Aiming to develop IP practice into one of the core strengths, Chengdu-headquartered Tahota Law Firm has officially launched its Intellectual Property Centre in Chengdu. The firm has great hopes for its latest venture, aiming for the IP practice to bring in a revenue stream of at least 20%.
Led by senior partner Ni Hong, the IP centre is currently staffed by one partner, 11 patent agents and five dual-qualified professionals, all relocated from the firm’s Chongqing and Beijing offices. Preparing for the official launch, the firm also poached patent professional Wei Changwei from another Chengdu-based IP agency.
“A lot of IP work has been churned out from our other practice areas and the fast-expanding client base. The client demand has been a foundation for the establishment of our IP centre,” said Cheng Shoutai, managing partner of Tahota. “The government’s effort for the protection of IP rights to promote business innovation has never been greater. So we’ve decided that it’s perfect timing to launch,” he added.
At the official opening ceremony which took place on 28 October, the centre signed service agreements with three clients – Chengdu Internet of Thins Technologies Research Institute, Sichuan Aerospace Shidu Technologies and US Monolithic Power Systems. During its first few months the centre will focus on developing relationships with international IP practices like US firm Morgan Lewis and Hogan Lovells, to boost up its cross-border IP work.
Its most significant business partner is Morgan Lewis, which will be co-hosting an IP seminar with Tahota for over 100 clients. According to Cheng, the centre has received no less than four expressions of interest for a business partnership from international firms since its enactment.
Tahota’s tenth year in the legal industry has highlighted its intensive growth strategies: in May, the firm established new offices in Chongqing. ALB
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