Bird & Bird > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Firm Profile

Bird & Bird > The Legal 500 Rankings

Hong Kong > Intellectual property Tier 1

Remaining a strong provider of IP counsel, Bird & Bird is well-versed in handling contentious and non-contentious matters for its leading clientele. Its expertise extends across multiple industries and jurisdictions, demonstrating particular strengths within the technology, life sciences and healthcare sectors. The team is led by Hank Leung, a specialist in trade mark, product design and copyright within the sports and entertainment industry. Leung is closely supported by Shanghai-based Christine Yiu. Ted Chwu, who co-heads the global tech and comms group, excels in handling disputes. Alison Wong is head of the life sciences & healthcare sector for Asia Pacific, advising pharmaceutical companies on regulatory and IP matters. Matthew Laight is recommended for handling matters relating to standard essential patents. Recently promoted partner Victor Tse specialises in IP protection strategies.

Hong Kong > Data protection and cyber security Tier 2

With a great deal of experience in data protection, Bird & Bird stands out for representing key technology companies with day to day issues such as international policies and handling security breaches, as well as assisting high profile clients in the banking industry. Indeed practice head Wilfred Ng, who ‘understands the nuances of regional implementation and risks prioritisation‘, utilises experience working for a large technology conglomerate and is able to advise on complex regulatory matters in the industry. The group operates in a cross practice manner, incorporating TMT, IP, and regulatory focused advice. the former of which is an area of expertise for Michelle Chan.

Hong Kong > Labour and employment Tier 2

Fielding specialist employment lawyers focusing upon employment aspects of major spinoffs and employee transfer issues, the Bird & Bird practice routinely represents domestic and international corporations from across the life science and tech spaces. On the contentious side, the group has expertise in defending Labour Tribunal proceedings, often relating to contractual severance payments and sexual harassment claims. The team’s head Diana Purdy has vast knowledge on all elements of discrimination cases, restrictive covenants, and employment litigation, whilst Nathalie Sit and Sophie Wang stand out for their contentious and non-contentious employment work.

Hong Kong > TMT Tier 2

The TMT practice at Bird & Bird works on a mix of data protection and privacy projects, AI-related regulatory issues, and fintech matters for its international TMT client base. The firm also assists life sciences, automotive, and e-commerce clients with developments in the tech sector. Practice head Wilfred Ng is well-versed in corporate and commercial TMT matters and regularly advises clients on complex regulatory issues. The practice is also adept at managing global IP portfolios for tech clients.

China > Data protection: foreign firms Tier 2

Bird & Bird‘s data protection and privacy practice is led by Beijing-based James Gong, who specialises in advising international and Chinese clients on regulatory data protection issues. The team has been active in assisting clients with issues relating to the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and Data Security Law (DSL), and often advises on data compliance, data localisation and security assessments. The group is also experienced in supporting clients with cross-border matters and is well-versed in PRC, EU, UK and Hong Kong law.

China > Intellectual property: foreign firms

Bird & Bird‘s IP group is based across Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, enabling it to advise on complex multi-jurisdictional IP projects and litigations. The team excels in trade mark and copyright matters as well as patent litigation. Life sciences, healthcare, technology, retail, entertainment and sports are all specialised sectors served by the team, which is comprised of dual-qualified lawyers in areas such as engineering, computer science and medicine. Christine Yiu co-leads the unit from Shanghai and focuses on advising clients in cross-border IP disputes related to copyrights, invention patents, trade marks and designs. Meanwhile, IP specialist Hank Leung co-leads from Hong Kong. Dorie Wong is based in Beijing and is key to advising on brand protection strategy and trade mark portfolio management.  

China > Labour and employment: foreign firms

Spearheaded by the ‘excellent’ Diana Purdy, who shows an ‘in-depth knowledge’ of employment law affairs, the Bird & Bird team has vast expertise in handling discrimination, inequality, and sexual harassment claims. Purdy operates out of Hong Kong, while Shanghai-based Sophie Wang primarily focuses on negotiating employment contracts and separation agreements. Natalie Sit is also highlighted as key for her knowledge on unlawful dismissals, alongside breaches of restrictive covenants.

China > Life sciences and healthcare: foreign firms

Bird & Bird's international life sciences regulatory team advises on clinical trials, advertising, litigation, classification of medical devices, advanced therapy medicinal products, and marketing authorisations. The team is also well known for high-value litigation involving pharmaceutical and life science patents. Alison Wong heads up the firm’s Asia-Pacific life sciences and healthcare sector group from Hong Kong; while the workload of James Gong in Beijing encompasses compliance, privacy and cybersecurity issues.