Azmi & Associates Appoints Two (2) New Partners, Strengthening IP and Litigation Capabilities

Hafiz is the founding and principal partner of HZC since 2018, where he has established a respected specialist practice in intellectual property (IP), litigation, and dispute resolution. Hafiz has authored and contributed to several practitioner-focused publications, reinforcing his standing in the IP legal community. He is the author of “A Practical Guide on Trademark Registration in Malaysia” book, which was published in November 2025 by Sweet & Maxwell (Thomson Reuters) Malaysia.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and a Master of Intellectual Property from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He is currently pursuing a PhD, reflecting his strong commitment to thought leadership and the advancement of IP jurisprudence.

His experience covers a broad range of IP disputes, including copyright infringement involving creative works and design concepts; trademark disputes relating to misrepresentation, passing off, and brand ownership; patent infringement involving the unauthorised making, use, or commercialisation of protected inventions; and industrial design infringement concerning the replication of registered designs. He also regularly advises on disputes between former business partners, particularly where intellectual property assets are central to the conflict.

Hafiz works closely with enforcement authorities on IP infringement matters, including assisting the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in raids and anti-counterfeiting enforcement. He has also handled numerous licensing, commercialisation, and royalty engagements with higher learning institutions and research bodies, including UKM, particularly in matters involving technology transfer and IP monetisation.

Beyond legal practice, Hafiz is actively involved in professional development and training. He is a certified trainer with the Human Resources Development Corporation and contributes to capability-building initiatives aimed at promoting awareness, understanding, and responsible use of intellectual property across industries.

Previously, he was a Partner at Khairil Ahmad & Co. and Adnan Sharida & Associates, and began his legal career as a pupil at RamRais & Partners. His experience across multiple platforms has given him a well-rounded perspective on litigation, client advisory work, and firm leadership.

Hadi is an accomplished civil and commercial litigator with robust experience across all levels of the Malaysian judiciary.

His portfolio includes significant exposure to high-stakes commercial, utilities-related, and public law disputes, reflecting both technical sophistication and practical litigation strategy.

His entry into the Partnership is expected to further elevate the Firm’s capacity to manage complex mandates and deepen client confidence in our dispute resolution services.

Prior to joining Azmi & Associates, Hadi served as a Partner at Messrs. Steven Thiru, bringing with him a highly regarded litigation pedigree and a strong track record in high-value and complex disputes.

Hadi holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in June 2009.

Over the course of more than 17 years in practice, he has developed extensive litigation experience spanning contractual and commercial disputes, negligence and tort claims, land and property matters, administrative and public law (including judicial review proceedings), employment and industrial relations disputes, as well as construction and infrastructure-related litigation.

He has consistently demonstrated courtroom credibility, having appeared regularly before the High Court and the appellate courts, including in a number of reported and precedent-setting matters. His advocacy style combines technical precision, sound judgment, and disciplined litigation execution.

Hadi began his legal career with Messrs. Shook Lin & Bok, where he completed his pupillage in 2008 and was subsequently retained as an Associate following his admission to the Bar. Over the course of seven years, he progressed to the rank of Partner, reflecting sustained performance, professional growth, and measurable client impact.

During his formative years at the firm, he received mentorship from Mr. Steven Thiru, former President of the Malaysian Bar, which helped him develop a robust foundation in complex civil and commercial litigation.