Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) (International Firms) | Greater China Region

DLA Piper retains its prominent name in the IT space, especially for data privacy, cybersecurity and GDPR issues arising from artificial intelligence. It is well regarded for transactional and corporate advice on outsourcing, telecoms and data projects. The law firm maintains a strong client following, including financial institutions and multinational insurers, and has been proactive in taking on fintech mandates, with additional experience relating to digital gaming products and distribution. DLA Piper often advises clients outside TMT sectors on their technology needs.

The skilled TMT group of Hogan Lovells holds a proven track record advising multinationals on transactional, regulatory and contentious matters relating to artificial intelligence and e-commerce. It provides sophisticated advice on issues of data privacy and protection, regularly advising major Chinese corporates on cybersecurity. The law firm is recognised for its telecoms know-how, assisting operators and service providers with wide-ranging commercial and compliance issues. It is active in the licensing of intellectual property and other assets in the media and entertainment industries, and it offers a growing focus on fintech issues, including e-payments and open banking.

King & Wood Mallesons has a respected TMT outfit acting for players in the finance, energy, software and media sectors on instructions relating to system procurements, M&A transactions, joint ventures and collaborations in the technology space. It is equally noted for its capacity to litigate disputes in the TMT arena and is sought after for regulatory advice on questions of technology licensing, telecoms and data transfer. The law firm is also able to advise on fintech mandates, including token offerings, digital asset exchanges and data compliance and is known for its breadth of coverage across the PRC and Hong Kong.

Mayer Brown wins impressive TMT instructions from a diverse array of clients and is supported by an equally impressive IP practice. The law firm deals with work ranging from complex outsourcing projects to IT agreements and licensing issues. Mayer Brown is highly sought after for advice on cybersecurity and data protection as well as fintech, e-commerce and AI-related mandates. It also acts for media and broadcasting entities on regulatory matters.

The highly respected group of Bird & Bird serves big-league clients on matters across the TMT sector, including digital business and IT, and is a firm of choice for telecom regulatory compliance and commercial mandates. It is well regarded by a wide range of clients for specialist advice on local data protection issues in Hong Kong and in the PRC, as well as on GDPR compliance for outbound Chinese corporates. The group frequently represents large corporates in venture capital investments and mid-market M&A transactions, as well as a host of prominent telecoms companies, and is supported by a strong IP team.

The TMT group of Ashurst advises major telecommunications and technology clients on transactional and regulatory mandates. It often wins work from new market entrants in the telecoms space and is particularly adept at handling subsea cable projects. The group is experienced in advising clients on arranging IT outsourcing agreements and is also able to assist with fintech and data privacy issues. Ashurst leverages the strength of its Australian TMT group and is a strong choice for cross-border matters.

Deacons' Hong Kong TMT outfit has pronounced expertise in intellectual property, licensing and data-related matters. Its solid transactional practice has capacity to handle M&A, investment funds and capital markets deals on behalf of technology companies. It has good regulatory knowledge of innovative technologies, including blockchain and cryptocurrency, and is additionally active in the media and entertainment sectors, including advertising and film.

Eversheds Sutherland has a solid offering in data compliance across China, the UK, the EU and other regions. It regularly advises clients on cybersecurity, data protection and cross-border data transfer matters. Its clientele spans various sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, fintech and aviation. Additionally, the team also offers expertise in commercial transactions and regulatory issues to international IT providers and fintech companies.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher's growing TMT practice offers experience in data privacy and cybersecurity, as well as in technology transactions, digital transformation and M&A matters. The firm is building a strong profile for its work across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Norton Rose Fulbright is well regarded for its handling of a broad range of non-contentious TMT work, including advice on cybersecurity regulations and data privacy matters. It is skilled in e-commerce and fintech-related mandates, with extensive experience advising on cryptocurrency and blockchain-related mandates. The firm is well known for assisting with cloud-based and software outsourcing. It retains a strong roster of clients among international e-commerce companies and banks, as well as in IT services and insurance.

Tanner De Witt's TMT practice offers considerable experience in multi-jurisdictional technology transactions and offers technology businesses broad legal support through all stages of their growth and development. The firm is also able to advise clients on their data protection regulatory obligations.