to data privacy and payments matters. Assisting early-stage start-ups to scale is another key area of expertise. Leadership is split between life sciences and healthcare specialist Nick Beckett and Jonathan Chu, whose diverse practice spans R&D advisory mandates, tokenisation and regulatory licensing issues. Mengyi Chen and Candy Tong are also key contacts in the group.
Practice head(s):
Nick Beckett; Jonathan Chu
Other key lawyers:
Mengyi Chen; Candy Tong
Key clients
Baidu
BeiGene
Bitmain
Gamestop
Hitachi
Hundsun Ayers Technologies Limited
Rice Robotics
ShopBack
Toshiba
Samsung
Yunnan Baiyao
Work highlights
- Advising one of the Chinese and now global internet giants on the RMB settlement payment solutions to its e-commerce products launched in Middle East region.
- Advising an international electronics and consumer products company on a range of matters including commercial agreements, IP protection, international distribution agreements, data privacy and various infringement matters.
- Advising an international digital assets custodial services company in relation to the tokenisation of digital assets, and various projects including a tokenisation project with e-commerce platforms.
Deacons
Deacons’ TMT practice covers data protection and privacy, telecoms transactions and an array of media and entertainment matters, including film rights distribution issues. The team also boasts a strong contentious offering, frequently handling litigation, arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution in the TMT arena. Machiuanna Chu and Charmaine Koo jointly lead the practice. The former is a key contact for cross-border investment transactions and the latter frequently leverages her contentious experience to assist clients in investigations by and appeals against the Privacy Commissioner. Ian Liu is noted for his expertise in digital assets, while local law compliance issues form part of Amy Chung’s diverse work portfolio.
Practice head(s):
Machiuanna Chu; Charmaine Koo
Other key lawyers:
Ian Liu; Amy Chung; Theresa Luk
Testimonials
‘The team is very familiar with issues such as telecommunications business qualifications, and can provide professional legal advice.’
Key clients
Amazon
Amazon Data Services Hong Kong Limited (AWS)
AP Rental Limited (AP Rental)
Facing East Entertainment Group
HashKey Digital Asset Group Limited
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
iDendron
Paymentus Corporation
Eversheds Sutherland
Eversheds Sutherland’s technology practice boasts a strong workload for TMT clients, ranging from major multinationals to emerging start-ups. The team handles innovative and strategic technology transactions, in addition to digital transformation projects, and has experienced growth in mandates concerning technology outsourcing and digital currencies. Rhys McWhirter leads the team and advises on data privacy and digital payments matters, while ethical issues in AI development is a key area of expertise for Frankie Tam. Other key contacts in the group include Philip Chow and Kenny Tam.
Practice head(s):
Rhys McWhirter
Other key lawyers:
Frankie Tam; Philip Chow; Kenny Tam
Key clients
Thought Machine
Bittrade
Stanley Black & Decker
Global Shipping Business Network
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Orange Business Services
Signant Health
AXA
Work highlights
- Advised Thought Machine on various strategic core banking transformations with leading global financial institutions across Asia.
- Advised Stanley Black Decker on complex data privacy compliance matters across Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, Singapore, Vietnam and Taiwan
- Advised a Consortia of Global Banks in Hong Kong in relation to the cross-border connectivity of eTradeConnect, a cross-border trade finance platform underpinned by distributed ledger technology.
Haldanes, Solicitors and Notaries
Haldanes, Solicitors and Notaries’s media and entertainment group is praised for its ‘understanding and insights’ in the film, television and music industries. Representative work for the team ranges from financing and distribution to artist and talent agreements. Practice head John McLellan is a regional powerhouse for commercial transactions in the APAC region, while Michael Leow’s expertise lies at the intersection between corporate and commercial law and media. Regulatory issues concerning internet streaming and broadcasting make up part of Weiken Yau’s practice and Anthony Leung is another key contact in the group.
Practice head(s):
John McLellan
Other key lawyers:
Weiken Yau; Michael Leow; Anthony Leung
Testimonials
‘John McLellan and his team at Haldanes have deep understanding and insights in the subject matters and has been instrumental in helping our firm navigate the complicated landscape.’
‘John McLellan takes time to fully understand the issues at hand and comes up with solutions regardless of the difficult nature of the matters at hand.’
Key clients
3125c HK Co. Ltd/CLOT/Edison Chen
Animoca Brands Limited
blackx Pte Ltd
Kobalt Music
Lam Ka Him Terence 林家謙
MOFO MUSIC LIMITED
Mount Bina Holdings Ltd
Thriving Influence Limited
Wave Films Pte Ltd.
ANTA International Limited
Giraffe Pictures Pte Ltd
Cathay Film Company Pte. Ltd.
The Klockworx Co. Ltd
CJ ENM Hong Kong Limited
Brain Motion SAS
Base Entertainment Indonesia
Work highlights
- Advising Blackx Music Fund on its corporate structure and the acquisition of a music publishing portfolio in Taiwan.
- Advising Kingpyn Holdings Limited and Mount Bina Holdings Limited on various agreements and their corporate structure.
- Advising ANTA International Limited on its sponsorship agreement and endorsement agreement with NBA player Klay Thompson.
Pinsent Masons
Pinsent Masons acts for domestic and international clients on contentious and non-contentious mandates concerning technology, cybersecurity and data protection. The practice is led by Jennifer Wu, who joined the firm’s partnership in May 2023 and is well-regarded for her expertise in cross-border disputes in the technology sector. Wu is supported by Joyce Chow, who boasts a robust non-contentious practice and advises technology companies on commercial and regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Jennifer Wu
Other key lawyers:
Joyce Chow; Sara Chan
Testimonials
‘Jennifer Wu has a clear understanding of the issues, is eloquent and good at problem solving.’
Key clients
Marubeni Hong Kong & South China Limited
Litegrid Holdings Limited
Dialogue In the Dark (HK) Foundation Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising Marubeni & South China Limited on a number of litigation and insolvency matters.
- Representing Litegrid Holdings in High Court litigation related to the transfer of an indefeasible rights of use of a fibre optic communications network in Hong Kong.
- Collaborated with NGO Dialogue in the Dark Foundation (DIDF) to enable it to access the burgeoning non-fungible tokens (NFT) market.
Tanner De Witt
A strong focus on founder representation is the defining feature of Tanner De Witt’s TMT practice. Partnerships with government bodies, accelerator and incubation programmes mean that the team is well-positioned to advise founders and their businesses from early stage, expansion and, if necessary, exit. Practice leader Pádraig Walsh is well-versed in issues concerning licensing, technology procurement and corporate transactions in the TMT arena, while Tara Chan is singled out for her expertise in data privacy.
Practice head(s):
Padraig Walsh
Other key lawyers:
Tara Chan
Key clients
Coinweb
Blockfort
Brinc Ltd
Bowtie
Betatron Venture Group
DPO Consulting
Earnings International
Atome
Work highlights
- Advised Advance X Pte Ltd different areas of law, such as payment regulations, money lending regulations, retail payment system and stored value facility regulations.
- Advised Earnings International on all aspects of legal concept, design and implementation of an online e-commerce source, ship and supply business.
- Advised a global US telecoms company on licensing and regulatory requirements in Hong Kong, both in respect of equipment presently in Hong Kong, on market entry in Hong Kong.