Mayer Brown
Firm overview:
Mayer Brown has long maintained a significant presence in Greater China, serving international clients through its offices in Shanghai, Beijing (via its IP agency), and Hong Kong. The firm provides a full suite of trademark services under its IP & TMT (Intellectual Property, Media & Technology) group: prosecution, enforcement, oppositions and cancellations, administrative litigation, domain name disputes, brand management, and anti-counterfeiting.
Its practitioners combine experience in both China’s trademark institutions (eg former China Trademark Office attorneys) and cross-border brand protection strategies. Mayer Brown manages large trademark portfolios in Asia, coordinating local filings and contentious work with its global IP teams.
Beyond portfolio management and filing coordination the firm is also heavily involved in thought leadership.The team regularly authors articles and publishes Legal Updates, which are often re-printed in major specialised publications.
Mayer Brown has a strong contentious practice, and handles numerous trademark disputes every year—many of which are complex and involve a cross-border element. The firm has a client roster that includes household name brands in fashion, consumer products, and technology.
Team overview:
Hong Kong based Gabriela Kennedy is head of Mayer Brown’s IP & TMT practice in Asia and co-leader of its global IP practice. She is highly regarded for her trademark practice, which includes devising enforcement strategies against counterfeiters and brand hijacking in Mainland China, as well as advising clients on large portfolio matters. A known thought leader, Kennedy has authored hundreds of articles on IP issues as well as three books, and is sought-out by leading brands for her counsel.
Amita Haylock is a part of the IP & TMT group, and handles trademark and other IP rights across Greater China, including advising on emerging and cutting-edge issues.
The team is a strong advocate of pro bono work and has contributed over 440 hours annually, which is the most service hours of all departments in the firm.
Key matters:
- Nvidia: Asia expansion
Mayer Brown has served as a strategic adviser to Nvidia for over 19 years, guiding the company’s expansion into the Asia market. Gabriella Kennedy manages the growing portfolio that includes safeguarding Nvidia’s core technology in graphics cards and overseeing new ventures in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and AI technologies in sectors like finance and healthcare. Kennedy has successfully led enforcement actions against copyright infringement and grey market issues in Mainland China.
- Jack Daniel’s: Trademark enforcement in China
The Mayer Brown team, led by Gabriela Kennedy, has been assisting Jack Daniel’s with trademark enforcement in China, customs seizures and take-downs. The firm is handling a number of contentious trademark cases for the client in China and providing second opinions on difficult prosecution cases in China. Jack Daniel’s experiences a high number of cases of potential infringement, particularly due to its popularity in China.
- Li & Fung: Trademark and branding strategy
The firm has advised Li & Fung on the termination, amendment, and granting of a trademark licence for distributing Hunter Boot, a prominent footwear brand. Additionally, Amita Haylock is providing counsel to Toys ‘R’ Us (under Fung Retailing) on a trademark dispute involving a notable toy company.
Clients:
21st Century Leaders, Design Trust, DTS, Goya Foods, International Finance Centre Management Company, Jack Daniel’s, JEB Group, KC Global Media Entertainment, Nvidia & Mellanox, Royal Golden Eagle International, Swire Properties, UNIQLO / Fast Retailing, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center
