Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

The banking and finance practitioners at international law firm Baker & McKenzie “are always on top of issues and we find them to be not just legal but very commercial as well”, says one client. The firm had another busy year filled with transactions.

The highlight deal for the firm was advising Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, as a stakeholder in the Seven Media Group (SMG), on the sale of its stake in SMG to West Australian Newspapers Holdings for US$4.4 billion. In particular, the firm advised on the implications under SMG’s senior and subordinated facilities arising from.the sale.

“I will recommend Baker & McKenzie as it delivers sensible and manageable solutions. It also provides sound advice when I need it,” says one client. “The outstanding Stephen Glanz has great analytical ability and problem solving skills.”

Last year saw the M&A team advise ASX listed Corporate Express Australia on the recommended takeover by Staples Inc. Staples offered to acquire all of the remaining issued shares in Corporate Express for an offer consideration of approximately US$1.08 billion.

In addition, Hong Kong owned TRUenergy invested US$2.19 billion for Energy Australia’s retail business, the electricity trading rights for Mount Piper and Wallerawang coal-fired power stations, and three power station development sites.

Baker & McKenzie is “always on top of the issues, and we find the firm to be not just legal but very commercial with trade mark work”, says one client.

The team advised Bard Australia in relation to regulatory issues associated with the approval, marketing and sale of a market leading medical device product. The matter has involved high level engagement with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and representative associations, and has potential ramifications across the industry.

Baker’s capital markets practice is particularly well known for its strong relationships with mainland issuers looking to list in Hong Kong. Partner Scott Clemens leads the China capital markets team out of Beijing, which has posted a strong list of mandates this year. The practice has been especially successful in Rmb-denominated offerings and REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) work.

One partner at a rival firm complements Bakers’ capital markets practice: “Bakers has a large practice that is plugged in to what is happening in the mainland China market.”

Baker & McKenzie has had many successes this year in advising banks on headline Hong Kong rights offerings. Among these was the DB Trustees (Hong Kong) offering in April 2011. The listing was Hong Kong’s first Rmb REIT IPO and the first yuan-denominated equity IPO ever outside mainland China.

Partners PH Chik, Scott Clemens, Anthony Jacobson and Jackie Lo are all known as leading lawyers at Bakers.

Baker & McKenzie’s strong relationships with Chinese corporations and financial institutions continue to bring in major mandates for the firm. This past year, Bakers has seen standout growth in the life sciences, consumer products manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Clients are complimentary of the firm’s multi-jurisdictional expertise when it comes to large deals across Asia. “The firm houses members with expertise in different areas and multiple jurisdictions,” says one client. “The firm was able to provide very timely advice that was very much on point and useful. Our transaction was very large and required strong coordination. The Bakers team coped with that very well. The transaction was completed in a short timeframe with a lot of pressure. But the support that the firm gave us upon closing was very impressive and the team worked around the clock.”

One of the China M&A team’s most highly visible mandates this past year was advising The Walt Disney Company on its Shanghai Disneyland joint venture, in a deal valued at nearly US$3.6 billion. Partners David Smith, Howard Wu, Edmond Chan and Barry Cheng led the Bakers team on the JV with state-owned Shanghai Shendi Group, which was created expressly to help develop Shanghai Disneyland. Upon completion, Shendi will hold a 57% equity stake in the theme park with Disney owning the remaining 43%.

Baker & McKenzie’s strong connections with companies in the domestic PRC market mean the the firm is well positioned to advise on top real estate deals involving mainland and international players.

This year, the firm advised on the mega joint venture for the development of Shanghai Disneyland between the Walt Disney Company and state owned Shanghai Shengdi. The JV will result in Disney’s holding a 43% equity stake in the theme park, while Shanghai Shendi will hold 57%. The US$3.6 billion deal represents a first in the history of entertainment partnerships between multinationals and the Chinese government.

In another deal, valued at US$5.53 billion, Bakers advised the Hong Kong public transit MTR Company in relation to the new fourth line of China’s Shenzhen Metro. The public private partnership project involves 30-year term loans. David Smith and Barbara Li are key construction and real estate partners.

Bakers’ dispute resolution practice is known for its strong base in China. The firm routinely advises Chinese clients on international arbitration proceedings in the major centres of Singapore and Hong Kong.

The dispute resolution practice is also very sharp on the contentious side, and has a history of representing the Chinese Government on litigation with the US Supreme Court. Partner Gary Seib leads the practice group, while partners Beatrice Schaffrath and Michelle Gon bolster the team on the mainland. Bakers also enjoys a leading reputation in insurance litigation through its contentious insurance practice.

Bakers & McKenzie’s project finance practice spans the full range of work within the energy and natural resources sector, including power, petrochemicals, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure and renewables. The firm’s large capital markets and M&A practices help generate mandates in this sector as a result of the good relationships it enjoys with PRC companies and financial institutions. Bakers’ energy and natural resources work is also supported by the firm’s true multijurisdictional strength across China and Southeast Asia.

In one prime example, the firm represented CNOOC on the US$7.06 billion acquisition of BP’s 60% share in Pan American Energy by Bridas Corporation. Bridas is jointly held by CNOOC and Bridas Energy Holdings.

Bakers’ team also recently advised Bank of China on a financing that included both refinancing and acquisition elements of up to €900 million for a chemical project company. David Smith is the firm’s key projects partner in China.

Baker & McKenzie’s team regularly acts on multi-jurisdictional and domestic matters when it comes to IP work in China. The IP group advises clients on the full spectrum of IP issues, representing trade mark owners on matters including registration, branding advice, portfolio management, patent applications and internet issues. The firm’s litigation team advises on IP enforcement and contentious matters.

The practice also has particular experience in advising clients on regulatory issues for industries such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. This expertise encompasses matters such as R&D, clinical trials, product labelling and liability, and recall issues.

Bakers’ IP team recently represented Martell and Hennessy in an infringement lawsuit against five persons who were accused of counterfeiting trade marks on a large amount of seized goods. Bakers’ team was able to obtain a successful judgment for the client, which involved seven years in prison sentences and Rmb142,000 in fines.

The firm’s leading IP lawyers in China include Chris Smith, Scott Palmer and Clement Ngai.

Baker & McKenzie’s strong M&A and capital markets practices in China have led to a number of mandates this year. For example, with the IT, Telco & Media sectors, the firm’s integrated Greater China practice advises on transactional work, as well as providing regulatory and compliance advice.

On the M&A side, Bakers recently advised SEEK on its US$204 million acquisition of Jobs DB. SEEK acquired a 60% controlling share of web recruitment company Jobs DB from JDB Holdings. This past year, the Bakers’ team also represented a major investment bank in documentation for a cooperation agreement with another investment bank in order to create software to trade certain PRC funds.

Bakers’ key IP practitioners in China are Chris Smith, Scott Palmer and Clement Ngai.

Baker & McKenzie has a strong labour and employment practice, with multi-jurisdictional capabilities across the region and a solid grounding of Chinese and Hong Kong employment law. The firm is used by multinationals to handle multijurisdictional immigration and employment law matters. For example, Morgan Stanley exclusively instructs Bakers on Greater China matters with its employees.

Bakers continues to advise British Telecom in connection with the management of its regional employment portfolio. Bakers’ team advises the telecom company on bonus issues, forced reduction matters and employee transfer work across the region. The firm handles all of BT’s employment law matters across Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Andreas Lauffs and Jennifer Van Dale lead the firm’s labour and employment group.

Baker & McKenzie has a strong aviation practice, especially when it comes to asset financing. Andrew Lockhart is known for his extensive experience in asset finance work and his expertise in loans and credit facilities.

Lockhart is representing ICBC on the first cross border KG aircraft financing that involves a PRC bank lender. The financing for an Airbus A380-800 Aircraft (MSN 049) is a two tranche facility with a value of US$100 million. Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale is the facility agent, while ICBC is one of the lenders on the financing. The borrower is a limited partnership formed under German law and aircraft will be leased to Air France upon delivery.

Baker & McKenzie has a long history of representing foreign companies investing in China on tax issues related to their inbound transactions. The firm’s large Greater China tax team across Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong advises on the full range of tax related issues that companies face. The firm has specialised econometrics and benchmarking capabilities for advising on transfer pricing matters. The team’s depth of experience advising major banks and accounting firms reassures clients of its knowledge of PRC law issues.

Peers reserve high praise for practice group head Jon Eichelberger. “Eichelberger has been doing PRC tax law for a long time,” says one partner at a rival firm, “and technically he’s very solid. He’s a great tax lawyer, attentive to detail and knowledgeable.”

Baker & McKenzie is particularly well known in Hong Kong’s banking market for its ability to navigate the Chinese market and advise on cross border transactions. Clients praise the firm for its accessibility and competence. “Its level of knowledge and expertise is good and up to date when it comes to legal and regulatory changes in China, which is where the majority of our business is derived from,” says one client. “We have easy access to different levels within the firm when we need to get clarification on issues that arise.”

Partners Andrew Lockhart and Barry Cheng are co-heads of Bakers’ Greater China banking practice. This past year, partner Stephen Eno represented Standard Chartered Bank on a US$400 million loan facility to Wealthy Joy & Follow International.

Baker & McKenzie is known for its prowess on cross border transactions and the language skills of its partners. One client says: “The firm is experienced in the field and is able to provide practical solutions. It has good communication skills and language advantages over other firms. It also has rich resources, a proactive approach and excellent follow-up.”

Partners Nancy Leigh and Dorothea Koo recently advised SEEK on its acquisition of a US$204 million, controlling stake in well known recruitment website Jobs DB from JDB Holdings.

Baker & McKenzie is known for its real estate and construction expertise across an array of transactions. For example, it helps clients to strategise and draft documents for their projects and offers specialised dispute resolution advice. Bakers’ team in Hong Kong is headed by experienced partner David Smith, and Rico Chan and James Kwan are also key partners in the practice.

The construction and real estate team in Hong Kong recently advised the Hong Kong Government on the tender and leasing of the Kai Tak cruise terminal. The firm’s involvement in the HK$7.2 billion (US$923 million) venture includes drafting the tenancy agreement and related tender documents for the lease.

Baker & McKenzie’s dispute resolution practice encompasses a wide range of practice areas, but has a particular specialty on commercial disputes. Lawyers routinely work on cases from the firm’s corporate, regulatory, property, employment, IT and insurance practices. Practitioners are adept at helping clients to avoid potential disputes through strategising at the early phases of deals and agreements.

Loke Khoon Tan leads Bakers’ intellectual property practice in greater China. Bakers is known as a leading trade mark and patent practice, and is also seen representing high profile multinational clients in disputes in Hong Kong and across the region. It is especially well known for its long history of advising healthcare, life sciences and pharmaceutical companies.

Bakers is acting for Microsoft as part of Business Software Alliance’s anti piracy software campaign in Hong Kong. The campaign aims to drive software legalisation by corporate end-users in Hong Kong. The firm also regularly advises Polo Ralph Lauren on enhancing its trade mark portfolio, and on registration and anti-counterfeiting issues.

Bakers’ employment practice is known for its size and broad reach, with key areas of expertise including employee investigations, workplace issues and policies, restrictive covenants, benefits and compensation, terminations, immigration, transactions and litigation. The Hong Kong team is led by partner Jennifer van Dale, who has over 10 years of experience in advising on complex employment law matters.

One partner at a rival firm also had special praise for leading lawyer Andreas Lauffs, who is described as “really excellent and a tier one lawyer”.

Van Dale recently led Bakers’ employment team advising on a highly publicised contentious dispute between board members of a Hong Kong public company. The team represented the company in the removal of the chairman and vice chairman, and the termination of employment contracts.

Baker & McKenzie’s tax team is known for its experienced partners who often have in-house experience at the Big Four accounting firms and at banks. The Hong Kong office houses five tax partners and a team of 16 professionals. Bakers focuses on advising clients on tax planning issues, M&A related tax matters, employment, transfer pricing and wealth management. The firm’s strong Hong Kong litigation team is also a major asset to clients when it comes to tax disputes.

The tax team recently advised Fortune REIT on tax and trust matters relating to a listing transfer from Singapore to Hong Kong.

Partner Michael Olesnicky leads the tax team in Hong Kong and greater China.

Baker & McKenzie grew its practice with four new hires in the past year. It welcomed the arrival of partner Yaeko Hodaka and two associates from Morrison & Foerster in February 2011. Earlier in August 2010, counsel Junko Suetomi joined the team and brought with her experience in international trade. An arbitration specialist, Haig Oghigian is acting on several arbitration matters. These include JCAA arbitration involving the withdrawal of a Japanese manufacturer from the EU, and an ICC arbitration regarding defective products sold in Japan by a US manufacturer. Co-chair of the practice Yoshiaki Muto is another key contact.

The global network of Baker & McKenzie is one of the firm’s key strengths, and this advantage is particularly helpful on major cross border projects. For example, the firm represented Sumitomo Metal Mining on a US$1.3 billion nickel mining project in the Philippines, on which Tokyo based partner Anne Hung is working with the firm’s Manila office.

The firm’s full service offering is another strength clients appreciate and this was demonstrated when it advised Tokyo Gas on the purchase of an equity interest in the BG Group’s LNG project in Queensland, Australia. Hung and Paul Davis handled the deal, and one client of Hung says she has the ability to “quickly understand the issues with deep insight and work very diligently”.

The IP team at Baker & McKenzie’s Tokyo office excels in trade mark work and is getting more active in patent matters. Kenichi Nakayama is defending a Japanese telecommunications equipment manufacturing company in a patent infringement litigation. The damages claim is more than US$1 million and the case generated much media attention as the plaintiff has filed claims on behalf of many other companies. The Bakers team also advised QVC Japan in 2011 in the negotiation of naming rights in a deal valued at ¥2.75 billion (US$35.8 million). Partners Yasunori Hashiguchi and Daisuke Tatsuno are respected in the market.

New to the rankings this year, Baker & McKenzie has a growing TMT practice under the leadership of Yasunori Hashiguchi. The team’s rising profile has been acknowledged by clients, and was kept occupied this year on a number of matters relating to recent regulatory changes in Japan. One notable matter saw it assist Skype in negotiating with the Ministry of Affairs and Communications to confirm compliance with a new law that deals with payment methods using an e-money system.

Comprising bengoshi, zeirishi, US qualified tax lawyers, economists, financial analysts and certified practising accountants, Baker & McKenzie’s tax team continues to impress the market with its full service offering. The firm’s deep understanding of Japanese tax and legal structures, together with its extensive global network of offices, has attracted foreign and local clients to seek advice on cross border issues.

For instance, a Japanese transportation equipment company and its automotive subsidiary is engaging head of practice Edwin Whatley and his counterparts in Washington DC to renew its APAs and make annual representations for its automobiles in the US. The tax team is also instrumental in many corporate transactions. An example of this saw Whatley and team provide advice on tax and transfer pricing issues for a NYSE listed software computing company in the takeover of its Japanese subsidiary.

Baker & McKenzie’s banking and finance team is widely regarded as one of the leading practices in Taiwan. Representing international banks, finance companies and corporate borrowers on all banking and finance related matters, the team enjoys an excellent reputation in the market.

One client says: “Baker & McKenzie has strong and in-depth worldwide capabilities that have helped us to successfully process and complete international deals.”

The banking team assisted Taiwan Cooperative Bank and a group of lenders in relation to a US$262 million loan granted to the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM Bank). This represented the first time that KEXIM Bank had raised funds in the loan market in Taiwan.

The M&A practice represented Taiwan chip designer MediaTek on its acquisition of Ralink Technology, a global technology leader in wireless home networking and broadband access.

Another notable highlight was advising EQT Greater China II in relation to its acquisition of Gala TV. The two practices combined to provide legal due diligence, preparation of the sale and purchase agreement and subsequent Investment Commission applications.

Bakers’ top tier litigation practice combines local knowledge and international experience on civil litigation for both domestic and foreign corporations. The firm’s lawyers have extensive experience in corporate disputes, white collar defence and multijurisdictional disputes.

The firm represented Microchip Technology in a cross border IP matter. The matter required coordination across the firm’s various offices as well as with several Chinese litigation firms.

Another transaction saw the firm represent fabless IC design company LSI Technology (Singapore) on patent infringement litigation. The team defended the client against accusations of infringement, and successfully sought a settlement between the client and the plaintiff.

Baker & McKenzie has extensive experience handling IP litigation and prosecution matters. The firm’s IP lawyers and patent attorneys are known for their ability to handle high profile cases in Taiwan, such as Peer-to-Peer copyright infringements, and pharmaceutical patent proceedings.

The firm acted for Microchip Technology in a cross border (Taiwan-China) intellectual property matter. Microchip Technology was both the plaintiff, in a copyright infringement action against Shanghai Haier Integrated Circuit, and the defendant in a counter claim of alleged patent infringement.

In another highlight, the firm advised Sanofi-Aventis in a dispute relating to the new taxoid-based compositions. A local generic company filed a patent cancellation action to challenge the validity of the patent in dispute.

Baker & McKenzie’s information technology and communications practice is considered one of the firm’s core areas of expertise. The team has advised a broad spectrum of suppliers and end-users on IT, and has extensive experience representing local cable and satellite television stations.

The firm represented Taiwan Broadband Communications (TBC) in relation to credit facilities arranged by a collaboration of banks for the refinancing of existing indebtedness to the TBC group.

Another transaction saw the firm advise EQT Greater China II on its acquisition of Gala TV. This included legal due diligence, the preparation of the sale and purchase agreement, and the subsequent Investment Commission application.

The busy team finished the year acting for MediaTek, Taiwan’s leading chip designer, on its acquisition of Ralink Technology, a global technology leader in wireless home networking and broadband access.

Baker & McKenzie retains its top tier status after another highly successful year led by senior partner Seraphim Mar. The firm’s practice is highly regarded and is the largest employment practice group in Taiwan.

The firm assisted with the transfer of employees in Taiwan from one international investment bank to another. In this transaction, the team reviewed the two company policies and provided revised versions of the companies’ employee handbooks.

Another transaction saw the team advising a Taiwanese company on the employment aspects of an M&A transaction. This complex matter involved Taiwan’s complicated pension system.

Baker & McKenzie’s tax practice is able to draw on the resources of the firm’s worldwide offices to give clients multi-jurisdictional advice. The tax practice, led by partner Michael Wong, provided legal and tax advice to Chi-Mei Optoelectronics in connection with the largest M&A deal in the high-tech sector.

Another notable transaction saw the firm advise a multinational bank focused on wealth management tax consultation on issues relating to offshore trust arrangement, and discretionary and life interest trust. This complex case required implementation of the much vaunted Alternative Minimum Tax.

To end the year, the firm provided tax advice to Morgan Stanley, as financial adviser to Polaris, regarding financial group Yuanta’s acquisition of Polaris.

Known in the market for being the international firm with the longest history in Bangkok and housing the largest team, Baker & McKenzie’s long-term presence in Thailand means that clients appreciate its understanding of the local market. The team advises on capital markets work, particularly on the recently more active debt side. One client says: “I’ve dealt with Bakers on the other side of the table, and they’re quite good.”

In the last year, partner Kitipong Urapeepatanapong led Bakers’ capital markets team representing Thai Airways International on its IPO and concurrent Rule 144A/Regulation S offering. The IPO was Thailand’s largest in 2010, and was valued at approximately US$487 million.

Baker & McKenzie is frequently cited for possessing serious knowledge of the Thai legal landscape. It is often the go-to firm for top domestic companies conducting M&A deals inside Thailand as well as for multinationals seeking an international firm that understands the country.

Last year, Bakers’ team advised Elite Villa Company on its acquisition of Baan Taling Ngam Resort & Spa from Lehman Brothers-subsidiary Samui Hotel 1 Corporation. The 2010 acquisition was valued at nearly Baht 700 million (US$234,000) and was led by partner Sorachon Boonsong.

The M&A team also recently advised Thailand’s Government Pension Fund (GPF) as it reviewed, revised and negotiated the shareholders agreement between GPF and new investors in order to facilitate an acquisition of shares in Royal Porcelain.

A standout from other international firms in Thailand because of its size and array of service offerings, Baker & McKenzie is active on both real estate and projects work in Thailand. The firm has strong relationships with international financial institutions. However, because the firm is equally well known in the domestic market, it is also frequently instructed by domestic companies seeking first-class counsel. One partner at a rival firm says: “Bakers has a strong residential real estate practice.”

In 2011, the Bakers team advised a syndicate of lenders in extending US$220 million and Baht 15.4 billion for the development, financing, design, construction and operation of the hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) plant. The plant is to be operated by Siam Cement and Dow Chemical subsidiary MTP HPPO Manufacturing and, on completion, is set to become Southeast Asia’s largest hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) plant.

The largest out of all of the international firms in Thailand, Baker & McKenzie is known for its contentious disputes team that has the manpower and experience to handle any issue for clients. “Bakers has a large presence in Thailand,” says on peer, “and it really is as strong on the Thai law side as it is on international law. It is often the first stop for international and domestic clients looking for representation on Thai disputes.”

Chirachai Okanurak and Wynn Pakdeejit are leading partners in the disputes practice. This past year, the team advised on securing a modification of an administrative court injunction for Dow Chemical that had been issued subsequent to an NGO’s claim.

The energy, chemicals, mining and infrastructure group at Bakers is spearheaded by leading partners Sawanee Sethsathira, Thinawat Bukhamana, Vit Vatanayothin and Viroj Piyawattanametha. The group is part of the firm’s Bangkok financial services division as well as being members of Bakers’ international network of project finance experts.

The Bakers team continues to represent a syndicate of lenders led by KBANK and Bangkok Bank as mandated lead arrangers on loans of Baht 3.6 billion and US$41.1 million. These loans will be used to finance the design, development, construction and operation of the 123.3-MW gas-fired combined cycle cogeneration and steam production capacity power plant in Amata City Industrial Estate in Thailand’s Rayong Province.

The IP practice at Baker & McKenzie is led by partners Dhirapol Suwanprateep and Say Sujintaya and is known for its capacity in representing international clients in their Thai IP issues. Corporations such as L’Oreal, Proctor & Gamble Asia, Mars and Columbia Sportswear are all longstanding clients. Bakers’ crack litigation team is also an asset to clients when it comes to handling contentious intellectual property issues.

Unique among international firms for its size and genuine knowledge of local Thai law, Baker & McKenzie’s tax group is an important part of its full service offering to clients. Tax partners often advise multinationals on tax efficient structures for inbound mergers and acquisitions, as well as representing Thai companies on outbound investments. Bakers’ international network is a huge asset to clients when it comes to these types of cross-border tax issues. Chinawat Assavapokee is known as a leading partner in the practice.

Baker & McKenzie has earned a strong reputation in advising on all types of banking, finance and capital market transactions. The team’s extensive experience on all aspects of secured and unsecured financing deals has earned the trust of clients, including investment and state-owned enterprise banks, dealers and financial intermediaries.

As one of the few international firms practicing in Vietnam, the team’s international presence and strong ties with major investment banks, state-owned banks and insurance companies allowed it to play a key advisory role to Xangbo Management (Singapore) on a trade finance transaction. This was under the GSM 102 Programme.

Another key highlight last year saw the firm act for the borrower on a US$400 million loan facility for the development and construction of the Cai Mep terminal in Hanoi.

Baker & McKenzie’s dedicated mergers and acquisition team acts for various clients around the globe on inbound and outbound investments. The firm’s “extensive knowledge and comprehensive understanding of Vietnamese law is what separates its advice from competitors’”, says one client.

Peers are also impressed, describing Baker & McKenzie as “a standout law firm in the region”. “The project finance team’s intellect and skills are first class”, says one.

The team boasts a useful combination of special international counsel and locally licensed practitioners. Frederick Burke is described as “a highly regarded practitioner” by one client. “He understands a client’s expectations and is always able to deliver the desired outcome.” Oanh Hoang Kim Nguyen is also well regarded in the market as “a hard working practitioner with solid knowledge of securities and foreign investment,” says one peer.

Baker & McKenzie has one of the largest real estate teams in the region with some of the most experienced and knowledgeable lawyers practicing in all aspects of property law. Leading partner Fred Burke “is definitely the go-to person for this practice”, comments a competitor. Over the past year, he has been busy leading the team on a range of property projects and other construction transactions.

The firm advised a global corporation on its set-up in a joint stock company in the form of a ‘build-operate and transfer’ vehicle for the purpose of developing a commercial property project in Vietnam.

In another notable transaction, the firm advised on the acquisition of a local entity having development rights to a commercial project located on a heritage site in the central business district of Ho Chi Minh City.

Baker & McKenzie’s dispute resolution team covers all aspects of litigation, arbitration and mediation in Vietnam. Given its international connections, it is able to advise on both complex cross border issues as well as settling domestic commercial disputes. The practice has gained a solid reputation for its litigation skills on antitrust, banking and finance, construction and information technology disputes.

Practice leader Ha Thi Thanh Tran focuses on dispute resolution, corporate compliance, corporate fraud investigations and customs compliance. Some of her previous experience includes advising a multinational power and heavy machinery company and executing internal compliance audit activities.

Partner Fred Burke also handles a wide range of corporate disputes and has strong knowledge on regulatory compliance issues.

Baker & McKenzie retains its top tier ranking with another strong year representing some of the world’s best known brand names and trade marks. The firm’s international presence allows the practice to branch out on matters involving various global industry associations, and it actively assists on both contentious and non-contentious IP matters.

The firm represented Eli Lilly and Company in a major patent infringement action concerning pharmaceutical process patents. In this landmark case, the judgement of which is often cited by the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) in its training and IP seminars, the Bakers team was able to obtain a favourable decision in the district court.

In another deal highlight, the firm acted for Rohm & Haas Electronic Materials CMP Holdings in its defence against a patent cancellation action.