We invite you to explore the Q4 highlights and office updates from our firms worldwide—proof that together, we make every quarter count.
Argentina
This quarter, our Argentina office successfully conducted a significant joint venture between Wintershall DEA, a leading German energy company, and Vision Net Zero, a German organization focused on Carbon Credit generation.
In this landmark project, Wintershall provided the funding for Vision Net Zero to acquire a major area in the Provinces of Salta and Jujuy, Argentina. The land will be developed to generate Verified Carbon Units (VCUs), which will be registered under Wintershall to help the company achieve its Carbon Emission Reduction targets.
Notably, the project also has a strong environmental and social impact:
- The area will eventually be assigned to the National Parks Administration free of charge.
- A dedicated zone will be developed to support environmental research and academic studies.
Our firm played a key role in:
- Negotiating agreements among the parties.
- Drafting relevant contracts.
- Supporting a local foundation to register the land as a Natural Reserve and National Park.
This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering innovative solutions with meaningful environmental and economic outcomes.
Learn more about the Leonhardt & Dietl Abogados, the Aliant+ firm in Argentina here.
Austria
Our Austria office continues to lead in real estate and capital markets law with significant accomplishments in Q4.
Real Estate Success
We recently closed a mid-sized real estate transaction for a 5-story residential complex with 35 apartments and commercial space, valued at approximately EUR 20 million. This marks the latest in a series of successful housing and office projects over the past 18 months, with our largest project reaching a volume of EUR 100 million.
Capital Markets Excellence
In just the last three months, our team has successfully designed, filed, and secured approvals for 8 capital market prospectuses across 12 jurisdictions within and outside the EU. These projects, which included shares, bearer, and registered bonds, amounted to a total value exceeding EUR 260 million.
Our services extend to client representation before national and international regulatory authorities. Recently, our work led to a landmark decision by the Austrian Supreme Administrative Court (VwGH), which clarified the interpretation of “operational activity” under the Austrian Alternative Investment Fund Managers Act (AIFMG). This decision is pivotal for the classification of undertakings as alternative investment funds (AIF) and demonstrates our expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments.
Learn more about Aliant Austria here.
China
New Team Members
We are pleased to welcome three talented professionals to our team this quarter: Jian Huang, Yvonne Wu, and Pablo Deng. Their expertise and enthusiasm will undoubtedly strengthen our capabilities and enhance client service.
Big Accomplishments
Our China office had a standout fourth quarter, excelling in cross-border mergers and acquisitions. We successfully closed deals involving clients from Germany, the United States, India, and other countries, with a total transaction value exceeding $100 million. These achievements highlight our team’s ability to navigate complex international legal frameworks and economic environments. Our focus on thorough due diligence, strategic negotiation, and seamless cross-jurisdictional integration was key to these successes, reflecting our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our global clients.
Events
Peter Pang Presents on Trademark Strategy for Technology Companies at 24th IIPLA USA Conference
We are pleased to announce that Peter Pang, Managing Partner at IPO Pang Shenjun Law Firm, recently spoke at the prestigious 24th IIPLA (International Intellectual Property Law Association) USA Conference held in Palo Alto, California. This year’s event took place at the iconic El Prado Hotel from October 1-2, bringing together a dynamic group of IP professionals and industry leaders. Peter Pang contributed as a keynote speaker on the second day, sharing insights in Session 3 on *Trademark Strategies for Technology Companies*.
During his presentation, Mr. Pang provided an in-depth analysis of trademark protection strategies essential for technology companies operating in China. Key topics included high-profile cases such as Tesla’s recent trademark victory, which reinforced the importance of “well-known trademark” protections, and Apple’s landmark case addressing the regional complexities of trademark rights. Mr. Pang emphasized how tech companies can successfully navigate China’s evolving intellectual property landscape, particularly in light of increased enforcement capabilities.
In addition to his presentation, Mr. Pang participated in a roundtable discussion alongside two other panelists. The session fostered meaningful dialogue on practical challenges and effective strategies for safeguarding intellectual property in the technology sector. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with experienced leaders in the field, gaining valuable insights into real-world IP protection.
We extend our gratitude to IIPLA for hosting such an impactful event. We look forward to continued collaboration and supporting further advancements in international intellectual property law.
Shanghai Office Achieves Remarkable Results at LPS
From December 6 to 8, our Shanghai office actively participated in the 23rd edition of the LPS Shanghai International Luxury Property Show, held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. As a landmark event in the global high-end real estate industry, LPS brought together over 150 international real estate brands from more than 40 countries, supported by over 200 official partners and premium brands.
Leading up to the event, our team meticulously prepared, extending invitations to numerous clients, partners, and potential collaborators. The exhibition attracted high-profile attendees, providing an excellent opportunity for meaningful conversations and the establishment of a broad network of valuable connections.
Over the three-day event, the Shanghai team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, engaging directly with industry leaders from around the globe and participating in international luxury property investment forums. These sessions offered valuable insights into emerging market trends and key industry developments.
Our participation not only enhanced our brand influence but also strengthened relationships with domestic and international partners, laying a solid foundation for future collaborations. The event delivered impressive results, marking a significant highlight for us in 2024.
We look forward to leveraging similar platforms in the future to expand our reach, create new opportunities, and bring fresh momentum to the company’s growth.
Strategic Partnership Agreement with ReaLux
We recently held an in-depth meeting with ReaLux International from Malta at our Shanghai office. During the discussions, Mr. Bradley and Mr. Prasad expressed strong interest in future collaboration and explored how our business models align. Through these productive exchanges, we identified significant potential for cooperation and reached a preliminary strategic partnership agreement.
We are pleased to announce that we will collaborate with ReaLux on a non-exclusive basis for their Malta immigration projects. We believe this strategic partnership will enable both parties to achieve mutual success and unlock broader business opportunities in the global real estate market.
Strengthening Our Relationship with Indian Intellectual Property Firm
Recently, lawyers Ishita and Aaysu from Chadha & Chadha, a renowned Intellectual Property law firm in India, visited our Shanghai office. They were warmly welcomed by Mr. Pang, Marketing Manager Soey, and Lawyer Yvonne, and the group engaged in an in-depth discussion.
Chadha & Chadha is one of India’s leading Intellectual Property law firms, specializing in patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs, geographical indications, and IP litigation. During the visit, both parties held extensive discussions on the IP business between China and India, focusing on ways to strengthen cooperation in the intellectual property field. Potential collaboration opportunities were explored, and valuable experiences in market operations and client services were shared.
This meeting deepened our understanding of the Indian market and laid a strong foundation for future cooperation. We are confident that both sides will soon collaborate to expand their presence in the IP sector between China and India.
We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Chadha & Chadha and contributing to the growth of intellectual property services in both countries, while offering enhanced cross-border legal services to our clients.
Learn more about IPO Pang Shenjun, the Aliant+ firm in China here.
Hungary
Budapest Office Represents Hungary at STEP Europe Conference 2024
Last week, the prestigious STEP Europe Conference 2024 took place in Monaco, drawing leading experts from across the region to discuss key developments and challenges in trusts and estates. Representing Hungary at this esteemed event were Dr. Gábor B. Szabó and Dr. Ákos Menyhei from our Budapest Aliant-Menyhei-Molnár-B. Szabó Office.
Dr. Ákos Menyhei played an active role in the conference as a panelist in the session titled “Help! I Don’t Trust My Trustee Anymore. What Can I Do?” This thought-provoking discussion addressed the sensitive and often complex issue of trustee removal. Alongside a distinguished panel of experts from diverse regions, Dr. Menyhei explored practical strategies and offered valuable insights into navigating these challenging trust dynamics.
The session sparked engaging discussions and highlighted the crucial role of trust in fiduciary relationships, reinforcing the need for professionalism and effective solutions in the industry. We are proud to have our Budapest office contribute to such an important conversation, underscoring our commitment to thought leadership and excellence in the field.
New Publication: Trust Laws in the Czech Republic and Hungary
We are proud to announce the publication of Trust Laws in the Czech Republic and Hungary, co-authored by Dr. Gábor B. Szabó, Dr. Ákos Menyhei, and other esteemed colleagues. This landmark book celebrates a significant milestone, marking the 10th anniversary of both Czech and Hungarian trusts in 2024.
Introduced to address the limitations of traditional succession-planning mechanisms, these modern trust structures provide new avenues for wealth management, estate planning, and asset protection. Along with other legal instruments, they have played a pivotal role in reshaping the estate-planning landscape in both countries.
The book explores the challenges of integrating common law trust concepts into civil law systems. It offers an in-depth review of the legal and practical aspects of trusts in both jurisdictions, highlighting the unique approaches in each. Trust Laws in the Czech Republic and Hungary is divided into two parts, each focusing on the developments in the Czech Republic and Hungary, respectively.
Learn more about Aliant Hungary here.
Netherlands
Cross-Border Collaboration
This quarter, our Netherlands office successfully navigated a cross-border non-compete injunction, with valuable assistance from Elisa Noto of the Italy office. This collaboration exemplifies the strength of our international network and our ability to provide seamless, cross-jurisdictional support to clients.
Celebrating Sinterklaas
In December, our team came together to celebrate the cherished Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas. The festive event featured a spirited gift exchange among colleagues, bringing excitement and laughter to the office.
Adding a personal and creative touch, each team member received a unique message from “Sint,” highlighting their strengths and areas for growth within the team. These thoughtful messages were delivered through AI-generated speeches, blending tradition with innovation.
The celebration offered a lighthearted and meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect, and appreciate one another, making it a truly memorable occasion for the entire office.
Learn more about Wolfs Advocaten, the Aliant+ firm in the Netherlands here.
United States
Learn more about Aliant U.S. here.