Following many years of global growth, Gowling WLG's intellectual property (IP) team has taken another step in reinforcing its international footprint by welcoming specialist IP counsel Ivy Liang to its Guangzhou office.

Ivy joins the firm from her former role as presiding judge at the Guangzhou Nansha District People's Court (Guangdong Free Trade Zone Nansha District People's Court), where she also served as the deputy director of its IP division.

Fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English, Ivy has worked in the judiciary for 14 years in both common law and civil law contexts before specialising in IP cases as the presiding judge. Ivy said: "I've seen Gowling WLG's IP team expand into major markets and win landmark cases over the years, giving the firm outstanding IP credentials globally. I look forward to being part of a truly international award-winning IP team."

The team has recently been named Canadian Trademark Prosecution Firm of the Year, Russian Trademark Firm of the Year and UK Designs Firm of the Year by Managing IP.

Gordon Harris, co-head of the firm's global IP team said: "Ivy will be a tremendous addition to the team with her comprehensive knowledge of the Chinese judicial system. Her expertise further enhances the team's bench strength and the very special service we offer to our clients in the Chinese market."

Rob MacDonald, who co-heads the team with Gordon, said: "We are welcoming Ivy to the team at a time of continuous growth, particularly in China, following the expansion of our Beijing-based filing practice. This marks another step for the firm in serving its global clientele in one of the world's fastest-growing and most challenging IP markets."

Gowling WLG safely re-opened its Guangzhou office earlier this month after the Chinese lockdown period when all staff worked from home.

About our IP practice in China

With offices in Beijing and Guangzhou, along with a far-reaching network of local counsel and private investigators, our team in China provides rapid, strategic advice for IP filing and prosecution work. We complement this with formidable strength in IP licensing, enforcement and litigation, so you can ensure your intangible assets remain fully protected in one of the world's fastest growing markets. Learn more about our IP offering in China.