PRC law firm Han Kun Law Offices has opened an office in Hong Kong, its first outside mainland China, in association with Hong Kong firm Choy, Cheung & Co.

Han Kun’s Beijing-based partner Dafei Chen, who specialises in M&A, private equity and capital markets, will relocate to Hong Kong to head the new office.

Choy, Cheung & Co, headed by partners and co-founders Kenneth Choy and Cermain Cheung, specialises in intellectual property matters, which will enhance Han Kun’s ability to assist clients in the technology sector, the PRC firm said in a statement.

Hong Kong rules state that foreign law firms have to enter into an association with a domestic counterpart for three years before they can establish a local practice.

In addition to Han Kun’s newly established Hong Kong office, Han Kun has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.