The IP STARS research team keeps a close watch on lateral hires, departures and other developments in firms and companies. Below is a roundup of some of the people moves and firm/company news in the Asia-Pacific region this year.
CHINA
Perkins Coie strengthens China practice
Perkins Coie has announced initiatives to strengthen its presence in China, including the establishment of an intellectual property agency in Beijing; the opening of a new location in Shenzhen; and a move to larger office space in Beijing. The Perkins Coie Intellectual Property Agency (Beijing) will include offices in both Beijing and Shenzhen and will support the firm’s IP practice in China. The firm’s new Shenzhen presence in the Nanshan district will position it to serve clients in Guangdong province and across South China. Its office in Beijing, on the other hand, will move to a new, larger space in Beijing’s landmark China World complex.
Jingtian & Gongcheng hires new partner from Hylands
Jingtian & Gongcheng has hired Wei Cui as a partner in the firm’s Shanghai office. Cui advises on IP disputes and commercialization. Prior to joining Jingtian & Gongcheng, he was a partner at Hylands Law Firm.
Shanghai firm Hui Ye boosts Greater Bay Area practice
Shanghai-headquartered Hui Ye Law Firm has hired Zhipeng Huang as a partner in Shenzhen. Huang, who specializes in IP and commercial law litigation, was previously with Guangdong Fu Qun Law Firm.
INDONESIA
Roosdiono & Partners promotes Ajeng Yesie Triewanty
Roosdiono & Partners, a member firm of ZICO Law, has promoted Ajeng Yesie Triewanty to partner. Triewanty specialises in soft IP, including brand licensing.
JAPAN
Nishimura & Asahi’s new office and partner
Nishimura & Asahi launched two offices in Germany: a principal office in Frankfurt am Main and a branch in Düsseldorf. The German practice will be led by M&A partners Noriya Ishikawa and Dominik Kruse. Ishikawa also advises on IP, particularly IP transactions. The firm also promoted IP transactional associate Yoko Kasai to partner. Kasai is based in Tokyo.
MYANMAR
MHM Yangon rebrands
MHM Yangon, the Myanmar practice of the Japanese law firm Mori Hamada & Matsumoto, has rebranded as Myanmar Legal MHM. The firm has also relocated to a larger office in Junction City.
NEW ZEALAND
Russell McVeagh appoints new IP litigator
Brigette Shone has joined Russell McVeagh’s litigation practice as a special counsel in Auckland. Shone joined the firm from Baldwins Intellectual Property. She specialises in commercial law litigation, including IP disputes.
IP/tech specialist joins Duncan Cotterill
Duncan Cotterill expanded its partnership with the appointment of technology and IP lawyer Michael Moyes, who will be working in the firm’s Auckland and Wellington offices. Moyes was previously with Anthony Harper, where he was a partner and the leader of the IP and technology team.
SINGAPORE
Drew & Napier launches regional alliance
Leading law firm Drew & Napier has become the latest firm in Singapore to establish a regional alliance. The network, known as Drew Network Asia (DNA), comprises Malaysia’s Shearn Delamore & Co and Indonesia’s Makarim & Taira S as members, with an intention to welcome other well-known law firms in the ASEAN region.
