Fangda Partners

China

Address:
24/F, HKRI Centre Two, HKRI
Taikoo Hui 288 Shi Men Yi Road
Shanghai, 200041
China

Telephone:86 21 2208 1166
Fax:
Email:

Contact us


Quick facts:

Number of lawyers: 822
Number of partners: 182
Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese


One-firm Approach
 
Founded in 1993, Fangda Partners is a full-service law firm advising on PRC and Hong Kong laws. We have approximately 800 lawyers in our six offices in major Chinese cities: Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Nanjing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. We operate as a single, integrated partnership, not as an alliance of lawyers in different locations.
 
Our lawyers collaborate seamlessly across practice groups and locations to provide our clients with exceptional service, sophisticated advice and practical solutions founded on our legal expertise, sound knowledge of market practice, deep understanding of the industry landscape and proven ability to assist our clients achieve their business objectives.
 
Firm of Choice for the Most Difficult Legal Issues
 
We are the firm of choice for businesses requiring solutions to their most difficult and complex legal issues. Leading companies and financial institutions in China and around the world turn to us for legal representation or counseling on their most significant legal and business challenges, whether transactions or disputes.
 
Cross-Border Capabilities with a China Edge
 
We are known for our cross-border capabilities with a China edge. Our team consists of lawyers qualified in Australia, England and Wales, Singapore, U.S., Hong Kong and the PRC.
The diversity of our professionals and our strong local law capabilities enable us to bridge legal, regulatory, language and cultural differences that clients inevitably face in transactions and disputes involving multiple jurisdictions.
 
At the Forefront of Chinese Commercial Practice
 
We have been at the forefront of the development of commercial law practice in China for 30 years.
We have a proven track record advising clients on groundbreaking transactions or defending them in unprecedented disputes. Some selected notable matters on which we have advised include:
 
  • First initial public offering by a Chinese company involving an international underwriter
  • The first domestic listing by a company incorporated outside the PRC (so-called red chip company)
  • Formation of the first open-end mutual fund in China
  • First foreign acquisition of a controlling stake in a Chinese public company
  • First FRAND litigation in China
  • Representing the claimant in obtaining the first injunction in an IP litigation under Chinese procedural law
  • First public interest environmental litigation brought by an NGO against a multinational company in China

Antitrust/Competition, Asset-backed Securities, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Compliance & Government Enforcement, Dispute Resolution, Energy & Infrastructure, Financial Industry, General Industries, Insolvency & Restructuring, Intellectual Property, Investment Funds, Investment Management, Labor & Employment, Life Sciences & Healthcare, M&A, Private Equity, Private Wealth Management, Real Estate & Construction, Tax, Technology, Media & Telecommunications and Japan Practice.

Compliance & Government Enforcement

  • A world-leading listed consulting firm in a large-scale cross-border investigation involving multiple jurisdictions. The case attracted the attention of the international community and relevant government agencies (including the U.S. authorities). The case involved extremely complex factual and legal issues. Fangda was the only PRC law firm retained on the case, advising on all aspects related to PRC law.
  • A leading U.S. multinational corporation (MNC) in the technology sector in handling a criminal investigation by the Chinese Procuratorate and internal investigations relating to potential violations of the FCPA, Chinese commercial bribery laws and accounting fraud involving third parties. In recognition of the client’s thorough investigation and full cooperation, both the Procuratorate and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) declined prosecution.
  • We assisted a number of renowned domestic and foreign companies in responding to data retrieval, data breach, App enforcement, network security inspection, and other administrative enforcement activities, advising on various controversial matters involving privacy and personal information protection. We also advised several social media platforms, logistics service providers, video platforms, and game publishers on their overseas business.
  • We conducted pre-IPO data compliance verification and compliance program projects for a number of domestic companies in various sectors (including smart mobility, self-driving, cloud services, real estate brokerage, pharmaceutical R&D and supply chain service, headhunting and recruitment) to institute measures ensuring appropriate cooperation with cybersecurity investigations and rectification of non-compliance. We also provided compliance advice to several Chinese companies listed in the U.S. market on providing audit drafts to overseas authorities.
  • We represented a technology company in the Greater Bay Area in a U.S. trade secret infringement case. In this case, we served as the general coordinating counsel, assisting the client in managing its U.S. legal team in the lawsuit and establishing an overall case strategy that included parallel litigations and other countermeasures in China. We also effectively communicated with Chinese authorities by analyzing applicable laws and regulations in relation to important data to help the client protect confidential information such as source code. Eventually, the client successfully settled the case on very favorable terms.
  • In the past year, we have helped many Chinese companies to grasp the trends in regulations and enforcement and effectively deal with external risks in the rapidly changing external regulatory environment. We provided comprehensive services to various companies regarding U.S, China, and EU sanctions and export control laws. We assisted clients in addressing sanctions and export control compliance requirements in multiple jurisdictions. We also provided full legal services to a number of Chinese companies listed on the U.S. Entity List to address the adverse impact of the Entity List and helped to establish export control compliance programs.
  • We assisted a world-renowned fund & investigation corporation in minimizing the criminal risk of money laundering in its investigation action. We conducted thorough due diligence on the underlying investigation and managed to file the investigation report to appropriate Chinese judicial authorities taking charge of the stakeholder’s case, although the client lacked a clear position in the case. In the end, the authorities acknowledged the investigation and confirmed its legitimacy. This case demonstrates our professional competence to resolve comprehensive and complex work in criminal law practice and effectively make a workable strategy and pinpoint the critical approaches to proceed.

Real Estate & Construction

  • Represented a leading European real property fund in a CIETAC arbitration involving a RMB720 million real estate transaction dispute against a Chinese real estate developer.
  • Represented a leading state-owned real estate developer in an HKIAC arbitration on a RMB2 billion real estate transaction dispute with its business partner.
  • Represented a Taiwan company in an arbitration before the Beijing Arbitration Commission over a RMB900 million lease contract dispute with a domestic real estate developer.
  • Represented various world-renowned foreign-invested retailers in disputes of commercial property lease contracts (including build-to-lease contracts) with real estate developers in different locations in China.
  • Represented a Taiwan company in an arbitration before the Beijing Arbitration Commission over a RMB900 million lease contract dispute with a domestic real estate developer.
  • Represented various world-renowned foreign-invested retailers in disputes of commercial property lease contracts (including build-to-lease contracts) with real estate developers in different locations in China.
  • Represented a renowned international warehousing facilities developer in a dispute in relation to final settlement and quality claims arising out of the construction of high-end warehousing facilities in Guangzhou. This case involved the arbitration between the owner and the EPC contractor and a number of litigation cases involving the owner, the EPC contractor, the subcontractors and the actual contractors. The amount in dispute was over RMB80 million. The parties finally reached an agreement in mediation.
  • Represented a global pharmaceutical company in disputes in relation to final account settlement and quality claims arising out of the construction of its regional headquarters and logistics facilities in China. The disputes involved general contractors, subcontractors, and project management companies, and the amount in dispute was over RMB500 million.

Dispute Resolution

  • Representing a state-owned assets management company to handle the first known case before the Chinese courts regarding the default of Asian-dollar bonds (Chinese issued USD bonds) amounting to US$400 million; the outcome of this case will have wider impact, beyond the importance to the client, in terms of subsequent Chinese court proceedings related to the Asian-dollar bonds market.
  • A wide range of investigative actions between a PRC public company (and/or its PRC subsidiaries) and a large Singaporean furniture company (and/or its PRC subsidiaries), including criminal investigation, administrative (China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC)) investigation, bankruptcy proceedings, dozens of court proceedings and a parallel HKIAC arbitration proceeding involving a shareholder dispute.\
  • Representing a market-leading underwriter in a securities misrepresentation case before the Chinese courts. This is the first case in China touching upon the important issue of misrepresentation in the context of investments in the inter-bank bonds markets. The outcome of this landmark case will serve as a precedent in relation to bond intermediary agencies' duties of diligence and care.
  • Representing a China-based US-listed company in obtaining Chinese governmental approval for cross-border data production in accordance with the PRC Data Security Law in the context of the discovery process in overseas litigation proceedings. This is one of the first handful of cases in which a company has successfully obtained approval for cross-border data transfer from the Chinese authorities.
  • A shareholder contingent of a business group in Chinese Mainland in a dispute with another shareholder contingent in a dispute over the intended distribution of substantial funds (around US$50 million) held by the Hong Kong holding company of the group, involving injunctive relief and substantive court proceedings. The case was led by our Hong Kong team, whilst our China team concurrently dealt with issues with the counterparties’ mismanagement of the group’s onshore operating company.
  • A number of parties in a multitude of claims of an aggregate value of over HK$3 billion in a complex and large-scale fraud with allegations involving a Hong Kong-listed company’s underground arrangements related to a private placement of its shares for raising capital, and an allegation of investment fraud to the tune of around HK$1.1 billion.

Insolvency & Restructuring

  • Acting as joint administrators of Shanghai CEFC, and obtaining the first recognition of mainland Chinese bankruptcy proceedings by a Hong Kong court.
  • An ad hoc committee comprising holders of offshore notes of Huachen Energy Co. in the restructuring of Wintime Energy Co.
  • Assisted DSIC Offshore on a successful restructuring, a pioneering case that a non-listed company has been restructured via an insurance claim rather than from an injection of new capital; selected as one of the 10 Exemplary Bankruptcy Cases by the Supreme People’s Court.
  • Appointed as the administrator of the listed company Bestway Marine & Energy Technology. This was the first reorganization of a listed company before Shanghai Bankruptcy Court.
  • Represented a consortium of Wise Road Capital and JAC Capital in the restructuring of Tsinghua Unigroup, the highest rate of cash pay-back settlement in Chinese high-volume restructuring cases.
  • Represented the Shanghai State-owned Assets Consortium in participating in the risk resolution of Anxin Trust.

Intellectual Property

  • Represented Apple in disputes against Qualcomm arising from a Standard Essential Patents (SEP) licensing scheme, which involved more than 30 cases. The damages claimed by the parties exceeded RMB1.6 billion. This is widely regarded as China’s trial of the century.
  • Represented NavInfo Co. Ltd. in its successful copyright infringement case, in which the company was awarded RMB64.5 million in damages, which is the highest damage compensation award for copyright infringement cases in China so far. The case was awarded Impact Case Winner in Benchmark Litigation Asia-Pacific Awards 2023.
  • Represented Ralph Lauren in securing a judgment in its favor in an unfair competition lawsuit against Shanghai RuiFa Garments. This case was Ralph Lauren's first successful case protecting its product packaging, store design and decorations and was selected as one of the top 10 model cases on anti-unfair competition from 2020 to 2022 by the Suzhou Intermediate People's Court.
  • Represented Vans, Inc. in its trademark infringement and unfair competition dispute cases against multiple infringers: the defendants not only imitated the trademark of Vans, Inc., but also copied the trade dress of Vans, Inc.’s products and make false advertisment. The court found trademark infringement and unfair competition constituted infringement and unfair competition in this series of cases, and recognized that the defendants’ use of their registered trademark in an inappropriate way also constituted infringement.
  • Represented Basketball superstar Michael Jordan in his right of name infringement lawsuit against Qiaodan Sports. In the first instance, the Shanghai Second Intermediate People's Court decided that Qiaodan Sports had violated Mr. Jordan's right of name and the company was prohibited from using “乔丹” as its business name and any trademarks related to it. The final judgment by the Shanghai High People's Court upheld the original ruling.
  • Valeo in successful patent infringement litigation against a Chinese competitor before Shanghai Intellectual Property Court and Intellectual Property Court of Supreme People’s Court. This case was the first time a court in Shanghai rendered an interim judgment in the field of intellectual property law and the first public hearing held by Intellectual Property Court of Supreme People’s Court. The case was selected by the PRC Supreme Court as one of the Guiding Cases.

Labor & Employment

  • A photovoltaic manufacturing company in 11 labor dispute arbitration and litigation cases initiated by its former employees over their compensation, winning all the cases on behalf of our client.
  • A large U.S. retail company’s China affiliates in six labor dispute arbitration and litigation cases initiated by former employees dismissed on grounds of gross misconduct.
  • A European coffee maker on its layoff of more than 150 employees when it closed its business in Guangzhou. We helped our client to prepare all legal documents, develop communication and action plans, communicate with authorities, and conduct the face-to-face meeting with employees.
  • A U.S. industrial company on its layoff of more than 1,000 employees arising from liquidation and closure of one of its local entities in Shanghai. Our advice included preparing all documents, developing a negotiation strategy and action plan, and handling the negotiation.
  • A European electronics producer on its layoff of more than 80 employees in one of its China factories. We helped our client to prepare the legal documents, and communicate with the local labor authority.

  • Aviation
  • Automobiles
  • Banking and financial services
  • Consumer goods and services
  • Energy
  • Industrials and manufacturing
  • Infrastructure
  • Insurance
  • Materials
  • Media and entertainment
  • Mining
  • Pharmaceuticals and life sciences
  • Real estate & Construction
  • Semiconductor
  • Technology and telecommunications

Beijing
27/F, North Tower, Beijing Kerry Centre, 1 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020, China
Tel: (8610) 5769 5600
Fax: (8610) 5769 5788

Guangzhou
Unit 01-06, 66F, Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, No.6 Zhujiang East Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, P.R. China
Tel: (8620) 3225 3888
Fax: (8620) 3225 3899

Hong Kong
26/F, One Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 3976 8888
Fax: (852) 2110 4285

Nanjing
38/F, Asia Pacific Business Building, 2 Hanzhong Road, Gulou District, Nanjing 210005, China
Tel: (8625) 8690 9999
Fax: (8625) 8690 9099

Shenzhen
9/F, Tower One, Kerry Plaza, 1 Zhong Xin Si Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518048, China
Tel: (86755) 8159 3999
Fax: (86755) 8159 3900