MMLC Group
tmp/logo2.jpg

Intellectual Property - Corporate - International Trade

About UsYour TeamServicesMajor ProjectsPublicationsRSS FeedsContact UsCareersLegalsPrivacy Statement

Some of our major projects during 2009 included the following ...
                                                                          
Business Transactions
+ Advised various major foreign shareholders in relation to the Chinese government approvals required for China Merchant's Bank acquisition of Wing Lung Bank (US$4.7 billion) and Sinopec's acqusition of Tanganyika (US$2 billion)
+ Advised various major foreign shareholders in relation to the Chinese government approvals (in particular the competition law approvals) regarding Coke's acquisition of China's Huiyuan (US$2.5 billion) and Inbev's acquisition of Anheuser Busch (US$52 billion)
+ Advised various SMEs and start-ups in Australia, on international IP protection, corporate structuring, licensing and taxation matters
+ Advised the world’s most well known franchising group on franchising regulations in China and regulatory issues associated with expansion plans + Advised a leading renewable energies company on the acquisition of a controlling interest in a major Chinese renewal energy company 

+ Advised various global and boutique investment banks on investments in various industries in Asia

+ Advised one of the world's largest electronics and consumer goods conglomerates on restructuring, corporate investigations and the establishment of a national commercial sector WFOE

+ Advised several borrowers on major corporate financing activities in Asia, including tax minimisation strategies and foreign exchange issues

+ Advised a major auto components company on various China transactions including a major joint venture (US$50m), licensing arrangements throughout China, and technical collaboration arrangements

+ Advised a major US white goods manufacturer on the establishment of a joint venture in Eastern China

+ Advised a major household name computer company on the restructuring of operations in the PRC, tax issues and various commercial issues, as well as the establishment joint venture operations

+ Advised an American icon in the auto parts industry on various contractual issues associated with strategic joint ventures with a number of major PRC auto companies

+ Advised a major IT company on product collaborations with Chinese universities and ministries

+ Advised a major pharmaceutical company in the acquisition of interests in PRC companies + Advised various US entities on major restructurings given regulatory and market developments, as well as Customs and tax strategies 

+ Advised on employment contract disputes in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea and the Philippines


     

    

Intellectual Property and Technology

 

+Advised a well known transgenic plant developer on the terms and conditions of its technology and grower licensing agreements under PRC law

+ Advised various world renowned online retailers on PRC regulations relating to ecommerce, distribution and market access

+ Developed and enforced IP protection strategies for various household names, involved in publishing, electronics, auto, software, beverages and others - patent litigation and raids, trademark raids and subsequent litigation across Asia, and copyright law enforcement

+ Carried out over 120 intellectual property infringement raid actions with government authorities (including pre-raid investigations) for a number of well known multinationals in relation to trademarks, patents, copyright, design patents, unfair competition and product quality violations in Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Donguan, Foshan, Chengdu, Xiamen, Qingdao, Shiyan, Taiwan, Korea, the Philippines and Thailand ¡V leading to the confiscation of infringing products worth over US$3.5m

+ Prosecuted trademark and patent applications, opposition actions and TO appeals in relation to auto, IT, textiles, industrial cleaning products, agricultural products, medical laboratory equipment, services, media and communications¡¦ products

+ Advised on patent registration issues, including the supervision of patent claim drafting in Chinese, and strategies involving agricultural creations, genetics and mechanics

 

 

Dispute Resolution and Tax

+ Represented various Fortune 500 companies in disputes involving China and Australian Customs and Tax Offices – transfer pricing, bonded warehouse processing, tax audits and various sensitive issues

 

+Represented three Fortune 500 multinationals in four separate high profile Greater China product recall actions in relation to toys, electronics and foodstuffs

+ Represented a well known Australian exporter in a CIETAC arbitration in Beijing, and successful settlement negotiations

+ Advised a number of Wall Street analysts on the likely results of a number of PRC and Australian court actions relating to patents, copyright and contractual issues, and implications for the successful and unsuccessful parties and their shareholders 

 

 

Business Services

+ Carried out introduction services regarding government departments and auto, biotech and chemical company clients

 

+ Carried out major confidential corporate investigations for companies involved in the auto and electronics industries

 

+Represented major publishing groups in dealings and signings with major Chinese government departments

+ Carried out the timely translation of a large range of commercial contracts, patent specifications and technical documents (such as user manuals, detailed presentations, company group introductions and other documents) in relation to a large number of industries

+ Developed China-focused legal risk management guidelines for major multinationals in the electronics, telecommunications, restaurants and IT sectors

+ Advised a leading pharmaceuticals group on China strategies associated with a new range of products, pricing, competition issues, distribution issues and regulatory issues

+ Represented a major US food company in lobbying the Ministry of Health in relation to food packaging regulations, and achieving a satisfactory compromise

+ Advised a major semi-government life sciences focused corporation on M&A in the PRC, establishing collaborative arrangements with various universities and government ministries, capital raising and general legal issues relating to contracts, foreign exchange and taxation

+ Identified and evaluated potential licensees for a well known innovative plant variety developer

+ Advised a well known pharmaceuticals company on market opportunities in the PRC

+ Advised a major Australian biotechnology company on identifying potential partners in the PRC, promotion of collaborations, localization of technologies and implementation

+ Facilitated the distribution of biotechnology equipment to over 35 hi-tech laboratories throughout China for a major US biotech equipment developer

+ Investigated collaboration and investment partners for a marine biotechnology company and a number of animal health focused companies

+ Advised a well known Chinese white goods and communications device manufacturer on sports sponsorship issues in Australia

+ Advised a major health care multinational on establishing a Centre for Excellence for intellectual property matters in the PRC

+ Advised a Chinese conglomerate on property investment opportunities in Australia

+ Advised a Chinese state-owned steel producer on acquisition targets in Australia

+ Advised a National Peoples Congress delegate on major international investment opportunities