Clifford Chance
Firm overview:
“Magic Circle” firm Clifford Chance was one of the first international firms to establish a presence in Mainland China, opening its Beijing office in 1985, followed by Shanghai in 1993, and Hong Kong before that. The firm offers full-service capabilities in China (corporate, finance, dispute resolution, regulatory etc), including IP.
Clifford Chance’s trademark offering is integrated into its broader China practice. The firm has established China Desks, a cross-practice network (60+ lawyers globally) with Mainland China experience to ensure clients (both Chinese and international) benefit from coordinated IP/trademark strategy along with other legal and commercial angles.
In 2025, Clifford Chance established a joint operation in the Shanghai FTZ (Free Trade Zone) with Shanghai He Ping Law Firm, allowing the firm to combine local PRC law expertise with its international platform for a seamless offering in IP/trademarks among other fields. The joint operation gives Clifford Chance more “on-the-ground” PRC law-capable professionals for China-law issues (including trademarks) which helps with filing, compliance, enforcement, and litigation where local law is required.
Team overview:
Partner Ling Ho is head of Hong Kong Litigation & Dispute Resolution as well as a Global Tech Group core member. With over 30 years of experience in Greater China, Ho handles both contentious and non-contentious IP work. Her practice spans trademarks, patents, designs, copyright, trade secrets, and confidential information. She has litigated before courts across Mainland China and Hong Kong, and advised clients on brand licensing, tech transfers, and partner/collaboration agreements involving IP. She also plays a leading role in risk management and cross-jurisdictional work, especially for clients in technology, media, healthcare, consumer goods, and financial services.
Partner Tim Wang was appointed chair of the firm’s China Practice in 2024. Wang has an established track record not only in IP-adjacent sectors, but in leading cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, corporate investment, outbound M&A, and capital markets work for Chinese clients. While his core specialty is broader than IP/trademarks, his leadership role means he has strategic oversight of work in this area, particularly for clients whose matters involve multiple legal disciplines.
As of May 2024, Lei Shi took over as managing partner of the Beijing and Shanghai offices. Shi specialises in litigation and dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, investigations, and general commercial litigation. His role at the top of China operations ensures that the trademark team benefits from firm-level support for resources, alignment with strategic objectives, and integration with other practice areas (eg tech, regulatory, corporate).
