Southeast Asia - Singapore

Dentons Rodyk

More informationMore information

Commended for its ‘in-depth knowledge and expertise’, Dentons Rodyk advises on regulatory investigations and data protection compliance matters, in addition to cross-border data transfers, enforcement actions, data breaches and cyber security incidents. Gilbert Leong has demonstrable experience advising on matters concerning IT law, data protection and computer misuse, and jointly leads the team alongside Maw Jiun Foo, who handles data breaches, data protection impact assessments, and developing data protection and compliance programmes. Catherine Lee handles personal data compliance mandates, and Desmond Chew, who is praised as ’experienced and knowledgeable beyond his years’, is another key contact in the group.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘I work very closely with Catherine Lee and Desmond Chew, who are both stand-out partners in this field.’

  • ‘It is rare to find a team that is so comprehensive in terms of scope of practice in privacy and cyber security work, yet at the same time having in-depth knowledge and expertise. The team at Dentons is one of them. The team's strength lies in their ability to deliver sound, commercially practical and correct advice that is useful for business stakeholders.’

  • ‘Catherine Lee is sharp, quick in responsiveness and knowledgeable.’
  • ‘The team is understanding of its clients' concerns and approaches the legal issues with commercial sensitivity.’
  • ‘Desmond Chew is experienced and knowledgeable beyond his years, has a strong handle on cutting-edge technology and delivers business-friendly and practical advice.’

Key clients

  • Jebsen & Jessen Pte. Ltd.
  • Persistence Technologies Pte. Ltd.

Work highlights

  • Advised Jebsen & Jessen Pte. Ltd. on its data protection compliance program.
  • Advised Persistence Technologies Pte. Ltd. on its data protection compliance program.

Lawyers

Leading Individuals

Gilbert Leong

Gilbert Leong

Dentons

Gilbert Leong is a senior partner and Head of Dentons Rodyk's Intellectual Property & Technology practice group. He is also Co-Head of the Patents, Tech, Media & Telecomms, Licensing, Data Privacy & Protection and Cybersecurity practices. As commercial and IP counsel, Gilbert has extensive experience in negotiating and drafting commercial agreements in relation to distribution of goods/services, procurement and tenders, manufacturing arrangements, licensing, maintenance, acquisition of intellectual property such as trademark and patents, consultancy services and IP structuring. Gilbert's IP litigation experience includes copyright (software) suits, patent infringements as well as obtaining and executing search & seizure warrants. Additionally, he has prosecuted parties under a fiat from the Attorney General for offences under both the Trade Marks Act and Copyright Act. Gilbert also attends to hearings before the Trade Mark registry. Leading the Technology practice, Gilbert provides counsel and advice to clients when they acquire IT hardware / systems, develop and market software or when they put out tenders for large scale IT / outsourcing projects. He has assisted clients in formulating and executing E and M commerce strategies and other kinds of Internet related transactions. In recent years, Gilbert has also been involved in fintech, insuretech and medtech matters, drafting terms of use as well as collaboration agreements to enable clients to achieve their objectives whilst protecting their interests. He has also been counsel to parties involved in the telecommunication industry. In particular, he has advised on disputes arising between telecommunication licensees, application for licences, market access and infrastructural issues. Gilbert has also been very active in the field of data privacy/protection matters and is a pioneer in this field. As a member of the Legal Sub-Committee of the National Internet Advisory Committee, Gilbert participated in the drafting of the "Model Data Protection Code for the Private Sector" years before the legislation was enacted in Singapore to protect personal data. Gilbert has helped large financial institutions / investment funds, healthcare providers, industrial companies, institutions of higher learning and infrastructure providers to navigate data protection laws both at home and abroad. He has also written and spoken widely on the area and is regularly sought for his comments and insights. Gilbert has experience advising on high impact cyber breach incidents including those affecting major organisations in the insurance, higher education, social media, e-commerce, hotels, financial services, transportation/logistics, IT and telecommunications sectors. He was co-lead counsel to one of the parties involved in proceedings of the Committee of Inquiry which was set up by the Singapore Government to investigate the nation’s highest profile cyber breach. In addition to his legal qualifications, Gilbert also holds a Certificate in Computer Programming and Information Processing from the City & Guilds of London Institute. Gilbert is recognised as a leading lawyer for his expertise in many notable publications, including Best Lawyers, Chambers Asia-Pacific, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific and Who's Who Legal. He has been called upon to participate in committees and think tanks which focus on technology related matters and emerging legal issues.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Gilbert Leong, Maw Jiun Foo

Other key lawyers

Catherine Lee, Desmond Chew