Fangda Partners

China

Review

Dispute resolution

Top-tier firm Fangda Partners continues to be a frontrunner, singled out for its strong track record and robust presence across the market. The firm focuses on handling high-profile, high-stakes and complex litigation with particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes including international arbitration. The firm also enjoys pre-eminence in the IP, regulatory and insolvency space.

Key figures in the dispute resolution team include Pu (Alexandra) Yang, Helen Shi, Nuo Ji and Kate Yin who specialise in IP, international arbitration, insolvency and government and regulatory matters respectively. Benjamin Miao, Daniel Huang and Peter Yuen are other key practitioners.

In commercial and transactions, the firm is representing an individual in multiple corporate governance disputes before various Chinese courts against a joint venture partner. Led by Partners Zheng Shanjian and Allen Fu, the matter involves over 20 civil litigation cases concerning shareholding structure, company control, and shareholder rights. The outcome of these ongoing cases will determine the control of a major corporate group with significant implications for its governance structure and operational control.

On the intellectual property front, the firm is acting for Apple Inc in a series of patent litigations against iRobot before multiple Chinese courts, including Shanghai High Court, Suzhou IP Court, and Fuzhou Intermediate People's Court. Led by partner Alexandra Yang, the matter involves patent disputes over Apple's SIRI system, with iRobot claiming Rmb10 billion ($1.4 billion) in damages – the highest damages claim in China's IP litigation history. The decade-long dispute continues with parallel proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, with the first-round invalidation decision being selected as a yearly case by CNIPA. The ongoing case's outcome will set significant precedents for major IP disputes in China.

The firm counts esteemed companies as litigation clients including China Life Asset Management Co, Everbright Jinhui Investment Management (Shanghai) Co, OPPO and Shanghai Jinxin Investment Advisory.

The firm’s dispute resolution practice has promoted Shanshan (Victoria) Heng, Qian Luo and Yongqi Tao to partners in June 2024.

Client feedback

"Always thinks from the client’s perspective and devotes unreserved efforts to achieve the best possible results for the client. Very experienced and professional in domestic and foreign dispute resolution, capable of managing foreign law firms, and upholds high ethical standards." – Commercial and transactions

"They provide an incredibly high level of legal service, balancing both the commercial aspects of what we aim to achieve with the necessary legal strategy." – Commercial and transactions

"Fangda Partners is very responsive and consistently provides customer-oriented legal services with skillful and experienced lawyers." – Construction

"The team provides strong support during legal proceedings, including strategic recommendations, risk analysis, and commercially sensible solutions that serve the best interests of our company." – Intellectual property

"The service rates are reasonable, and they are always willing to assist, even in very urgent circumstances. The IP team is fabulous as usual, offering constructive suggestions and solutions." – Intellectual property

"Highly experienced, with great knowledge, excellent communication, and structured, well-thought-out work products. They dive deep into risks from various perspectives, provide practical advice with consideration of the business context, and handle unexpected situations during interviews or negotiations appropriately." – White-collar crime

Allen Fu

"He is very insightful and manages his team and the process in a highly professional and capable manner."

Hans She

"Has in-depth knowledge of IP law and extensive experience in the field of pharmaceutical IP. Demonstrates high communication skills, provides well-thought-out advice within a short response time, and applies strategic thinking by incorporating business aspects into legal advice."

Muran Sun

"Always provides timely feedback and constructive suggestions."

Tony Xiang

"Always responds promptly and helps identify the right lawyer for different cases. Provides professional advice and timely reports while leading a highly experienced team to support our cases. The team consistently offers sensible and commercially practical solutions."

Alvin Xiao

"Alvin has profound professional knowledge in commercial dispute resolution. He is highly experienced in advising on complex issues and is always willing to go the extra mile to deliver the best results for his clients. Alvin has a rich professional network overseas, which has created significant value for us. He is my go-to litigator in China for disputes we cannot afford to lose."

Hexuan (Derrick) Zhao

"Derrick is a true professional with extensive legal and industry knowledge. He thinks deeply while providing clear and easily understandable opinions to business management. He manages the expectations of various stakeholders exceptionally well."