An Eye on Shanghai: An On-the-Ground Perspective on Intellectual Property and Investment Issues and Strategies

The Chinese and other Asian markets present enormous opportunities and equally imposing challenges to U.S. manufacturers, including automotive suppliers. In order to succeed, U.S. manufacturers must give careful consideration to business structures, protection of technology and intellectual property (IP) assets, the changing regulatory landscape in China and its impact on foreign investment, and unique contracting challenges for U.S. companies doing business in China.

Foley recently held this roundtable discussion lead by Foley Intellectual Property Litigation Partner and Asia Practice Chair Catherine Sun, and Senior Counsel Ken Duck of the firm’s China Team and Automotive Industry Team. Topics addressed include:

• Business opportunities in China


• Effective IP strategies for enforcement and protection of IP assets


• Structuring business transactions in China and the importance of cross-border IP counseling


• International technology transfer, licensing, and portfolio management


• Current regulatory developments affecting automotive suppliers and other foreign direct investment in China

Please view the program materials by clicking on the link to your right.

Program Speakers:

Catherine Sun
Practicing in China and educated as a lawyer in both China and the United States, Ms. Sun has been focusing for more than 15 years on IP issues, cross-border merger and acquisition (M&A) related IP, international technology transfer, licensing, IP portfolio management, and strategic counseling. Earlier this year, Foley filed an application with the Chinese Ministry of Justice to open an office in Shanghai. Ms. Sun — currently a Foley Intellectual Property Litigation Partner and Asia Practice Chair — also will serve as Office Managing Partner of the Shanghai office when Foley receives its license.

Ken Duck
Mr. Duck regularly advises U.S. companies, including many auto suppliers, on their investments in the Chinese market. He also counsels Chinese and Japanese companies on direct investments in the United States. Mr. Duck, who has practiced for 11 years, has lived and worked in China and Japan for more than five years and speaks both Mandarin Chinese and Japanese.