U.S. law firm Alston & Bird has opened an office in Beijing, its first in Asia, and second outside its home country.

Led by partner Yitai Hu, an IP litigator, the new office is expected to provide Chinese clients with cross-border legal assistance. It will focus on advising China-based companies on U.S. IP law in federal and state courts, covering disputes related to patent, licensing, and other areas.
 
Hu’s experience includes litigating claims involving LEDs and LCDs, semiconductor technologies and circuit designs, among others.

Helen Su, who is also part of the firm’s IP team, will serve as a local partner. Her practice centers on litigation, licensing negotiations and patent portfolio management.

“For many years, we have assisted a number of Chinese clients in the United States across a broad range of services, including intellectual property disputes, products liability litigation, cross-border M&A and international tax matters,” said Richard Hays, Alston & Bird’s managing partner, in a statement. “The launch of our Beijing office recognizes the importance and success of these practices by formalizing a presence around practices that Alston & Bird has had for many years.”