Asia IP

Atlanta-based Alston & Bird has announced its expansion into China with the opening of an office in Beijing. The office will assist Chinese companies with cross-border legal matters, primarily in the United States.

A significant focus of the office will be counseling Chinese companies on US intellectual property law in federal and state courts across a broad range of patent, licensing, and other disputes.

“For many years, we have assisted a number of Chinese clients in the United States across a broad range of services, including intellectual property disputes, products liability litigation, cross-border M&A and international tax matters,” said Alston & Bird managing partner Richard Hays. “The launch of our Beijing office recognizes the importance and success of these practices by formalizing a presence around practices that Alston & Bird has had for many years.”

Alston & Bird partner Yitai Hu, a member of the firm’s IP practice, will serve as chief representative of the office. “Although IP law will be a primary focus, we will also represent Chinese companies in the United States in foreign direct investment, complex litigation, international trade and other areas.”