Dentons Strengthens Hong Kong IP and Technology Practice with Trio of Partner Hires from Baker McKenzie

Dentons has announced a significant expansion of its Intellectual Property and Technology practice in Hong Kong through the addition of three key partners: Loke-Khoon Tan, Dominic Edmondson, and Maria Joannides Smith. All three join the firm from Baker McKenzie, bringing with them extensive experience and leadership in the IP and technology legal landscape.

The firm emphasized that these appointments reinforce Dentons’ commitment to delivering robust Intellectual Property and Technology services. The new partners’ expertise spans a broad range of areas including IP protection, artificial intelligence, data privacy, cybersecurity, telecommunications, brand enforcement, and technology transactions.

Loke-Khoon Tan is a seasoned practitioner recognized for his deep knowledge of intellectual property law in both Hong Kong and Mainland China. His practice encompasses the structuring and protection of IP rights such as trademarks, design patents, copyrights, trade names, software, and anti-counterfeiting strategies. Tan’s work also covers emerging fields like internet and social media, media and entertainment, artificial intelligence, and technology law. Notably, he led the regional IP & Technology practice and Consumer Goods & Retail Industry practice at his previous firm for two decades.

Dominic Edmondson advises clients on a wide array of issues including global data privacy and data protection, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, information technology transactions, e-commerce, and telecommunications. He also handles both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters across Greater China and Asia. Edmondson serves clients in sectors such as technology, media and telecommunications, automotive, financial services, and healthcare. He is admitted to practice in Hong Kong as well as England & Wales.

Maria Joannides Smith focuses her practice on contentious and non-contentious commercial intellectual property matters, with a particular emphasis on trademarks and copyright. Her expertise includes managing regional and global IP portfolios, brand protection and enforcement, IP rights structuring, and advising clients on brand selection and clearance processes ahead of market entry and product launches.

Commenting on the new appointments, a Dentons spokesperson stated, “We are excited to welcome Loke-Khoon, Dominic and Maria to Dentons. Their arrival marks a pivotal moment for our Hong Kong team, as we continue to grow and meet our clients’ needs in the Intellectual Property and Technology space. They are recognized for their expertise, deep experience and unique insight that will drive value for our clients, wherever they may operate.”

The spokesperson added, “Adding such talented individuals to our Intellectual Property and Technology practice is a tremendous boost for Dentons in the region. Their depth of knowledge and fresh perspectives will not only strengthen our team but also help us better serve our clients with innovative, practical and commercially minded solutions here in Hong Kong and around the world. We look forward to achieving great things together.”

This strategic expansion positions Dentons to better address the evolving demands of clients operating in the dynamic IP and technology sectors across the Asia-Pacific region and globally. The firm’s enhanced capabilities are expected to support a wide range of industries navigating complex legal challenges related to intellectual property rights, emerging technologies, and data governance.