CMS bolsters global Technology and IP practice with two partner promotions in Greater China

CMS is pleased to announce the promotion of Candy Tong and Mengyi Chen to partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology practice in Hong Kong, effective 1 October 2026.

Working across the firm’s integrated Hong Kong and Beijing platform, Candy and Mengyi have developed distinct but complementary practices. Candy focuses on IP protection and disputes, employment and related commercial matters, while Mengyi focuses on technology, AI, data, media, life sciences, regulatory advice and commercial disputes. Their promotions strengthen CMS’s support for Chinese businesses expanding internationally and multinational organisations operating across Greater China.

Candy and Mengyi joined CMS in 2020, having already developed substantial experience in the market. They have since played key roles in expanding the firm’s Greater China IP and Technology practice, developing client relationships and leading complex cross-border matters.

Ilan Freiman, Regional Managing Partner for CMS APAC, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Candy and Mengyi to the partnership. Their promotions reinforce our commitment to investing in the TMT sector, which remains a key strategic focus for us globally. Already trusted advisers to clients and established leaders within our Greater China practice, Candy and Mengyi bring complementary expertise that enables us to support businesses throughout the entire innovation lifecycle, from the creation and protection of their intellectual property and technology through to commercialisation, international expansion and dispute resolution. This recognition reflects the outstanding practices they have built and strengthens our senior capability across Hong Kong and Beijing at a time when clients are navigating rapid technological and regulatory change.”

Candy has substantial experience advising clients on IP protection and disputes, portfolio management, brand protection, employment and related commercial matters. She advises across the full IP lifecycle, including trade mark, patent and design portfolios, enforcement, anti-counterfeiting, litigation, licensing and commercialisation. Her employment practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including investigations, workforce transformation, restructurings, senior exits and employment disputes. She works with clients across a range of sectors, including technology, life sciences and healthcare, consumer products, retail and luxury brands.

Candy is individually recognised by IAM Patent, World Trademark Review and Managing IP’s IP STARS.

Mengyi has substantial experience advising technology, media and life sciences businesses on the creation, protection and commercialisation of IP, technology and other innovation assets. Her practice encompasses both contentious and non-contentious IP matters ranging from technology and life sciences transactions, strategic collaborations and licensing, AI and data governance, digital media projects, regulatory compliance and complex commercial disputes. She regularly advises Chinese businesses on their international expansion and multinational organisations investing in or operating across Greater China.

Mengyi has been recognised as an IAM Patent Next Generation Lawyer, an IP STARS Rising Star and an Asia IP Expert, and has received individual World Trademark Review rankings.

Dóra Petrányi, CMS Partner and Global Technology, Media, IP and Competition (TMIC) Practice Group Leader, comments: “Technological innovation is increasingly cutting across traditional legal disciplines and creating new commercial and regulatory questions for businesses. Candy and Mengyi understand how these issues intersect and bring the local knowledge and international perspective clients need. Their promotions increase the depth of our TMIC offering in Asia-Pacific and create further opportunities to connect clients in Greater China with specialist teams across the CMS network.”

CMS has more than 450 IP specialists worldwide, including lawyers, patent attorneys and trade mark attorneys, advising clients on the protection, enforcement and commercialisation of IP rights. In Asia, the firm's Greater China IP team spans Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, working closely with CMS specialists in Singapore and across its international network to deliver seamless cross-border support. The team is recognised in leading legal directories, including The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 and Chambers Greater China Region 2026.