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With more than a dozen professionals in our growing Beijing office, we leverage the strength of our global practice and decades of experience at the center Sino-foreign relations, to address the most complex legal, regulatory and political challenges faced by foreign companies doing business in China and globalizing Chinese businesses.

Our capabilities in Beijing include corporate and commercial transactions, intellectual property, government affairs, trade policy, export controls, employment, privacy and data security, anti-corruption, global compliance, antitrust and competition, and food and drug law. We advise clients from a wide-range of industries, including life sciences, infrastructure, energy, natural resources, telecommunications, and IT, media and technology.

The vast majority of our professionals in China are proficient in Mandarin, several speak Japanese or Korean, and many of them speak Cantonese, Shanghainese, and other Chinese dialects.

Covington has long been highly regarded for the global scope and breadth of its international practice, including its work for clients in China and throughout Asia. The firm has decades of experience in the region, and we frequently serve as advisors or advocates on projects and transactions presenting novel and complex issues of pan-Asian scope and importance. We are honored to represent leading Asian, American, and other companies operating in Asia, including companies active in virtually all sectors of Asia’s economy that range from established multinational corporations to smaller firms in the initial stages of operations.

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Ian King Live - Tim Stratford

Tim Stratford spoke with Ian King of Sky News regarding current U.S.-China trade negotiations. Mr. Stratford says, “If there is strong interest to do a deal, it may stop the tit-for-tat escalation of tariffs. But it may not address the real underlying issues that lead to the trade war in the first place.”

China Enacts Encryption Law

On October 26, 2019, China enacted a landmark Encryption Law, which will take effect on January 1, 2020. The Encryption Law significantly reshapes the regulatory landscape for commercial encryption, including foreign-made commercial encryption products, but leaves many questions to be answered in future implementing regulations.

Will China’s revised cybersecurity rules put foreign firms at risk of losing their secrets?

Yan Luo is quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding China's revised cybersecurity rules. Ms. Luo says many of the relevant cybersecurity requirements are “not that out of the global norm”, and unlikely to be a challenge for firms that already has “robust cybersecurity programmes.”

Westport and CEO Settle with SEC for China-Related Allegations of Improper Payments

On September 27, 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) announced a $4.1 million settlement with Westport Fuel Systems, Inc. (“Westport”) and its former chief executive officer, Nancy Gougarty. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Westport is a clean fuel technology company that has shares listed on the NASDAQ. The SEC’s cease-and-desist order finds that ...

U.S. Department of Commerce Adds 28 Chinese Entities to the Entity List

On October 9, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a Final Rule adding 20 Chinese government entities and eight Chinese private sector entities (“Listed Entities”) to the Entity List maintained by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”).

Covington Promotes Its Most Diverse Partner Class Ever

WASHINGTON—Covington has promoted to its partnership 14 lawyers based in eight different offices, including nine women and six lawyers of ethnically diverse backgrounds. “Our new partners are exceptionally talented lawyers from a wide range of the firm’s offices and most important practices, and they are extremely well-positioned to carry the firm forward,” ...

China Adopts Revised Drug Administration Law

On August 26, 2019, China’s Standing Committee of National People's Congress (“NPC) adopted a significant revision of the Drug Administration Law (“DAL”). The newly adopted DAL (“Revised DAL”) will go into effect on December 1, 2019. The Revised DAL is the first overhaul of the DAL since 2001.

Trump may be able to order US firms out of China — but it will cost him politically, says business leader

Timothy Stratford spoke with CNBC about the possibility of President Trump ordering U.S. companies out of China. Mr. Stratford says, “The President could issue orders that would make it very difficult for American companies to continue to do business in China, but I think it’s not a legal question of whether he’s going to do that — it’s a political and economic ...

Has the time come for U.S. companies to leave China?

Timothy Stratford is quoted in CGTN regarding the possibility of U.S. companies leaving China over the current trade war between the two countries. Mr. Stratford says it would be a good idea if President Trump takes his time, consults his advisers, and makes sure that he thinks carefully through what he's doing. “If you try to back China's leaders into a corner ...

American business group highlights smoothly functioning commerce in HK

Timothy Stratford is quoted in CGTN regarding the Hong Kong protests’ effect on U.S. businesses. Mr. Stratford says, “It is without question that smoothly functioning Hong Kong commerce is fundamentally important to our members' business interests and an important validator of the 'One Country, Two Systems' approach, faithful implementation of this approach ...

China Releases Updated Draft Encryption Law for Public Comment

On July 5, 2019, China’s Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) published a new draft Encryption Law (“the draft Law”) for public comment. The draft Law, if enacted as drafted, would bring significant new changes to China’s commercial encryption regime.

Asia's Complex Compliance Landscape

Eric Carlson spoke with Pharmaceutical Executive about the compliance challenges prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region. On the emergence of general compliance in the region, Mr. Carlson says, “When I first moved to Beijing in 2008, there were only a couple of dozen people who had compliance on their business card. It just wasn’t a job in China then. Ten years ...

Despite Truce, No End in Sight for the U.S.-China Trade War

Timothy Stratford is quoted in the World Economic Forum regarding a potential trade agreement between the U.S. and China by the end of 2019. Mr. Stratford says, “The business community is very pleased that they are going back to the negotiating table … and that additional tariffs are going to be postponed for the time being. What we are most concerned about is ...

U.S. Announces Product Exclusion Process for Tariffs Covering $200 Billion in Chinese Imports

Earlier this week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced a process through which companies can request that their products be excluded from duties imposed on $200 billion in Chinese imports under Section 301 of the Tariff Act of 1974 (Section 301). Tariffs on these imports have been in effect since September 2018, and recently increased ...

Key Takeaways from China's Regulation on the Administration of Human Genetic Resources

On June 10, 2019, the State Council (China’s chief executive agency) promulgated the long-awaited Regulation on the Administration of Human Genetic Resources (the “Regulation”), which will become effective on July 1, 2019. The Regulation supersedes the currently effective regulations and guidance on human genetic resources (“HGR”).

Dust has yet to settle two years after Chinas landmark cybersecurity law

Yan Luo was quoted in Technode regarding China's evolving cybersecurity framework. Ms. Luo says foreign companies operating in China are pursing compliance through tailoring their existing global cybersecurity program to fit China's regulatory environment.

China takes on bribery and corruption

Eric Carlson is quoted in Commercial Dispute Resolution regarding China’s actions to take on bribery and corruption. Mr. Carlson says that alongside targeting corrupt government officials, China is increasingly targeting the bribe-givers as well. Additionally, he says that while agencies such as the NSC do not have enforcement jurisdiction over private companies ...

US firms in China fear 'retaliation' against Huawei curbs: AmCham

Timothy Stratford spoke with the BBC about China’s response to the U.S.’ decision to add Huawei to its “entry list.” Mr. Stratford says, "Particularly in the wake of the decision to put Huawei on the... entity list, there are concerns that the government of China may decide to retaliate against American companies. These are real concerns, and they increase the ...

U.S. Targets Remaining $300 Billion in Chinese Imports with Proposed 25% Tariff

On May 13, days after increasing tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports, the U.S. Administration proposed imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on a new list of $300 billion in Chinese imports. The Administration cited China’s “failure to meaningfully address” problematic intellectual property (IP) practices and its retaliatory responses to U.S. tariffs ...

China Amends Trade Secret Law to Further Favor Rights-Holders

On April 23, 2019, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China passed a bill amending China’s Anti-Unfair Competition Law (“AUCL”). Changes made by the amendment bill took effect on the same day. Further to the last amendment to the AUCL in 2017, the newly introduced burden-of-proof shifting and punitive damages rules will significantly ...

China Adopts New Foreign Investment Law

On March 15, 2019, China’s National People’s Congress voted to adopt a new Foreign Investment Law (the “FIL”). The FIL will come into effect on January 1, 2020 and may significantly change China’s framework for regulating foreign investment. Foreign invested entities (“FIEs”) established prior to the FIL’s effective date will have five years to amend their ...

The way US and China are negotiating is 'extraordinary': Expert

Timothy Stratford spoke with CNBC about the current trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. He says a symmetrical enforcement structure in a U.S.-China trade deal would be more palatable to Beijing. He also added that the trade negotiators need time and space to get the job done right.

The Transparent Business Barometer: Preparing for the End of Easy Data

Yan Luo was acknowledged as an advisory board member for the special report The Transparent Business Barometer: Preparing for the End of Easy Data, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The report revealed key trends in data privacy and cyber security on global businesses through the survey of hundreds of business executives across China, the U.S., ...

China Launches New Product Pathways in Hainan Special Zone

On December 29, 2018, the State Council (China’s chief executive agency) opened a new pathway for drugs to come into China through a special zone in southern China. It suspended certain central regulations in the Bo Ao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan Province (“Pilot Zone”) and permitted local authorities to make marketing decisions ...

Congress Calls for Exclusion Process for Tariffs on $200 Billion in Chinese Imports

Late last week, President Trump signed an appropriations bill to keep the government funded. In its Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying this legislation, Congress directed the Trump Administration to establish an exclusion request process for tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports by March 17, 2019, in line with the process provided for prior rounds of ...

US China Trade Talks

Tim Stratford spoke with BBC World News and laid out an optimistic scenario for a trade agreement between the U.S. and China. Mr. Stratford says, “The structural issues that divide the U.S. and China are so significant that it’s hard to see an agreement really effectively dressing all of them.”

China's economy has 'a bit of everything,' says expert

In an interview with CNBC, Tim Stratford discussed trade developments between the U.S. and China. According to Mr. Stratford, China is highly advanced in some areas and underdeveloped in others. As a result, figuring out how to manage differences between the U.S. and China is a "new type of challenge" for American trade negotiators.

China Releases Draft Amendments to the Personal Information Protection Standard

On February 1, 2019, China’s National Information Security Standardization Technical Committee (“TC260”) released a set of amendments to GB/T 35273-2017 Information Technology – Personal Information Security Specification (“the Standard”) for public comment. The comment period ends on March 3.

4 Global Developments Patent Attys Should Know

Ruixue Ran is quoted in Law360 regarding China’s recently released draft legislation to revise the nation’s patent law. The changes, which attorneys say are aimed at enhancing patent owners' rights, are headlined by a proposal to increase the amount of damages available in certain circumstances. Ms. Ran says, “If they could get bigger damages compensation, that ...

China’s Draft Patent Law Includes Important Enhancements to Patent-Owner’s Rights

On January 4, 2019, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress ( “NPC”) of China published a draft amendment to the Patent Law (the “Draft”) for public comment. While this draft is not yet final, it indicates China is taking concrete steps to help patent holders with the exercise of their rights.

China Privacy Developments in 2018

The past year was a particularly significant one for the development of Chinese privacy law. During 2018, the Chinese government systematically established the country’s regulatory requirements for cybersecurity and data privacy and continued to implement the Cybersecurity Law, which took effect on June 1, 2017.

Tim Stratford Elected Chairman of AmCham China Board of Governors

BEIJING—The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China (AmCham China) has elected Tim Stratford, managing partner of Covington’s Beijing office, as Chair of the Board of Governors for 2019. He previously served as chair from 2000-2001. Mr. Stratford practice is focused on advising international clients doing business in China and assisting ...

Reprieve in U.S.-China Trade Tensions

On December 1, during a working dinner meeting in Buenos Aires following the G20 Summit, U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to temporarily ease trade tensions as both sides continue negotiating over longer-term solutions to U.S. concerns about bilateral economic relations.

China Issues Rules to Establish Appellate Court with Nationwide Jurisdiction Over Patent and Other Complex Technical Cases

On October 26, 2018, the Standing Committee of the People’s National Congress of the People's Republic of China (PRC) passed Decisions on Several Procedural Issues Relating to Patent and Other Intellectual Property Cases (the Appellate Rules), which will give the Supreme Court jurisdiction over patent and other complex technical IP cases (the Designated Subject ...

China Amends Criminal Procedure Law, Creating More Anti-Bribery Prosecution Tools

China recently amended its Criminal Procedure Law (CPL) to codify rules encouraging cooperation in government investigations, align with the new national supervision system, and introduce trials in absentia for certain crimes, including bribery and corruption.

Are Chinese Companies Being Targeted for Anti-Corruption Enforcement?

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a new “China Initiative.” According to the press release, the Initiative “reflects the Department’s strategic priority of countering Chinese national security threats and reinforces the President’s overall national security strategy.”

China 2025 Plan Remains a Stumbling Block as Trump Meeting Looms

Timothy Stratford is quoted in Bloomberg regarding the impact of the “Made in China 2025” plan on economic relations with the United States. Mr. Stratford says, “It was kind of a lightning rod that really made clear what people were concerned about. The breadth and the specificity seemed to put the last nail in the coffin."

China Law & Practice Names Covington “Intellectual Property Firm of the Year”

BEIJING—China Law & Practice has named Covington “Intellectual Property Firm of the Year” and Covington partner Ruixue Ran as “Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year.” The awards highlight innovation and excellence in the China legal market and honor top law firms, lawyers, and legal departments. Ms. Ran is one of the few China-based lawyers who focus on ...

China could be exposed in trade war as US allies choose compromise

Timothy Stratford is quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding current trade tension between the U.S. and China. Mr. Stratford points to systemic differences between the two countries as a point of contention. He says, “Now that this new round of tariffs is being imposed by both sides, the most realistic goal for our countries to focus on next would be to ...

After 'major escalation' in US-China trade war, what happens next?

Timothy Stratford is quoted on CNN regarding escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Mr. Stratford says, “They don't want to add to the incentive of American companies to be looking at investing elsewhere and to source products elsewhere. "It's a very difficult policy decision on China's part to find just the right touch to do this.” He adds, "They ...

Yan Luo Named to Global Data Review's “40 Under 40”

BEIJING — Global Data Review has named Covington’s Yan Luo to its inaugural “40 Under 40” list, recognizing the 40 individuals who represent the best and the brightest of the data law bar around the world. Based in the firm’s Beijing office, Ms. Luo advises clients on a broad array of regulatory matters in connection with data privacy, international trade, ...

U.S. Releases Final List of Tariffs on $200 Billion in Chinese Imports

On September 17, 2018, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released its final list of approximately $200 billion in Chinese imports subject to an additional ad valorem tariff. The final list, which covers 5,745 product categories, will take effect on September 24, 2018.

What they're saying about the trade war at China's 'Davos'

Timothy Stratford spoke with CNN Money regarding U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports and China’s plan to retaliate. Mr. Stratford says, "China is growing concerned that the US motivation is now trying to keep China down and contain it. I expect that we're going to have a deadlock for some time."

China 'keeping wary eye' on US and EU as trade pressure mounts

Timothy Stratford is quoted in the South China Morning Post regarding the United States and European Union’s pressure on China to reform its economy. Mr. Stratford says of the Chinese state-led economic model, “The global trading rules are based on assumptions that market economies are more efficient than state-led economies and that countries benefit from the ...

A major hurdle in trade talks: US and China ‘play by different economic rules'

Timothy Stratford is featured in a South China Morning Post article about his views on U.S.-China trade relations. Mr. Stratford says multinational companies with Chinese or U.S. operations have been caught in crossfire of the trade war between the nations. “What’s happening now is that the current deadlock is causing companies from both countries to rethink ...

U.S. Releases Final List of Tariffs on $16 Billion in Chinese Imports and Other Recent U.S.-China Tariff Developments

The Trump Administration has released its final list of approximately $16 billion in Chinese imports that will be subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem tariff, which will go into effect on August 23, 2018. The Administration has announced that it will provide an opportunity to request that "particular products" subject to the additional duties be ...

A Step Along the Road to a Legally Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights

We reported following the 2017 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights on the progress of an international treaty on the subject. On 19th July 2018, the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG) presented the draft text of a treaty to the High Commissioner for Human Rights (through the Permanent Mission of Ecuador, acting as Chair in the process).

More Officials Appointed to Lead Film and Media Authorities in China

On May 24, 2018, China filled the top positions at the State Bureau of Film (Film Bureau) and State Administration of Press and Publication (SAPP). Both appointments fill vacancies created by the dismantling of the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SAPPRFT) and continue apparent Communist Party of China (CPC) efforts to ...

USTR Releases a Third Proposed List of Tariffs on $200 Billion in Chinese Imports

Last night, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) released a new proposed list of $200 billion worth of products from China that could face an additional 10 percent ad valorem tariff. The list covers 6,031 product categories, including a multitude of consumer goods such as luggage, tires, furniture, apparel, mattresses, household goods, components ...

First Set of U.S. Section 301 Tariffs Goes into Effect; China Retaliates in Kind

As anticipated, an additional 25 percentage point ad valorem tariff on $34 billion worth of Chinese imports into the United States (covering 818 product categories in sectors including aerospace, information communication technology, machinery, and medical instruments) went into effect on July 6, 2018.

China Seeks Public Comments for Draft Regulations on Cybersecurity Multi-level Protection Scheme to Implement the Cybersecurity Law

On June 27, 2018, China’s Ministry of Public Security (“MPS”) released for public comment a draft of the Regulations on Cybersecurity Multi-level Protection Scheme (“the Draft Regulation”). The highly anticipated Draft Regulation sets out the details of an updated Multi-level Protection Scheme, whereby network operators (defined below) are required to comply ...

In Tariff Fight With Trump, China Scraps Plan to Strike First

Timothy Stratford is quoted by The Wall Street Journal in an article regarding China's anticipated response to new tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese products starting on July 6. A Chinese head start "would not be moving hearts and minds on both sides toward the positive direction of de-escalation," says Stratford.

‘A victory for Chinese steel and US law’: why a lawyer thinks Chinese companies can put faith in the American legal system

Ruixue Ran is quoted in a South China Morning Post article regarding how the result of the recent U.S. steel investigation should encourage Chinese companies to use the American legal system to settle disputes. According to Ran, the case was the first of its kind against Chinese steel products and the first time Chinese companies had won a trade secrets case ...

Update on CFIUS and Foreign Investment Regulation: President Affirms Support for FIRRMA and CFIUS, not IEEPA, to Manage Foreign Investment Risks

We write to report on two important developments regarding the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA), a bi-partisan effort to reform the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and the broader policy debate within the U.S. government on regulatory mechanisms to address foreign investment, particularly from China. On June ...

Covington Named Among Best Firms for Minority Lawyers and Partners

SILICON VALLEY—Covington was ranked sixth among “The Best Law Firms for Minority Attorneys” and ranked seventh among “The Best Law Firms for Minority Partners” by Law360 for firms with more than 600 lawyers. "While there is much progress still to be made, these results are a reflection of Covington's sustained efforts to recruit, mentor, develop, promote, and ...

China-U.S. Trade Tensions Rage On

Timothy Stratford appeared on CGTN's "The Point" to discuss the current state of China-U.S. trade tensions following the announced threat of a new round of $200 billion tariffs on Chinese goods. “The things that the U.S. hopes China will do are things that China doesn’t believe are in their own interest to do, so I think we have a stalemate," says Stratford.

U.S. Releases Final List of Tariffs on $34 Billion in Chinese Imports

As anticipated, the Trump Administration today released its final list of Chinese imports subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem tariff. The imposition of the tariffs follows the Administration’s determination in March that China’s technology transfer and intellectual property (“IP”) policies are harming U.S. companies, and the submission of public ...

Q&A with Tim Stratford: U.S.-China Trade Relations "at a Crossroads"

Tim Stratford, a former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative and current managing partner of Covington's Beijing office, says we stand at a "crossroads in U.S.-China relations and the future of the international trading system." Learn more about the new U.S. approach with China, its potential impacts, and what role the private sector can play. Q: Why have trade ...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers Regarding the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)

It has been publicly reported that the Trump Administration is considering invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to further regulate—and in certain areas potentially preclude—Chinese direct investment in the United States, beyond the authorities exercised by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The prospect ...

U.S.-China Trade Talks End Without Agreement as U.S. Finalizes Unilateral Measures

The Trump Administration’s senior economic and trade officials held talks with their Chinese counterparts in Beijing, May 3-4. The talks concluded with no agreement, and each side tabled expansive demands that appear well beyond what the other side would be able to accept.

Dun & Bradstreet Pays $9 Million SEC Fine to Settle China FCPA Allegations Obtains; Declination from DOJ

On April 23, 2018, Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (“D&B”), a professional services company providing credit reporting information and other commercial data to businesses, agreed to pay more than $9 million in connection with a cease and desist order with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to settle allegations that it violated the books and ...

Department of Commerce Activates Denial Order Against Chinese Telecommunications Company ZTE

On April 15, 2018, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) lifted its suspension of a denial order against two companies, Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation of Shenzhen, China (“ZTE Corporation”) and ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications Ltd. of Hi-New Shenzhen, China (“ZTE Kangxun,” and together with ZTE Corporation, ...

China-US Trade Frictions: China's steel sector wins in US Section 337 investigation

Ruixue Ran appeared on CGTN to discuss a recent victory on behalf of China's steel sector following a decision by the ITC to terminate a Section 337 investigation into Chinese steel products. According to Ran, who represented Chinese steel companies including Baosteel in the case, "While defending the trade secret misappropriation claim, we spent massive energy ...

Numerous Imports Targeted as U.S.-China Trade Tensions Escalate

On April 3, the Trump Administration proposed a list of approximately 1,300 products originating from China that would bear an additional 25 percent ad valorem import tariff and requested public comments on the list, following the Administration’s determination last month that China’s technology transfer and intellectual property (“IP”) policies are harming U.S. ...

China’s internet lenders fall foul of data privacy rules

Yan Luo is quoted in a Financial Times article regarding survey findings that suggest that more than half of Chinese internet finance lenders are failing to comply with data privacy regulations. According to Luo, “Investors should certainly expect more government scrutiny on their business model from a data protection perspective."

China: Government Reorganization and Trade War Suggest More Anti-Corruption Enforcement in China

China’s biggest government reorganization in a generation, coinciding with rapidly escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, will impact many aspects of doing business in China, including an uptick in anti-corruption enforcement.

China hits back at up to $60 billion in U.S. tariffs with only with $3 billion of its own

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a CNBC article regarding China's response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. "They want to show that they have taken note of U.S. actions and are going to be strongly resisting, but they don't want to be seen as escalating things further," says Stratford. "The Chinese recognize that everyone has a lot to learn if the U.S. and ...

USTR Finds China’s IP Practices Cause at Least $50 Billion in Harm: Proposed Tariffs and Investment Restrictions Ratchet Up U.S.-China Trade Tensions

Earlier today, the administration announced its findings that China’s theft of U.S. technologies and intellectual property (“IP”) have caused at least $50 billion in harm to the U.S. economy per year.

China to Target Trump's Base in Tariff Response

Timothy Stratford is quoted by The Wall Street Journal in an article regarding plans by China to impose tariffs in response to President Trump's punitive measures. According to Stratford, the current trade environment could prompt U.S. companies to reconsider the long-term importance of the Chinese market. “Gradually we may feel compelled to diversify until ...

Establishing 15 IP Tribunals Nationwide, Chinese Courts Further Concentrate Jurisdiction Over IP Matters

China has continued to develop its adjudicatory framework for intellectual property disputes with the establishment of three Intellectual Property Tribunals (“IP Tribunals”) this month. This reform began with the establishment of three specialized IP Courts in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou at the end of 2014, and has been furthered with the establishment of ...

Next Up: Section 301 - Companies and Global Markets Should Prepare for the Risk of Rising U.S.-China Trade Tensions

Following the recent U.S. announcement of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the United States is now poised to implement trade sanctions against China stemming from an investigation of that country’s intellectual property (“IP”) practices.

Dialogue with Yang Rui

Timothy Stratford appeared in CGTN's "Dialogue with Yang Rui" to discuss President Trump's announced tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. According to Stratford, "Usually what happens when you impose these sorts of measures is you're trying to protect one particular industry but often the overall costs to the economy are great."

Covington Named Among Top Entertainment & Sports Firms by China Business Law Journal

BEIJING—China Business Law Journal has recognized Covington as one of the top international law firms in the Entertainment & Sports category. Covington’s Entertainment and Media practice in China has advised nearly every major Hollywood studio and many of the leading independents on their China activities and has been involved in some of the most significant ...

Covington Earns Five “Practice Group of the Year” Awards

WASHINGTON—Law360 has named five Covington practice groups among its “2017 Practice Groups of the Year.” The practice groups recognized by Law360 are as follows: Government Contracts International Trade Product Liability Sports White Collar

China’s toolbox to turn the retaliatory screws in trade tensions with the United States

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a South China Morning Post article regarding China's retaliatory options that might be considered if a trade war breaks out with the U.S. According to Stratford, there are a number of things that foreign companies could be worried about in terms of retaliatory action from China. “Some foreign companies may have a more difficult ...

Communication breakdown risks escalating Sino-US trade row, say former officials

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a South China Morning Post article regarding escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and how the World Economic Forum in Davos might be a place for officials to discuss trade issues. "As far as we’ve been able to tell, there has been a strong debate going on at the most senior level in Washington on how to deal with ...

International Trade Group of the Year: Covington & Burling

Covington was named a 2017 International Trade Group of the Year by Law360. According to Peter Lichtenbaum, the Bombardier trade remedies case, which "presents very significant economic, legal, and political issues," was one of the group's biggest from the past year. "The company remains confident that the ITC will conclude that Boeing will not be harmed by the ...

NDRC Releases Final Outbound Investment Regulations

On December 26, 2017, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”) released the final Administrative Measures for Enterprise Outbound Investment (the “Final ODI Rules”), which will go into effect as of March 1, 2018 and govern NDRC's regime for reviewing Chinese outbound investment projects. The Final ODI Rules contain limited changes relative to ...

Competition Law Enforcement Trends in the U.S., Europe and China: Looking Ahead to 2018

2017 was another year of active enforcement globally—including in the U.S., despite the start of a new Presidential Administration touting an aggressive deregulatory agenda. Transactions in consolidated industries drew enforcement fire in both Europe and the United States (Dow/DuPont, ChemChina/Syngenta, Bayer/Monsanto, AT&T/TimeWarner). And, in March, the UK ...

5 Cybersecurity And Privacy Policies To Watch In 2018

Kristof Van Quathem and Yan Luo are quoted in a Law360 article regarding cybersecurity and privacy policies to watch in 2018. Commenting on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Van Quathem says that although one of the legislation's aims is to harmonize a splintered set of national data privacy laws within Europe, it may end up causing companies aiming ...

Financial Times Names Covington to 2017 North America Innovators List

SILICON VALLEY—The Financial Times has recognized Covington among the most innovative firms in 2017 in the category of "Enabling Business Growth," for advising "Tencent in its acquisition of a $8.6bn majority stake in Supercell, the Finnish gaming company, while maintaining Supercell’s creative culture and retaining its employees by introducing incentive ...

Asia Trade In The New Global Order

Timothy Stratford participated in Asia House's inaugural Hong Kong event and is quoted in a Thailand Business News article providing highlights. Speaking on the panel discussing "Asia and the New Global Era," Stratford, said he “could not preclude a [U.S.] trade war with China” adding that member economies should resolve their differences through the World Trade ...

Asia's 'new global order' eyes inclusive globalisation

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a Global Trade Review article regarding the increased focus on globalization in Asia. According to Stratford, “If you look at the past 10 years and take the top 25 economies of the world, 550 million people have seen their incomes either stagnate or decline. There’s a feeling that whatever’s happening right now isn’t working, so ...

NDRC Releases Draft Enterprise Outbound Investment Regulations for Public Comment

Earlier this month, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”) released the draft Administrative Measures for Enterprise Outbound Investment (“Draft ODI Rules”) for public comment. Comments are due on December 3, 2017.

Covington Awarded Top HRC Rating for Tenth Consecutive Year

WASHINGTON—The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) has awarded Covington a perfect score of 100 percent for the tenth consecutive year on its Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBT+ workplace equality. Covington is among 609 major U.S. businesses that earned a perfect ...

US DOJ Unseals Criminal Charges Against Rolls Royce Employees

On November 7, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) unsealed criminal charges against five individuals in connection with an alleged bribery scheme to assist Rolls-Royce plc (“Rolls-Royce” or the “Company”) in obtaining a US $145 million government contract to supply equipment and services for a gas pipeline from Kazakhstan to China.

Despite the sweet talk, gains of China trip unclear

Timothy Stratford is quoted by The Washington Post in an article regarding the impact of President Trump's trip to China. According to Stratford, "We haven't yet had the bandwidth in the U.S. Administration or the time to have detailed conversations with the Chinese side on market access and other systemic issues." He adds, "Unless you've had time to discuss ...

Deals galore for US firms from Trump’s China trip, but are the real trade problems being glossed over?

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a South China Morning Post article regarding the business deal between the U.S. and China following President Trump 's visit. According to Stratford, “No one should make the mistake of believing that the U.S. will now stop raising concerns about market access and other elements of the Chinese economic system that seriously impact ...

Will China’s $253 bln in deals ease trade friction with the US?

Timothy Stratford appeared on CGTN's "The Point" to discuss the bilateral trade and investment deals recently signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump. According to Stratford, "It shows that the two governments are working very hard to try to demonstrate that the bilateral relationship is really beneficial to the people of both ...

China Revises Rules on Commercial Encryption Products

In a draft regulation released earlier this year, China proposed regulating the import, export, manufacture, sale, and use of “commercial encryption products,” building on a patchwork of regulations.1 These regulations have focused on restricting the import and use of encryption products produced by certain manufacturers, and many entities have expressed concern ...

Covington Named International Firm of the Year for Trade by China Law & Practice

BEIJING—China Law & Practice has named Covington as the international winner for “Trade Firm of the Year” at its annual awards ceremony in Beijing. The leading Chinese legal publication also recognized the firm for its role in the Technology, Media, and Telecom “Deal of the Year,” Tencent’s $8.6 billion acquisition of Supercell. The awards focus on “innovation ...

China's State Council Publishes New Guidance on Regulation of Outbound Investment

On August 18, 2017, the General Office of China’s State Council released to the public new guidance regarding the regulation of outbound investment. The guidance is set forth in a notice, dated August 4, 2017, forwarding “guiding opinions” (the “Opinions”) from the National Development and Reform Commission (“NDRC”), Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”), People's ...

China Seeks Comments on Updated Draft of Cross-Border Data Transfer Security Assessment Standard

On August 31, 2017, China’s National Information Security Standardization Technical Committee (“NISSTC”), a standard-setting committee jointly supervised by the Standardization Administration of China (“SAC”) and the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”), released an updated draft of the Information Security Technology - Guidelines for Data Cross-Border ...

China Releases Draft Export Control Law for Public Comment

On June 16, 2017, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) released for public comment a draft of the Export Control Law (“the Draft Law”). While China has a number of regulations relating to export controls and has signed numerous nonproliferation agreements, the Draft Law would be China’s first law specifically addressing export controls and would implement an ...

China Seeks Public Comments on Draft Regulation on the Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure

On July 11, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) released the draft Regulation for the Protection of the Critical Information Infrastructure (“Draft Regulation”) for public comment (official Chinese version available here). The comment period ends on August 10, 2017.

China’s Labor Ministry Overhauls Regime for Resolving Labor and Personnel Disputes

Pursuant to the State Council’s directive to build harmonious labor relationships and to strengthen the system for resolving labor disputes, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS) recently revised two sets of arbitration rules. The revisions address new issues and provide clarification of existing regulations. The key objectives are to ...

New cyber law in China stirs alarm

Yan Luo is quoted by The Hill in an article regarding some of the uncertainties surrounding China's new Cybersecurity Law. Under the new law, cross-border data transfers for operators of "critical information infrastructure" are subject to security reviews and restrictions. According to Luo, "We don’t really have a definition of critical information ...

Inside the U.S.-China '100-Day Plan' on Trade

Timothy Stratford appeared on Bloomberg Markets: Asia to discuss the U.S.-China trade relationship and what the "100-Day Plan" on trade means for both countries. Although Stratford believes people are encouraged by the Mar-a-Lago summit, he says that it is "important to recognize… that there is very likely going to be a significant call on the United States for ...

Stratford: U.S. Should Look at 'Belt & Road' Plan

Timothy Stratford appeared on Bloomberg Markets: Asia to discuss China's "Belt & Road" initiative focused on infrastructure development and U.S. trade relationships. According to Stratford, "I think the basic idea of a 'Belt & Road' is a very positive idea. I think that we have parts of the globe that are really not well integrated into the global trading system ...

China Releases Near-final Draft of Regulation on Cross-border Data Transfers

On May 19, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) invited international stakeholders to attend a seminar to discuss an updated version of the Measures on Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer of Personal Information and Important Data (“the Measures”). Given that the Measures have an intended effective date of June 1, 2017, it is likely ...

China Releases Final Regulation on Cybersecurity Review of Network Products and Services

On May 2, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) released the final version of the Measures on the Security Review of Network Products and Services (Trial) (“the Measures”), with an effective date of June 1, 2017 (official Chinese version available here). The issuance of the Measures marks a critical first step toward implementing China’s ...

Suniva Requests Global Safeguards For US Solar Industry Under Section 201

On April 26, 2017, the U.S.-based solar manufacturer Suniva, Inc. filed a petition for global safeguards with the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”). In particular, Suniva requests the imposition of tariffs on solar cells and the establishment of a minimum price for solar modules imported into the United States. The petition was filed under Section 201 ...

China Seeks Public Comments on Draft Regulation of Cross-Border Data Transfer

On April 11, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) released a draft of the Measures on Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer of Personal Information and Important Data (“the Draft Measures”) for public comment (official Chinese version available here; Covington’s translation of the Draft Measures is appended at the end of this alert).

Can Washington narrow its trade deficit with Beijing in 100 days?

Timothy Stratford is quoted in a South China Morning Post article regarding plans between China and the U.S. to tackle trade disputes over a three month period. According to Stratford, concrete results such as greater China access for U.S. companies could be short-lived and reversed if relations soured. One option for attaining something of far-reaching ...

CFDA Seeks to Remove Some Barriers to Foreign Drug Entry into China

On March 17, 2017, the China Food and Drug Administration (“CFDA”) released a notice to seek public comments on four proposed adjustments to China’s drug registration requirements (“Proposed Adjustments”) that will remove some barriers to applications for clinical trials and drug registrations of imported drugs (drugs that are manufactured outside of China). The ...

What does the future hold for Belt & Road?

Timothy Stratford participated in a discussion hosted by CGTN’s “The Point” and is quoted in a Global Times article providing highlights from the event, “Follow the Money 2017.” Commenting on President Trump’s Trade Agenda for 2017 and the need for freer and fairer trade, Stratford says, “I think, ideally, you have to have both of them. And you can only have ...

A Special "Long Table" Edition of The Point: Follow the Money 2017

Timothy Stratford participated in a discussion hosted by CGTN’s “The Point” on the future of China’s international economic role. Commenting on President Trump’s trade agenda which calls for freer and fairer trade, Stratford says, “I think ideally you have to have both of them. And you can only have a sustainable relationship if you have both of them.” He adds, ...

A look at China’s sweeping new cyber-security law

Compliance Week references a Covington client alert on China’s draft regulation on cybersecurity review of network products and services. According to the alert, “As the draft measures come into force in the coming months, such companies will need to carefully assess the implications of the draft measures, including whether to voluntarily seek security reviews ...

US Department of Justice Fraud Section Guidance Highlights Factors Considered in Evaluating Corporate Compliance Programs

The Fraud Section of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) quietly released new guidance last month entitled “Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs” (the “Guidance”). While noting that “the Fraud Section does not use any rigid formula to assess the effectiveness of corporate compliance programs,” the eight-page Guidance outlines 11 “Sample Topics and ...

China Seeks Public Comments on Draft Regulation on Cybersecurity Review of Network Products and Services

On February 4, 2017, the Cyberspace Administration of China (“CAC”) released the draft Measures on the Security Review of Network Products and Services (“the draft Measures”) for public comment (official Chinese version available here; Covington’s translation of the draft Measures is here). The comment period ends on March 4, 2017.

Chinese Government Issues Policy to Slim Distribution Chain of Pharmaceuticals

On January 9, 2017, eight Chinese ministries announced a significant new policy that aims to reduce marked-up prices and corruption in multi-tier distribution chains. The policy effectively requires that under most circumstances, at most two invoices may be issued throughout the distribution chain, with one from the manufacturer to a distributor and another from ...

Presidential Report Recommends U.S. Action to Counter Chinese Policies in the Semiconductor Industry

Late last week, a group of technology industry leaders, researchers, and former policymakers comprising the President’s Council on Science and Technology (“PCAST”) issued a report entitled Ensuring Long-Term U.S. Leadership in Semiconductors. The report concludes that China is seeking to reshape the global semiconductor industry in a manner that threatens U.S. ...

General Cable Corporation Pays $75.8 Million to Resolve FCPA Investigations

On December 29, 2016, General Cable Corporation (“GCC”), a global manufacturer of wire and cable products, agreed to pay approximately $75.8 million in connection with a non-prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and a cease and desist order with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to settle allegations that it violated the ...

Ruixue Ran Named One of Top 15 IP Lawyers in China

BEIJING—Asian Legal Business has named Covington partner Ruixue Ran as one of its fifteen “Top IP Lawyers” in China. Ms. Ran is the only lawyer from a non-Chinese law firm on the list. Ms. Ran is one of the few Chinese lawyers who specialize in cross-border intellectual property law and is often called upon to share her knowledge with Chinese companies and ...

Covington Awarded Top HRC Rating for Ninth Consecutive Year

WASHINGTON—The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) has awarded Covington a perfect score of 100 percent for the ninth consecutive year on its Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality. Covington is among 517 major U.S. businesses that earned a perfect score this ...

Global Enforcement of the Nagoya Protocol in Life Sciences Industries

In October 2014, the Nagoya Protocol entered into force. It created a new international regulatory system affecting all life science companies that conduct R&D on biological material such as animals, seeds, flowers, viruses, fragrances, flavonoids, essential oils, enzymes, yeasts, and so on. So far, compliance by companies is progressing slowly due to ...

President Obama Blocks Chinese Acquisition of Aixtron SE

Acting on the recommendation of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”), President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order on Friday, December 2, prohibiting the acquisition of the U.S. business of Aixtron SE (“Aixtron”) by a company ultimately owned by investors in China. This is the first time that a President formally has utilized ...

China Passes New Cybersecurity Law

On November 7, the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (“NPC”) passed China’s first Cybersecurity Law (the “Law”), which will take effect starting June 1, 2017. Described as China’s “fundamental law” in the area of cybersecurity, the new Law articulates the government’s priorities with respect to “cyberspace sovereignty,” consolidates ...

NCH and HMT Avoid FCPA Prosecution for China Issues

On September 29, 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued letters of declination to NCH Corporation (“NCH”) and HMT LLC (“HMT”). Both companies are Texas-based “domestic concerns.” The letter to NCH, an industrial supply and maintenance company, relates to an investigation into possible violations of the anti-bribery provisions of the U.S. Foreign ...

Covington Named China Law & Practice “Regulatory & Compliance Firm of the Year”

SHANGHAI—China Law & Practice has named Covington as “Regulatory & Compliance Firm of the Year” at its annual award ceremony. The leading Chinese legal publication also recognized Shanghai partner Eric Carlson as “Regulatory & Compliance Lawyer of the Year” and the firm for its role in the “Outbound Deal of the Year,” China National Tire & Rubber’s $7.8 billion ...

Former China Head of Harris Corporation Pays $46,000 to Settle SEC's FCPA Allegations

On September 13, 2016, Jun Ping Zhang (“Zhang”), former head of Harris Corporation’s (“Harris”) subsidiary in China, agreed to pay $46,000 to settle allegations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that Zhang knowingly authorized and facilitated bribes to Chinese government officials at state-owned hospitals and local health departments and ...

Middle class' appetite for spending 'still growing'

Timothy Stratford participated in a panel discussion at the FutureChina Global Forum and is quoted in this Straits Times article regarding the growing appetite of the Chinese middle class for consumption despite fears of a spending slowdown. Noting the sky-rocketing growth of Chinese outbound investment, Stratford said that between 2002 and 2007, Chinese ...

Johnson Controls, Inc. Pays $14.4 Million to Settle SEC FCPA Allegations; DOJ Declines Criminal Prosecution

On July 11, 2016, Johnson Controls, Inc. (“JCI”) agreed to pay $14.4 million to settle allegations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that JCI, through its subsidiaries in China, violated the books and records and internal controls provisions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The SEC alleged that, from 2007 to 2013, nearly all of the ...

China Release Second Draft Of Cybersecurity Law

On July 5, 2016, China’s National People’s Congress (“NPC”) released a new draft of the Cybersecurity Law for public comment (official Chinese version available here; unofficial translation from AmCham China available here). The revised draft contains a number of significant changes from the first draft, which was released in July 2015, but retains many of the ...

UK Votes to Leave the EU

The UK has voted to leave the European Union in an advisory referendum. 52% leave - 48% remain. Were the UK to leave the EU, this would have significant implications for the UK and for international businesses operating in the UK. The longer term impact of the decision on the regulatory framework for the UK will depend, in part, on the relationship that the UK ...

Covington Represents Tencent in $8.6 Billion Acquisition

SILICON VALLEY—Covington advised Tencent Holdings Limited, a leading provider of internet service in China, in connection with its acquisition of a majority stake in Supercell from SoftBank. A consortium established by Tencent will acquire up to 84% of Supercell for $8.6 billion in a transaction valuing Supercell at approximately $10.2 billion. Supercell is a ...

China Relaxes Immigration Rules

China has just released its 13th Five Year Plan. This includes a mandate to encourage foreigners to work and reside in China by rolling out policies to relax entry, visa and residency requirements for qualified foreign talent. As part of this focus, the Ministry of Public Security has issued, effective March 1, 2016, a number of preferential immigration ...

The New FCPA Pilot Program: What Will It Mean In Practice

On April 5, 2016, the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”), through the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, announced a one-year Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) enforcement pilot program (the “Pilot Program”) intended to motivate companies to voluntarily disclose FCPA-related misconduct and increase transparency around the Fraud Section’s approach ...

International Employment Law Update

Europe Right to Private Life v. Right to Monitor On January 12, 2016, the European Court of Human Rights published its judgment in another case concerning an employee’s use of company information systems, once again highlighting the challenge of balancing an employee’s right to a private life against the right of an employer to monitor employees at work. In ...

China Releases Judicial Interpretation Clarifying Application of Law to Criminal Bribery Cases

On April 18, 2016, the Chinese government released a judicial interpretation that clarifies certain aspects of the PRC Criminal Law with regard to bribery and corruption. The Interpretation provides additional clarity in understanding the amendments to the Criminal Law that took effect last year, most notably by (1) expanding the definition of bribes to include ...

Las Vegas Sands Pays $9 Million to Settle FCPA Allegations Relating to Over $62 Million in Payments Made to Chinese Consultant

On April 7, 2016, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (“LVSC”) agreed to pay $9 million to settle allegations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that LVSC, through its subsidiaries in China and Macao, violated the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). The settlement resolves allegations that, from 2006 through at least 2011, LVSC and its subsidiaries ...

Novartis Pays $25 Million to Settle Allegations of FCPA Violations in China

On March 23, 2016, Novartis AG (“Novartis”) agreed to pay $25 million to settle civil charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) alleging that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) by paying bribes to healthcare professionals (“HCPs”) in China from 2009 to 2013 to increase sales. Employees and managers of its two ...

Qualcomm Pays $7.5 Million to Settle Allegations of FCPA Violations in China

On March 1, 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced an agreement with Qualcomm Incorporated to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by hiring relatives of Chinese government officials to gain business advantages in the Chinese telecommunications market. The SEC also alleged that Qualcomm provided gifts, travels, and ...

Covington Earns Six Law360 “Practice Group of the Year” Awards

WASHINGTON, DC - Law360 has named six Covington practice groups among its “Practice Groups of the Year.” The practice groups recognized by Law360 are as follows: Government Contracts Insurance International Trade Life Sciences Product Liability Sports

Tim Stratford Awarded With 2015 AmCham China Pioneer Award

BEIJING, December 8, 2015 - Tim Stratford, managing partner of Covington’s Beijing office, received the China Pioneer Award from the American Chamber of Commerce in the People’s Republic of China. The AmCham China Pioneer Award honors corporate leaders who made early and significant contributions to economic expansion and the business environment across ...

Better film IP protection, more diversified revenue

Jason Goldberg participated in a discussion at the Asia Leadership Roundtable forum titled "The Strategic Implications for Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong's Film Industry under the IP Era." China Daily quoted Goldberg, who said, "Movie companies should think long-term how IP protection can provide income in the future.” He continued, "The awareness of IP ...

Covington Awarded Top HRC Rating for Eighth Consecutive Year

WASHINGTON, DC, November 18, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) has awarded Covington a perfect score of 100 percent for the eighth consecutive year on its Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality. Covington is among 400 major US businesses that ...

Ruixue Ran Named One of Top 15 Female Lawyers in China

BEIJING, October 22, 2015 - Asian Legal Business has selected Covington intellectual property partner Ruixue Ran as one of the fifteen “Top Female Lawyers” in China. Ms. Ran is based in the firm’s Beijing office and is one of only three lawyers selected from non-Chinese law firms. The annual award acknowledges the increasing influence of women in China’s ...

Covington Multiple Winner at 2015 China Law & Practice Awards

SHANGHAI, September 17, 2015—China Law & Practice named Covington "International Firm of the Year - Life Sciences" at its annual awards ceremony. The leading Chinese legal publication also named Hui Xu a "Rising Star" in regulatory and compliance law and recognized the firm for its role in its "Deal of the Year," Lenovo’s acquisition of IBM's server ...

Covington Advises Tencent on Investment in Kik

SAN FRANCISCO, August 20, 2015 — Covington advised Tencent Holdings Ltd. on its US$50 million investment in Ontario-based Kik Interactive, Inc., a messenger application with more than 200 million registered users. Tencent is a Chinese company that provides value-added Internet, mobile and telecom services and online advertising. Its messaging app WeChat has ...

Covington’s Arbitration App Lays Key Resources at Practitioners’ Fingertips

LONDON, July 23, 2015 — Covington has launched a new app designed specifically for smart phones and tablets called ‘The Arbitration Handbook’. The app compiles over 90 resources (arbitral rules, treaties, national laws and guidelines) commonly used in international arbitration into one convenient electronic resource, while enabling users to bookmark and ...

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Returns to Covington

WASHINGTON, DC, July 6, 2015 — Former U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., is returning to Covington as a partner after more than six years of service as the nation’s top law enforcement officer. Mr. Holder will be resident in the firm’s Washington office and focus on complex investigations and litigation matters, including matters that are international ...

Covington Opens Los Angeles Office

LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2015 — Covington will open a new office in Los Angeles on March 9. The office will be staffed by current firm lawyers and three new senior lawyers and will focus initially on insurance coverage, media and content distribution, patent litigation, public policy/government affairs and white collar defense. "We believe there is a strong base ...

Law360 Names Covington’s Media & Entertainment Practice One of Year’s Best

WASHINGTON, DC, January 27, 2015 — Covington was named one of the top 2014 “Media and Entertainment Practice Groups of the Year” by Law360.Law360 highlighted the practice for its involvement in “the most-talked-about sports media rights deals last year,” including the NFL's Sunday Ticket agreement with DirecTV, Steve Ballmer’s bid for the Los Angeles Clippers, ...

Law360 Names Covington’s Competition Practice One of Year’s Best

WASHINGTON, DC, January 16, 2015 — For the second consecutive year, Law360 named Covington’s antitrust and competition practice one of the top “Competition Practice Groups of the Year.”Law360 recognized Covington for securing the dismissal of separate antitrust suits against clients Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., JP Morgan Chase & Co., and Expedia, Inc. The ...

Covington Adds Leading IP Lawyer Ruixue Ran in Beijing

Beijing, January 7, 2015 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce that Ruixue Ran, one of Asia’s leading intellectual property lawyers, is joining the firm’s Beijing office as a partner. Ms. Ran is expected to further expand Covington’s ability to assist its multinational clients with their cross-border intellectual property issues involving China. With ...

Covington Hires IP Litigation Partner in Beijing

Covington partner Ruixue Ran is featured in this article regarding her joining the firm's IP practice in Beijing: "Ran Ruixue, who was most recently a partner at China's Jun He Law Offices, specializes in Section 337 investigations and is one of the first Chinese lawyers practicing in that area. Section 337 (of Tariff Act of 1930) investigations refer to the ...

Covington & Burling Adds IP, Trade Lawyer To Beijing Office

Covington partner Ruixue Ran is featured in this article regarding her joining the firm's IP practice in Beijing: "Ran's practice has included assisting Chinese companies that appear in litigation in United States federal and state courts and that participate in commercial IP transactions. At her prior firm, Ran advised local and international clients regarding ...

Covington Awarded Top HRC Rating for Seventh Year

WASHINGTON, DC, November 19, 2014 — For the seventh consecutive year, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has awarded Covington & Burling the top rating of 100 percent in the 2015 Corporate Equality Index. Covington’s rating reflects its support for same-sex partners of employees through health insurance, bereavement and family leave policies, as well as its ...

Covington Named Compliance / Regulatory Firm of the Year 2014 by Asian-MENA Counsel

Shanghai, November 13, 2014 — Covington & Burling has been named “Compliance / Regulatory Firm of the Year” by Asian-MENA Counsel magazine. Asian-MENA Counsel bases the award on a survey sent to over 21,000 in-house counsel and company directors across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Covington partner Eric Carlson, who leads the firm’s compliance practice ...

Washington-area appointments and promotions for Oct. 20

"Covington & Burling of the District appointed Ashley Bass, Robin Blaney, Krista Carver, Jeffrey Davidson, Nicole Duclos, Shankar Duraiswamy, Scott Freling, David Garr, Jason Goldberg, Andrew Lazerow, Michael Lechliter, Anne Lee, Scott Schrader, Nathan Shafroth and Ranganath Sudarshan partners."

Start To Think About Entering China's Health Care Market

Tim Stratford authored this article on China’s tightly regulated health care sector: "The Chinese government has announced the launch of a pilot scheme allowing for the establishment of wholly foreign-owned hospitals (“WFOHs”) through greenfield investment or mergers and acquisitions in three centrally governed municipalities (Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai), ...

Covington Promotes 15 Lawyers to Partnership

WASHINGTON, DC, October 1, 2014 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce that it has elected 15 lawyers to its partnership effective today. “Our new partners come from six firm offices and practice in a variety of areas that are of great importance to the firm’s clients,” said Timothy Hester, chair of Covington’s management committee. “These are all superb ...

Covington Named International Firm of the Year for Trade by China Law & Practice

WASHINGTON, DC, September 25, 2014 — Covington & Burling has been named “International Firm of the Year for Trade” by China Law & Practice magazine. The award recognizes Covington’s “innovation, complexity, and market impact” and is “based on the extent to which their work has influenced the legal market and benefited the quality and development of China’s legal ...

Latinvex Names Covington a Top International Law Firm in Latin America

WASHINGTON, DC, August 25, 2014 — Covington & Burling has been named to Latinvex’s “Legal 50,” a list of top international law firms doing work in Latin America. The firm ranked seventh among the top 15 firms doing international arbitration work in Latin America and 27th overall. Latinvex evaluated more than 100 international law firms and selected the top 50 ...

Covington Secures CFIUS Approval for Lenovo Acquisition

WASHINGTON, DC, August 22, 2014 — The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) has cleared Lenovo Group’s bid to acquire International Business Machines’ x86-based server business in a $2.3 billion acquisition. Covington & Burling represented Lenovo in securing CFIUS approval. David Fagan, Mark Plotkin, Stuart Eizenstat and Jonathan Wakely ...

Covington Named to National Law Journal’s “IP Hot List”

WASHINGTON, DC, June 3, 2014 — The National Law Journal has named Covington & Burling to its 2014 “Intellectual Property Hot List,” which recognizes 20 firms that have “become leaders on the latest trends in intellectual property law.” This is the second time since 2012 that Covington has been named to the list. In naming Covington to the list, the NLJ cited the ...

Covington Named ‘Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm Of The Year’

WASHINGTON, DC, May 27, 2014 —Covington & Burling was named the “Transfer Pricing Advisory Firm of the Year - Washington D.C.” by Corporate LiveWire, a global news resource for corporate finance professionals. The Corporate LiveWire Global Awards honor law firms, individuals and businesses who have demonstrated distinction in corporate finance, and consistently ...

Former DOJ Criminal Division Chief Mythili Raman Joins Covington

WASHINGTON, DC, April 29, 2014 — Mythili Raman, most recently Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, is joining Covington & Burling as a partner. Ms. Raman will practice in the firm’s litigation and white collar groups and be resident in the Washington office. Ms. Raman joined the Justice Department in ...

Albarrán and Carlson Named to Global Investigations Review’s “40 Under 40”

BEIJING, April 2, 2014 — Global Investigations Review magazine has named Covington & Burling partners Tammy Albarrán and Eric Carlson to its inaugural list of 40 leading investigations lawyers under the age of 40. The list recognizes the “next generation that will lead the global investigations bar.” Ms. Albarrán, 39, is based in Covington’s San Francisco ...

Law360 Names Covington’s Life Sciences Practice One of Year’s Best

WASHINGTON, DC, January 13, 2014 — For the second consecutive year, Law360 has named Covington & Burling’s life sciences practice as one of the top five “Life Sciences Practice Groups of the Year.” In a profile of the firm, Law360 noted that Covington “delivered for drugmakers on three continents in 2013, spearheading a momentous investment by U.K.-based ...

National Law Journal Names Covington to ‘Pro Bono Hot List’

WASHINGTON, DC, January 6, 2014 — For the second consecutive year, The National Law Journal has named Covington & Burling to its “Pro Bono Hot List.” This year’s list recognizes nine firms and one corporate law department for their strong commitment to public service. In the profile of Covington, the NLJ features the pro bono efforts of the firm’s New York ...

Law360 Names Covington’s Energy Practice One of Year’s Best

WASHINGTON, DC, January 6, 2014 — Law360 named Covington & Burling’s energy practice as one of the top five “Energy Practice Groups of the Year.” In giving this award, Law360 recognized the breadth of Covington’s practice capabilities (including litigation, transactions, regulatory and government policy) in both the traditional and emerging energy sectors and ...

Covington Awarded Top HRC Rating for Sixth Year

WASHINGTON, DC, December 9, 2013 — For the sixth consecutive year, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has awarded Covington & Burling the top rating of 100 percent in the 2014 Corporate Equality Index. Covington’s 100 percent rating reflects its written non-discrimination policy, sexual orientation and gender identity training, and support for same-sex ...

Covington Wins Two American Lawyer Global Legal Awards

WASHINGTON, DC, July 12, 2013 — Covington & Burling has been recognized as an honoree with two American Lawyer Global Legal Awards: Global Dispute of the Year, Investment Arbitration and Global M&A Deal of the Year, Canada. Covington’s International Arbitration Group, comprised of more than 50 lawyers, handles cases under the rules of every major arbitration ...

Covington Earns Gold Standard Certification from Women In Law Empowerment Forum

WASHINGTON, DC, July 11, 2013 — For the third consecutive year, Covington & Burling has received a Gold Standard Certification from the Women In Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF), a leading organization dedicated to assisting women in law to assume leadership roles in private law firms, corporate legal departments, and the legal community at large. The certification ...

Covington Ranked in Top 20 in Emerging Markets M&A Transactions

WASHINGTON, DC, July 11, 2013 — Thomson Reuters has ranked Covington & Burling among the Top 20 legal advisers worldwide in completed M&A transactions in emerging markets during the first half of 2013. Covington ranked among the top 10 for deals involving China and the Asia Pacific region, and among the top 15 for deals involving Latin America. “We have made a ...

Covington’s International Arbitration Practice Shortlisted for Chambers Latin America Award

WASHINGTON, DC, June 28, 2013 — Covington & Burling’s international arbitration practice has been shortlisted for a Chambers Latin America Award for Excellence. The awards recognize notable achievements over the past year, including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth, and excellence in client service. The Chambers Latin America Awards for Excellence ...

DOJ Criminal Division Head Lanny A. Breuer Returns to Covington As Vice Chair

WASHINGTON, DC, March 28, 2013 — Lanny A. Breuer, most recently the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, is returning to Covington & Burling as Vice Chair of the firm. Mr. Breuer’s practice will encompass a wide range of civil and criminal litigation matters, as well as governmental and internal investigations. ...

Congressional Leader Howard Berman Joins Covington

WASHINGTON, DC, March 14, 2013 — Congressman Howard Berman, a widely respected leader in the U.S. Congress, is joining Covington & Burling’s global public policy and government affairs practice. The addition of Rep. Berman, the former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, comes a week after Sen. Jon Kyl joined Covington’s public policy and government ...

Senator Jon Kyl Joins Covington

WASHINGTON, DC, March 6, 2013 — Senator Jon Kyl, who recently left Congress as the second-highest ranking Republican in the U.S. Senate, is joining Covington & Burling’s global public policy and government affairs practice. “Senator Kyl’s deep knowledge and extraordinary legislative skills from his years as a senior leader in Congress make him ideally suited to ...

Covington Named to Global Arbitration Review’s Top 30 List

London, February 25, 2013 — Global Arbitration Review has named Covington & Burling to its list of the world’s top 30 international arbitration practices. In announcing the GAR 30 list, the publication notes Covington’s major arbitral victories last year, including the award for Spanish investors in Yukos Oil Company in Quasar de Valores SICAV S.A., et al. v. ...

Covington Named ‘Privacy & Consumer Protection Practice Group of the Year’

WASHINGTON, DC, January 22, 2013 — For the second straight year, Law360 named Covington & Burling’s global privacy and data security practice as one of the top five “Privacy & Consumer Protection Practice Groups of the Year.” In a profile highlighting the firm’s privacy-related work, Law360 noted the group’s recent litigation win for LinkedIn Corp. In that case, ...

Covington Named ‘Life Sciences Group of the Year’

WASHINGTON, DC, January 22, 2013 — Law360 named Covington’s life sciences practice as of one of the top five “Life Sciences Practice Groups of the Year.” In a profile highlighting Covington’s life sciences practice, Law360 noted that the group has “grown to develop an increasingly global reach that has made it a go-to for complex transactions, high stakes ...

Covington Opens Shanghai Office

WASHINGTON, DC, January 9, 2013 — Covington & Burling has launched its Shanghai office, its third in Asia, following the opening of offices in Beijing in 2008 and Seoul in late 2012. The firm will now have a total of 20 lawyers resident in these three offices, placing it among AmLaw’s Top 50 U.S. firms with a presence in Asia. The move strengthens the firm’s ...

Covington’s International Trade Practice Shortlisted for Chambers China Award

BEIJING, December 28, 2012 — Chambers has named Covington & Burling as a finalist for the 2013 Chambers China Awards for Excellence in the International Trade category. The awards recognize preeminence in key practice areas and significant achievements over the past 12 months, including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth and excellence in client ...

Covington Opens New Office in Seoul

WASHINGTON, DC, November 1, 2012 — Covington & Burling opens its Seoul office today after securing final approval from the Korean Ministry of Justice and the Korean Bar Association. The new office will be located in the Meritz Tower, at 825-2, Yeoksamdong in the heart of Seoul’s Gangnam business district. “We are honored to be among the first U.S. law firms to ...

Covington Promotes 15 Lawyers to Partnership

WASHINGTON, DC, October 1, 2012 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce that it has elected 15 new lawyers to its partnership. This group is comprised of diverse and talented individuals from five offices who have made their mark at the firm through exceptional work and the highest standards of client service. “We’re delighted to welcome these 15 lawyers to ...

Covington Expands Life Sciences Practice in China with Addition of Weishi Li

WASHINGTON, DC, September 5, 2012 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce the addition of Weishi Li as a partner to its corporate team, further bolstering the firm’s global transactional and IP capabilities in the life sciences and technology sectors. Ms. Li will be based in Shanghai when that office opens. Ms. Li’s practice covers a wide range of ...

Covington’s International Arbitration Practice Shortlisted for Chambers Latin America Award

WASHINGTON, DC, July 26, 2012 — Covington & Burling LLP’s international arbitration practice has been nominated for a Chambers Latin America Award for Excellence. The awards recognize notable achievements over the past year, including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth, and excellence in client service. The Chambers Latin America Awards for ...

Variety Names Goldberg One of ‘50 Game-Changing Attorneys’

BEIJING, 29 June, 2012 — Variety magazine has named Beijing-based Covington & Burling of counsel Jason Goldberg one of “50 Game-Changing Attorneys” in its 2012 Legal Impact Report. The special feature recognizes the world’s top entertainment lawyers whose deals and court battles over the past 18 months have changed the shape of the business. In a June 25 ...

National Law Journal Names Covington to “IP Hot List”

WASHINGTON, DC, May 8, 2012 — The National Law Journal has named Covington & Burling to its inaugural Intellectual Property Hot List, which recognizes 20 top firms that have “demonstrated creative strategies for litigation, patent prosecution, licensing and other transactional work” in the intellectual property field. In naming Covington to the list, the NLJ ...

Covington Shortlisted for Five Chambers USA Awards

WASHINGTON, DC, March 23, 2012 — Covington & Burling has been nominated for the 2012 Chambers USA Awards for Excellence in five national practice areas. On March 20th, Chambers released its shortlist of the law firms nominated based on their pre-eminence and recent achievements in 21 distinct practice areas. Covington was one of two firms receiving team ...

Covington Receives 46 Lawyer, 20 Practice Accolades in Chambers Global

LONDON, 19 March, 2012 — Covington & Burling LLP received 46 individual mentions and 20 practice mentions in the Chambers Global 2012 edition. The guidebook, which ranks lawyers globally by pan-regional and country practice area, is designed to identify the most skilled legal practitioners based on the qualities most valued by clients. The Covington lawyers ...

Covington to Open Seoul Office, Adds William H.Y. Park

WASHINGTON, DC, March 12, 2012 — Covington & Burling LLP has applied to open a new office in Seoul and tapped William H.Y. Park, a veteran corporate lawyer based in Korea, to help oversee the expansion. Mr. Park will work closely with former Ambassador to the United Nations Daniel Spiegel, senior of counsel at Covington, who will be the Foreign Legal Consultant ...

Covington Adds Five in Silicon Valley and China

SAN FRANCISCO, February 8, 2012 — Covington & Burling is adding a highly regarded corporate team to its Beijing and Silicon Valley offices, bolstering Covington’s global transactional capabilities in the technology and life sciences sectors. The firm is pleased to announce that Michelle Edwards, Eva Wang and Scott Anthony have joined the firm as partners; ...

Law360 Names Covington ‘Health Practice Group of the Year’

WASHINGTON, DC, January 27, 2012 — Law360 named Covington’s life sciences practice as of one of the top five “Health Practice Groups of the Year,” recognizing its substantial strengths across multiple practices in Asia, Europe and the United States. Covington’s life sciences practice history dates back to the founding of the firm nearly a century ago. The ...

Law360 Names Covington ‘White Collar Practice Group of the Year’

WASHINGTON, DC, January 20, 2012 — Law360 named Covington & Burling’s white collar defense and investigations practice as of one of the top five “White Collar Practice Groups of the Year.” In a profile about the firm’s practice published on Jan. 19th, Law360 noted the breadth of Covington’s clients and matters in the white collar practice area as a key reason ...

Law360 Names Covington ‘Privacy & Consumer Protection Practice Group of the Year’

WASHINGTON, DC, January 9, 2012 — Law360 named Covington & Burling’s global privacy & data security practice as one of the top five “Privacy & Consumer Protection Practice Groups of the Year.” In a profile about the firm published on Jan. 5th, Law360 pointed to Covington’s broad practice in assisting clients in transactions, on advisory matters, in social ...

Covington Shortlisted for Three Chambers USA Awards

WASHINGTON, DC, April 7, 2011 — Three practices at Covington & Burling LLP have been nominated for the 2011 Chambers USA Awards for Excellence. The firm received team nominations in the antitrust, insurance, and international trade categories. The awards recognize the firm’s pre-eminence in key practice areas and significant achievements over the past 12 months, ...

Covington Named to List of World’s Top Arbitration Firms

WASHINGTON, DC, March 22, 2011 — The Global Arbitration Review has named Covington & Burling LLP to its prestigious list of the world’s top 30 international arbitration practices. Published by GAR, the international journal of commercial and treaty arbitration, the GAR 30 is part of a larger survey of the world's leading arbitration practices commonly known as ...

Covington Hosts Chinese Children at Expo

BEIJING, November 5, 2010 — As the 2010 Shanghai World Expo drew to a close, Covington & Burling LLP hosted a group of disabled Chinese orphans at the Expo for a memorable day of Expo pavilion visits and other activities. The children hailed from social welfare institutions located in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, and ranged in age from 7 to 23. Covington ...

Covington Beijing Presents ‘New Technologies of Media and Sports’ Symposium

BEIJING, September 23, 2010 — A range of attendees from the media, sports, and entertainment industries were on hand as Covington & Burling LLP’s Beijing office co-hosted “The Big Event: The New Technologies of Media and Sports” symposium. The half-day event, held on September 21, focused on the use of cutting-edge production, broadcasting, exhibition, and home ...

‘3D China Summit’ Co-Hosted by Covington Hailed a Success

BEIJING, August 3, 2010 — More than 1,000 attendees were on hand as Covington & Burling LLP co-hosted a major entertainment industry event, the first ever “3D China Summit.” The event, held on July 16 and 17, attracted an unprecedented cross-section of leading film and television producers, film and television technology and effects companies, film and ...

Covington Shortlisted for Managing Intellectual Property Awards on Both Sides of Atlantic

WASHINGTON, DC, April 2, 2010 — Covington & Burling LLP has been nominated for two 2010 Managing Intellectual Property awards. In North America, the firm is a finalist for the ITC Litigation award. In Europe, the firm is on the shortlist for the New Media/Internet award. Covington’s IP litigators have appeared in more than 65 Section 337 cases before the U.S. ...

Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for China Affairs Stratford Joins Covington

WASHINGTON, DC, February 22, 2010 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that Timothy P. Stratford, who most recently served as Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for China Affairs, has joined the firm as a partner. He will be resident in the firm’s Beijing office and will practice in the International Trade and Finance group. Mr. Stratford’s ...

Covington Tops BioPharm Insight Global Licensing Agreements

LONDON, February 9, 2010 — BioPharm Insight has ranked Covington & Burling LLP as the top legal advisor for biotech and pharma licensing agreements by value. Along with leading the 2009 league tables by value globally and in North America, Covington was ranked first by volume and second by value in Europe, and in Asia, the firm topped both the value and volume ...

Covington Announces Clean Energy and Climate Industry Group

WASHINGTON, DC, April 15, 2009 — Covington & Burling LLP has announced the formation of a Clean Energy and Climate industry group designed to enhance the firm’s ability to help clients navigate the business challenges and opportunities presented by rapidly transforming energy and transportation infrastructures and by developments in climate change policy, both ...

Covington Ranked World’s Top Life Sciences Firm for Fourth Year

WASHINGTON, DC, April 13, 2009 — For the fourth consecutive year, Covington & Burling LLP has been awarded worldwide first place firm rankings by the Practical Law Company in both the Life Sciences Industry and Life Sciences Regulatory Super League categories. The rankings are published in PLC’s Cross-border Quarterly for April-June 2009. In honoring Covington, ...

Covington Expands Global Reach with Beijing Office

WASHINGTON, DC, July 23, 2008 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that it has opened an office in Beijing. The office is the first in Asia for Covington, which also maintains offices in Brussels, London, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. “Covington has been advising its international clients on legal and business matters in Asia for ...

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