Chief compliance officer and general counsel | Beijing NAURA Microelectronics Equipment Company
Song Qiaoli
Chief compliance officer and general counsel | Beijing NAURA Microelectronics Equipment Company
Team size: 34
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
In periods of instability or crisis, effective legal management is critical to maintaining organisational resilience. At NAURA, I have established a comprehensive compliance and risk management framework that allows us to quickly identify and mitigate potential legal risks. This framework includes robust internal controls, a structured response protocol, and clear communication channels with relevant departments. Additionally, we conduct regular training to prepare our teams for crisis scenarios, ensuring they understand the compliance requirements and are ready to respond promptly. My team and I remain vigilant in monitoring regulatory developments, and I personally engage with industry experts to ensure that we are prepared for any legal challenges that may arise.
What are the main projects that you have been involved in recently?
Recently, I have led several major initiatives at NAURA aimed at strengthening our compliance and intellectual property (IP) frameworks:
Implementation of Compliance Certifications: I spearheaded NAURA’s efforts to obtain ISO37301 (Compliance Management) and ISO37001 (Anti-Bribery) certifications. These certifications reinforce our commitment to ethical business practices and have elevated NAURA’s reputation in both the domestic and international markets.
Development of Trade Secret Management Standards: I was instrumental in the development of the “Enterprise Trade Secret Management Specification” (T/PPAC 701-2021), a standard that guides Chinese companies in managing and protecting trade secrets. This initiative aligns with China’s national IP strategy and provides a framework for companies to safeguard critical information.
Comprehensive IP Strategy: I have led the enhancement of our IP management strategy, which includes over 8,500 patent applications and nearly 5,000 granted patents. This strategy not only protects our innovations but also supports NAURA’s competitive advantage in the semiconductor industry.
What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in China?
The semiconductor industry in China is influenced by several significant trends:
Increased Emphasis on IP Protection: With rapid advancements in technology, IP protection has become crucial in the semiconductor industry. Companies are focusing more on securing patents and safeguarding trade secrets to maintain competitive advantages. NAURA’s commitment to IP protection, as demonstrated by our extensive patent portfolio, positions us well in this evolving landscape.
Stricter Compliance Standards: Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying in areas such as anti-corruption and environmental standards. Semiconductor companies must navigate complex compliance requirements to remain competitive and avoid penalties. Our ISO certifications reflect NAURA’s proactive stance on compliance.
Global Supply Chain Challenges: The semiconductor industry faces ongoing supply chain disruptions. This trend underscores the importance of having a resilient legal and
What is a topic (business-related or otherwise) that you are passionate about, and why?
I am particularly passionate about the intersection of technology and intellectual property management. As a professional with both a technical background in semiconductor engineering and legal expertise, I find it rewarding to contribute to the advancement of IP frameworks that protect innovation and encourage technological progress. Intellectual property is a critical asset for companies, especially in high-tech sectors, and effective IP management can drive both industry innovation and economic growth.
How do you build relationships with other teams in the company?
Building strong relationships with other teams is key to an effectivecompliance and legal function. At NAURA, I prioritize regular communication and collaboration with various departments. I conduct periodic compliance and IP workshops to educate employees on relevant legal topics, making sure they understand the importance of compliance in their daily work. For major projects, I establish cross-functional teams that include representatives from legal, R&D, and operations. This approach ensures that legal and compliance considerations are embedded into projects from the start, fostering a collaborative culture.
Do you use any ‘legal tech’ products, and if so, for which areas of your work do you find them most useful?
Yes, we actively use legal tech solutions to enhance efficiency across our compliance and IP management processes. For instance, we use patent analysis tools to support IP strategy development, enabling us to monitor technological trends and identify potential areas for innovation. We also utilise contract management software to streamline contract drafting, review, and storage, ensuring that all agreements are compliant with legal standards. Additionally, our compliance team uses risk assessment tools to monitor regulatory developments and assess compliance risks across the organisation. These technologies have been essential in supporting our legal and compliance functions, especially given the complex regulatory environment in the semiconductor industry.