Yao Liang Headshot

Yao Liang

Partner, Attorney at Law

Beijing, China

"Specializing in Foreign Investment, International Trade, IP Protection, and Dispute Resolution in China."

With nearly 20 years of experience, Yao Liang advises international companies on the complexities of the Chinese market, managing regulatory risks and securing cross‑border deal success.

Key Practice Areas

Foreign Direct Investment

Market entry strategy and establishing foreign-invested enterprises in China.

Cross-border M&A

Joint ventures, equity acquisitions, and complex deal structuring.

Intellectual Property

Registering, licensing, and enforcement of trademarks, copyrights, and patents in China.

Dispute Resolution

Commercial arbitration (CIETAC) and litigation in Chinese courts.

International Trade

Import/export compliance and cross-border commercial contracts.

Representative Experience

IP Management

Acted as ongoing intellectual property counsel for major US and Australian corporations in the beverage and healthcare sectors, managing comprehensive trademark portfolios and licensing agreements.​

IP Litigation

Successfully represented UK and US clients in copyright and trademark infringement lawsuits, securing compensation and halting infringing activities such as nationwide tours.​

Administrative Proceedings

Achieved multiple victories in administrative litigations against the China Trademark Office and successfully defended clients in trademark cancellation retrials at the Supreme Court level.​

Market Entry

Advised numerous international companies on foreign direct investment strategies, including the structuring and establishment of Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises (WFOEs) and Joint Ventures.​

Dispute Resolution

Represented foreign clients in complex commercial arbitrations before CIETAC regarding international trade and distribution disputes.​

Corporate Compliance

Provided strategic guidance to foreign-invested enterprises on customs regulations, regulatory approvals, and daily operational legal risks.

Education & Languages

  • LL.M., Wuhan University International Economic Law, 2003-2006
  • LL.B., Guangdong Univ. of Foreign Studies Law, 1998-2002
  • Chinese (Native) English (Fluent)

Admissions & Memberships

  • Admitted to practice in PR China (2008).
  • Mediator at Guangzhou Internet Court for foreign-related cases.​
  • Mediator at Chaoyang Court of Beijing for foreign-related cases.​
  • Special Law Committee for Cross-border M&A, Beijing Bar Association.​
  • Director, Maritime Silk Road Legal Affairs Dept, Jingsh Law Firm.