Hogan Lovells named among most innovative law firms in Asia

The firm was also highly commended in two categories:

• In the dealmaking category for the firm’s work for China Baowu, the world’s largest steelmaker, on its planned investments in Guinea’s Simandou mining project, one of the world’s most significant iron ore developments. Baowu is expected to commit more than $5bn through its economic interest in the WCS concession, which sits alongside a neighbouring mine run by Simfer, a Rio Tinto-led consortium. In a deal struck in July 2024, investors in both projects and the Guinea government agreed on details on co-developing the required rail and port infrastructure for the entire venture.

• In the Disputes and Crisis Management category for acting for US sportswear company Nike, which in September 2024 received protection in China against copies of its AJI trainer, through the ruling of a Shenzhen district court brought against a retailer based in China. Hogan Lovells helped establish the brand’s popularity and the public’s recognition of the design and cited China’s anti-unfair competition law to win a judgment protecting the more abstract design elements of the trainer, known as trade dress. The case is one of the first successful examples of trade dress protection awarded in the country.

In addition, Hong Kong partner Tommy Liu was shortlisted in the legal practitioner category. 

The full Financial Times Asia-Pacific Innovative Lawyers Awards report, listing all winners and reports on each category, can be found here.