Interview with: Spring Chang, Managing Partner

Managing Partner Spring Chang explains how Chang Tsi & Partners is adapting to clients’ changing needs in the dynamic field of intellectual property.

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate [Chang Tsi & Partners] from your competitors?

Chang Tsi & Partners stands out from competitors through several key aspects:

• Legal Expertise and Innovation: Our attorneys, many with over 15 years of experience, are leaders in adopting the latest legal technologies. This expertise allows us to deliver cutting-edge solutions and stay ahead of legal trends.
• Global Legal Services: We offer comprehensive services for both domestic and international needs, covering areas such as trademark, patent, copyright, trade secret, cyber security law, and corporate law. Our global network ensures consistent, high-quality service worldwide.
• Quality and Client-Centric Approach: We have a rigorous service and risk management system aligned with international standards. Our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and centralized management system ensure efficiency and excellence.   We also maintain a 24-hour responsiveness standard for timely client support.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): DEI is a core value at our firm. Over 50% of our partners and more than two-thirds of our staff are women, supported by mentorship and leadership training.   Our multilingual team serves a diverse client base, enhancing satisfaction and market reach.   In 2024, we established an Employee Assistance Fund to support employees and their families, reflecting our “people-first” philosophy.

These differentiators position Chang Tsi & Partners as a leader in delivering innovative, high-quality, and inclusive legal solutions.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

Over the next 12 months, we anticipate substantial growth in the areas of patent commercialization and international cooperation. The recent restructuring of the Chinese IP management system has significantly improved efficiency, enabling smoother patent transfers and licensing, particularly from universities and research institutions. This is leading to increased innovation and industrial upgrades. Additionally, the enhanced legal framework for IP protection and active participation in global IP governance are creating a more robust environment for IP practices. These developments are driven by government reforms, technological advancements, and a strong push towards international collaboration. At Chang Tsi & Partners, we are well-equipped to support our clients through these dynamic changes and help them capitalize on new opportunities in the IP landscape.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

One of the most impactful changes we’ve made is our commitment to continuous training and education. We regularly organize training sessions to keep our team updated on the latest policy changes and legal reforms, ensuring we provide our clients with the most accurate and optimal advice. Additionally, in response to the growing importance of technology, we’ve integrated advanced tools like AI, automation, and cutting-edge office software into our workflow. For example, this year we held an internal tech competition to encourage our staff to explore and implement these technologies in their daily tasks, enhancing precision and efficiency in client service. Furthermore, we’ve expanded our global presence by opening a new office in Singapore, adding to our established locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and our branches in the US, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Guangxi. This expansion allows us to offer more localized support and a broader range of services to our international clients.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Absolutely, technology is transforming the way we interact with clients and the services we offer at Chang Tsi & Partners. We’ve fully embraced advanced technology to elevate our management standards and enhance our competitiveness. For instance, we’ve upgraded our computer systems and network storage, laying a strong foundation for efficient business operations. We’ve also implemented industry-leading firewall and backup systems to ensure security and stability. Our new document management system has standardized and secured our document processes, and automation has significantly reduced manual involvement in workflows. Additionally, our Power BI platform provides extensive data support for operations, management, and decision-making.

The full launch of our overseas transportation office function has broadened our global business coverage, and the implementation of the O365 cloud strategy has provided us with more substantial mailbox space and a more stable experience. This strategy also offers the next generation of office applications and a low-code platform. Our unwavering commitment to digital transformation and innovation ensures our resilience in this era of unprecedented change. These technological advancements allow us to provide more efficient, secure, and innovative services to our clients, ultimately enhancing their experience and outcomes.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

Firstly, as a boutique intellectual property law firm, Chang Tsi & Partners handles numerous landmark cases each year. This year, we’ve had several significant cases, such as successfully representing Wuxi’s first Intellectual Property Civil Case Attached to Criminal Case, securing high praise from Leshan Intermediate Court in ITW’s DEVCON trademark infringement case, helping LEGO Group win a case of trademark cross-class protection, and more.

One particularly noteworthy case involved a patent dispute between our client, a leading food company, and their competitor. The competitor held a patent that threatened our client’s product line, potentially leading to substantial financial losses. We strategically filed for the invalidation of this patent based on prior art and common knowledge in the field.

During the invalidation process, the National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) declared the patent entirely invalid. The competitor contested this decision in the Beijing Intellectual Property Court, arguing that the distinguishing technical features were not common knowledge. We represented our client, successfully proving that these features were indeed common knowledge. The court upheld the invalidation, and the competitor’s subsequent appeal to the Supreme People’s Court was also dismissed.

This ruling not only eliminated the immediate threat to our client’s business but also set a precedent regarding the recognition of common knowledge in patent cases. By securing this outcome, we ensured the uninterrupted operation and market presence of our client’s products, thereby adding significant value to their business. This case highlights our expertise in navigating complex IP litigation and our commitment to protecting our clients’ interests.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Absolutely, clients are increasingly seeking stability and strategic guidance, especially in the complex field of intellectual property. Over the next three years, we at Chang Tsi & Partners are dedicated to offering comprehensive and integrated IP protection strategies. We leverage a combination of trademarks, patents, design rights, and other IP tools to address the multifaceted challenges our clients face.

With recent updates to China’s IP laws, such as the extended protection periods and partial design coverage for design patents, we are in a stronger position to protect our clients’ interests. We will continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring our clients benefit from the latest legal developments. Our approach involves not just responding to infringements but proactively fortifying our clients’ IP portfolios, making use of the full spectrum of IP rights available. This holistic strategy helps our clients achieve both immediate and long-term business success, providing them with the stability and strategic direction they need in an ever-evolving market.