Baker McKenzie FenXun has solidified its presence in the TMT space, with expertise encompassing M&A, IT and outsourcing transactions, and a vast array of regulatory and compliance work. The firm offers TMT clients solutions spanning corporate, intellectual property, dispute resolution, privacy, regulatory, and tax facets. Spearheading the practice is senior counsel Jay (Zhenyu) Ruan, an expert in corporate, M&A, and regulatory matters within China. Ruan’s vast expertise ranges from joint ventures and technology licensing for tech entities to e-commerce and data privacy counsel for multinational fashion, retail, and healthcare firms, as well as regulatory advice for financial institutions.

Bird & Bird’s expertise in the TMT sector is reflected in its in-depth knowledge of both commercial and regulatory areas, notably in complex data and data protection projects. The firm advises on the full spectrum of issues that arise from tech transactions, encompassing a diverse array of legal domains ranging from IP, cybersecurity, and data protection, to employment, corporate, and dispute resolution. Its clients operate in industries such as cloud, IT and telecom, e-commerce and IoT, as well as life sciences tech. Leading the department is James Gong, a TMT specialist with an acute focus on data protection and cybersecurity, as well as regulatory and transactional matters. Gong expertly guides both foreign and domestic multinational companies in navigating data compliance projects, especially those with cross-border elements.

Hogan Lovells International LLP offers a wide range of expertise, spanning corporate and finance, IPMT, global regulatory, litigation, and employment. The firm addresses key areas like privacy, cybersecurity, fintech, and blockchain, offering services such as market access analysis, regulatory counsel, and compliance report drafting. Spearheaded by Mark Parsons from Hong Kong, the team includes Sherry Gong, who excels in data privacy, cybersecurity, and e-commerce, guiding multinationals through intricate cross-border undertakings. Don Williams supports TMT companies across all stages from startup to mature public company, encompassing areas such as VC/PE financing and M&A. Tong Zhu specialises in data privacy and e-commerce in China, offering advice on data-related challenges including data localisation and IT structure implications. Flora Feng aids foreign enterprises in navigating regulatory matters in China, notably in cybersecurity and personal data protection arenas, while Lu Zhou represents multinational corporations and PE fund clients in cross-border M&A, venture capital investments, and restructuring.

Morrison Foerster’s Greater China TMT practice serves a range of industry-leading companies in the sector, offering ‘excellent commercial and legal acumen’ as well as on-the-ground experience. Combining sector knowledge with venture capital and private equity expertise, the firm is regularly instructed by both start-ups and tech investors. The team is skilled in handling the detailed regulatory requirements of the internet, telecoms, cloud, payments, and cybersecurity spheres. Leading the group are Gordon Miller, Chuan Sun, and Paul McKenzie. Milner, based in Hong Kong, advises a broad range of clients in areas including e-commerce, blockchain, and intellectual property. Sun, in Shanghai, specialises in TMT transactions and focuses on areas like fintech, data security, and robotics. McKenzie works with international TMT companies, helping them navigate their legal challenges in China. Thomas Chou and Marcia Ellis, both located in Hong Kong, bring valuable private equity experience to the table.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP has cemented its reputation for executing high-end, complex transactions spanning the realms of M&A, private equity, and TMT-related activities. The group extends its support to a diverse clientele, including local and foreign corporations and private equity firms, in their TMT-related pursuits within China. Co-heads Judie Ng Shortell and Greg Liu steer the team. Ng Shortell’s expertise shines in the realms of regional private equity and cross-border M&A, helping clients navigate complex transactions like leveraged buy-outs, privatisations, and strategic investments, while Liu’s expertise lies in advising corporates and private equity clients, especially on investments and M&As tied to Chinese entities. Counsel Jack Sun further enriches the practice with his focus on China-related private equity investments, cross-border M&A activities, and foreign direct investments.

CMS provides expert counsel to TMT companies and to traditional businesses navigating TMT complexities, including those in the automotive, banking, healthcare, and public sector spheres. The team is led by Ulrike Glueck and Nick Beckett - Glueck’s expertise spans advising international companies on M&A, foreign direct investments, and restructuring, especially within automotive, manufacturing and TMC sectors. Beckett, on the other hand, excels in intellectual property and commercial dispute resolution, particularly for clients in TMT, life sciences, and healthcare. The firm also benefits from Falk Lichtenstein’s focus on corporate and dispute resolution issues, senior associate Panpan Tang’s intellectual property specialisation, and associate Kelly Chen’s data protection and cybersecurity experience.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP assists clients with matters ranging from data privacy and cybersecurity to navigating M&A, funding, IP rights, and competition issues, showcasing expertise in diverse tech sectors such as biotech, autotech, and fintech. The firm’s joint operation with Kewei Law Firm enhances its local legal capabilities, facilitating domestic and cross-border TMT transactions. Nanda Lau, Justina Zhang, and Singapore’s Mark Robinson lead the practice. Lau’s expertise extends from M&A to tech regulatory challenges. Meanwhile, TMT-specialist Zhang, a partner at Kewei who joined in June 2023 from TransAsia Lawyers, offers significant knowledge in corporate transactions and regulatory compliance.

Based in Hong Kong, Latham & Watkins LLP’s Greater China TMT team showcases a broad spectrum of regulatory, transactional, and litigation expertise in the tech domain, from tech transactions and intellectual property to data privacy and security. Ex practice co-head Kieran Donovan has since left the practice. Frank Sun advises Chinese tech entities on M&A.

Linklaters’ expertise encompasses tech, telecoms, data privacy and cybersecurity, as well as IP protection and regulatory issues. At the forefront of the China TMT practice is counsel Alex Roberts, who brings deep insights on a spectrum of TMT concerns, from cross-border investments into online platforms to IP protection and licensing. Roberts works closely with TMT associates at the partnering Zhao Sheng Law Firm, enabling the group to advise on both PRC and international law. Meanwhile, Adrian Fisher steers the broader Asian TMT practice from Singapore.

Clifford Chance LLP’s TMT expertise spans practice areas from M&A and venture capital to regulatory, tax, and antitrust matters. With an on-the-ground team, the group guides its Chinese and international clients on complex TMT transactions. Leading the practice are Kelly Gregory, who excels in TMT-related corporate and M&A activities for both local and multinational entities, and Terence Foo, adept at handling both inbound and outbound investments in the TMT arena. Complementing the team, Yufei Liao brings deep insights into corporate M&A, private equity, and capital markets.

The Greater China TMT group at DLA Piper handles multinational tech matters ranging from strategic sourcing, software development and IT project implementation to addressing complexities tied to e-money and cybersecurity. Leading the practice from Hong Kong is Lauren Hurcombe, who guides multinational companies on complex technology transactions, IT licensing, and telecoms regulatory issues. Beijing-based counsel Amanda Ge, a July 2022 addition from Bird & Bird, brings expertise in cyber security, data protection, and related regulatory matters in China.

Mayer Brown’s Hong Kong-based team offers advice on a diverse array of contemporary issues, from AI, blockchain, and virtual banking to cybersecurity and the nuances of fintech platforms. Gabriela Kennedy leads the team with her experience in handling data privacy and cybersecurity issues across various Asian jurisdictions, and proficiency in media litigation, IT sourcing, and telecoms regulations. Amita Haylock specialises in complex litigation and alternate dispute resolution, particularly in telecoms, broadcasting, IP, and competition law.

Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP advises private equity funds and foreign clients on their China-centric ventures. Maurice Hoo steers the corporate and PE practice in Hong Kong, guiding multinationals through cross-border mergers, restructurings, and investments. Edwin Luk, co-leader of the firm’s capital markets and public companies practice, offers insights on securities regulation and a spectrum of corporate matters. Ning Zhang heads the corporate and PE team in the Beijing office, managing cross-border transactions for both private and public companies.

Norton Rose Fulbright advises clients on the tech and regulatory aspects of transactions, with notable experience in sectors including financial services, FinTech, and aviation. Anna Gamvros leads the Asia Pacific information protection, privacy and cybersecurity practice from Brisbane and Hong Kong. Her expertise lies in tech agreements, outsourcing transactions, data protection, responses to cybersecurity breaches, and regulatory challenges in the fields of telecoms and the internet.

Paul Hastings LLP advises clients on acquisitions, joint ventures, and a gamut of other corporate work related to TMT transactions. The group is under the joint leadership of David Wang, who brings expertise in tech-driven deals and capital markets; Jia Yan, a corporate M&A practitioner; and Meka Meng, who offers knowledge of private equity, venture capital, and joint ventures.

Reed Smith LLP‘s Greater China TMT team operates under the leadership of Barbara Li in Beijing and Asha Sharma in Hong Kong. Having moved from Beijing Rui Bai Law Firm in October 2022, Li offers a comprehensive understanding of TMT, offering legal advice in relation to data compliance, privacy, and cybersecurity, as well as China’s TMT regulations and GDPR. Meanwhile, Amy Yin provides expertise in data protection and TMT transactions across various industries.

Taylor Wessing advises clients across the TMT sector, handling issues such as PRC data processing regulations and cyber security concerns. Leading the practice is Michael Tan, who is adept in corporate matters, IT regulatory, and data protection and privacy. Senior associate Julian Sun has expertise in IT regulatory, data protection, and privacy issues.