Translator：Wang Yichun

On November 25, 2022, a pivotal online event, "Bridging Distances, Protecting Intellectual Property - In-depth Understanding of Real-world IP Challenges to Support Global Expansion Strategies," was triumphantly executed. This initiative was a collaborative effort between Landing Law Offices, LexisNexis, and the Pudong Division of the National Center for Overseas IP Dispute Guidance [国家海外知识产权纠纷应对指导中心浦东分中心].

As technological advancements surge forward, intellectual property emerges as a keystone for national progression and a cornerstone for enterprises to maintain technological supremacy. General Secretary Xi Jinping underscored the necessity of crafting a robust international IP risk-alert system and laying the groundwork for safeguarding foreign-related intellectual property. Intellectual property remains quintessential for businesses expanding globally. Yet, Chinese firms grapple with challenges like underdeveloped global IP strategies, scarcity of pivotal patents, towering overseas protection costs, and intricate rights protection measures. Confronted by these intellectual property challenges, the National Center for Overseas IP Dispute Guidance, in conjunction with associated entities and experts, remains steadfast in bolstering enterprises with their global IP endeavors. Addressing the multifaceted international IP concerns, Senior Partners Gao Qiang and Wang Chunhong, alongside Senior Consultant Ye Juan from Landing Law Offices, delivered their expert perspectives at the seminar.

The event was inaugurated by Director Liu Yixing of Landing's Global Managing Committee, who extended his heartfelt appreciation to the esteemed gaming industry veterans for gracing the occasion at Landing Law Offices. Director Liu emphasized Landing's rich tapestry of experience in overseas investment and intellectual property, having catered to a plethora of listed entities and Fortune 500 firms. He noted that some nations, under the guise of legal procedures, exploit IP controversies to target Chinese businesses. This comes at a time when Chinese enterprises, regrettably, display a subdued awareness of IP, often lacking the necessary defensive mechanisms against potential IP threats. As Chinese businesses set their sights overseas, there's a pressing need for legal champions deeply rooted in Chinese ethos - those who are not only well-versed in intellectual property intricacies but are also adept at navigating the nuanced landscape of Chinese corporations and have a global operational footprint. This becomes even more critical as IP issues often intersect with national security matters.

Following this introduction, Landing's Senior Partner, Gao Qiang, delved into the "Intellectual Property Challenges and Strategic Responses for Chinese Enterprises Expanding Internationally." Gao illuminated the audience about the prevailing IP landscape for businesses aiming for global footprints and provided an overview of IP frameworks, both within China and globally. Anchoring his discourse on real-world case studies, he probed into the multifaceted IP challenges that enterprises might confront overseas, encompassing aspects like patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Addressing these intricate challenges, Gao championed the cause of heightened IP risk-awareness among businesses. He underscored the merits of proactive international IP registrations, stressing the imperative of strategic patent and trademark blueprints in foreign territories and the vigilance needed to oversee trademark endeavors in pivotal nations.

Following that, Wang Chunhong, another Senior Partner at Landing Law Offices, presented on "Intellectual Property Due Diligence in Cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions." She shed light on the primary objectives and preparatory steps for IP due diligence, illustrated with case studies of cross-border M&A IP endeavors. Wang emphasized the imperative of recognizing pivotal IP assets, establishing the M&A strategy, and understanding the legal landscape of the involved nations. Through illustrative case studies, she delved into the nuances businesses must navigate during IP due diligence. Wang stressed that the conclusion of a cross-border M&A deal doesn't signal an end to vigilance. There remains a need to meticulously oversee transition rights, evaluations, and post-M&A IP integrations.

Later, Ye Juan, a Senior Advisor at Landing Law Offices, enlightened the audience with her insights on "IP Strategies and Risk Mitigation for Tech Companies in the US." Initiating her discourse, Ye elucidated the intricacies of the US IP ecosystem, encompassing patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Adopting an outward-facing lens, she dissected potential IP infringement risks in the US. Highlighting specific examples, she touched upon risks like trademark squatting and the implications of Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs). Pivoting to an inward-looking perspective, Ye underscored the need for businesses to fortify their risk-awareness, advocating a dual-pronged approach of internal governance and collaborative risk assessment.

This conference served as a comprehensive guide to the IP challenges that globalizing businesses might encounter, garnering participation and robust discussions from numerous corporate representatives. Landing Law Offices eagerly anticipates hosting more such insightful engagements in this sphere, inviting all to engage and benefit.