China Desk

Corporate & Finance

We provide our clients with comprehensive legal advice in all stages of company development. We assist in the formation of legal entities, joint ventures, branches and representative offices in Switzerland and China and advise on all aspects of company management and corporate housekeeping. Our in-house notaries are thereby able to provide the required Swiss notarizations in the form of public deeds and legalizations in German, French, English and Mandarin. We are further specialized in accompanying clients in financing matters and the establishment of tax-efficient structures.

Intellectual Property (IP) / Data Privacy

Our top tier IP specialists have a wealth of experience in designing tailor-made protection strategies as well as enforcing and defending IP rights such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs and trade secrets internationally, especially in Switzerland and China. Our view is not confined to country borders, but rather regards the European market as one. Recognized as leading specialists in the area of privacy, data protection and internet related legal issues in Switzerland, we advise and assist our clients in their related national and cross-border activities.

M&A / Private Equity

We assist our clients in all types of M&A transactions in Switzerland and China, including mergers, share and asset deals, management buy-outs and due diligence reviews. In the private equity business, we advise our clients on all aspects of acquisitions, finance transactions, funding (in particular in connection with start-ups), reorganizations, restructurings and exit strategies.

Private Clients

From long-standing experience, we are well acquainted with the special needs of affluent individuals and their families. We mainly assist our clients in the process of relocation and immigration, in particular with regard to national residence and work permits and international tax law. Furthermore, we advise our clients on estate planning in an international context and the establishment of foundations, trusts and similar vehicles.

Employment

Labour law and the adjacent fields (such as social insurance law) are changing regularly and differ locally. We have a constant eye on the corresponding developments in Switzerland and China and can therefore provide our clients with comprehensive advice and assistance on all issues related to employment, such as employment contracts, employment regulations, non-compete and confidentiality agreements and employment contract terminations.

Trade / E-commerce

We assist and advise our clients in the negotiation of agreements for all commercial transactions between Switzerland and China, both in connection with traditional foreign trade, including sale, distribution, outsourcing, manufacturing, goods inspection, testing & certification and product liability, and modern e-commerce.

Litigation & Arbitration

We have many years of significant litigation experience before Swiss courts and in international arbitration proceedings, in particular seated in Europe and China. Our broad-based knowledge of various industry sectors and the local conditions allows us a quick and accurate assessment of our client’s situation and the risks and opportunities associated with a case. We are able to act as counsels and arbitrators, both in ad-hoc and administered proceedings (i.a. by the ICC, SCAI, CIETAC and HKIAC) and represent clients in litigation proceedings before Swiss courts. Furthermore, we can assist in the enforcement of national and international judgements and advice on dispute resolution strategies and procedures in China.

We are also an active member of the Swiss Chinese Chamber of Commerce and its Legal Chapter, striving to promote business and legal exchange between China and Switzerland.

To download our China desk brochure click here.