Linklaters

Firm overview:

Linklaters has a well-established presence in China, with offices in Beijing, Hong Kong SAR and Shanghai. A joint operation with Zhao Sheng Law Firm equips the firm to provide international and Chinese legal advice on cross-border matters. Linklaters’ Asia IP team also leverages its wider global network of over 100 lawyers to offer integrated IP expertise.

Linklaters’ China team excels in the non-contentious aspects of trademark work, and is most known as a specialist in transactional IP matters. Large companies select the firm for advice on licensing, developing and owning IP rights in China and the wider region.

Team overview:

Linklaters’ Asia IP team provides advice across 12 jurisdictions in Asia and the Middle East. The team comprises local and foreign-qualified legal professionals with fluency in multiple Chinese languages, including Mandarin and Cantonese, and engages in a number of pro bono initiatives. Alex Roberts, who has over 10 years’ experience in China, oversees the China TMT/IP capabilities from Shanghai.

Counsel Sher Hann Chua helps clients navigate complex IP- and technology-rich transactions across Asia and the Middle East. Chua has been instrumental in building Linklaters’ IP practice in Asia, and leads the team from the Hong Kong office. Her practice focuses on the commercialisation of IP rights, and she is frequently invited to speak at industry events as a recognised thought leader on IP law.

Key matters:

• Rio Tinto: Advised on IP aspects of cash takeover offer of Arcadium Lithium

Linklaters advised Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest metals and mining corporations, on its $6.7bn cash takeover offer of Arcadium Lithium, a NYSE listed Jersey incorporated company.

Arcadium Lithium has operations and assets globally, including across Asia, and has key customers such as BMW and Toyota. Linklaters’ team advised on the IP aspects including review of key IP owned by the target company, as well as IP agreements governing the licensing, development and ownership of IP rights in entities across Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan.

George Casey (New York) was the lead partner, with the team including Sher Hann Chua (Hong Kong) and Ruoyi Lu (Shanghai).

• Melco Resorts & Entertainment: Development and operation of integrated resort projects

The team is advising Melco, a major developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment facilities, on the development and operation of its integrated resort projects in four jurisdictions.

London partner Matthew Plaskow and Sher Hann Chua lead the team.

• BRF Arabia Holding Company: Acquisition of stake in Addoha Poultry

BRF Arabia is a joint venture between BRF SA, one of the largest food companies in the world, and Halal Products Development Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. The team advised BRF on the acquisition of a 26% stake in Addoha Poultry. The Linklaters IP team advised on the brand licensing arrangements, including product labelling and marketing rights.

Waleed Rasromani (Riyadh) and Sher Hann Chua lead the team.

Clients:

Ant, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Rio Tinto