CHANG TSI
News
World Trademark Review (WTR), the world's leading trademark-focused publication, has officially released its 2025 WTR Global Leaders list. With Spring Chang, Managing Partner of Chang Tsi & Partners, has once again been recognized for her exceptional contributions to the intellectual property (IP) industry. In an exclusive interview with WTR, Spring shared insights into her proudest accomplishments, evolving client demands, and how her firm is navigating the future of brand protection.
Reflecting on the past year, Spring Chang cited one of her most rewarding milestones: the firm's continued recognition as a Gold-tier firm in the 2025 WTR 1000 China rankings. In addition, she and seven of her colleagues were individually listed as recommended practitioners—an honor that underscores the strength and cohesion of the firm's IP team.
Beyond rankings, Spring emphasized the firm's role in several high-impact litigation cases, including the successful invalidation of bad-faith trademark registrations and complex cross-border enforcement matters. “In today's uncertain economic environment, these wins are particularly meaningful. They represent our ability to create long-term value for clients through strategic, high-stakes legal work,” she noted.
As brand value increasingly shifts to the digital world, domain name disputes have become a key battleground. Spring noted that domain names are more than just digital assets—they are the "front doors" to a brand's online presence and consumer trust.
"Before initiating a domain dispute, brand owners must assess whether they have strong rights to the name, whether the domain was registered in bad faith, and how it overlaps with existing trademarks,” she explained. Legal frameworks like the UDRP and CNDRP are essential, but strategy matters just as much. Proactive domain registration, global portfolio monitoring, and timing are critical to long-term protection.
Copyright protection presents another evolving challenge, particularly in the context of digital platforms and cross-border infringement. "In China, copyright arises upon creation, but official registration remains a vital tool for enforcement—whether through administrative, civil, or criminal channels,” Spring explained. She highlighted the importance of combining registration, licensing, and online-offline enforcement to address fast-moving digital violations, especially on e-commerce and social media platforms.
Over the past two decades, Spring has observed a fundamental shift in what clients expect from IP counsel. "In the past, clients primarily needed transactional or reactive legal support—like trademark filings or litigation representation. Today, they seek integrated, strategic legal services that align with business growth, global expansion, and digital transformation," she said.
To meet these evolving needs, Chang Tsi & Partners has invested in cross-disciplinary teams, legal technology, and service innovation. The firm now offers end-to-end solutions encompassing IP portfolio management, valuation, licensing, brand architecture, and even IP-backed financing. "Our mission is no longer just to protect intangible assets—it's to help clients leverage IP as a driver of innovation and competitive advantage," Spring added.
Spring also addressed how the evolving U.S.–China trade relationship has impacted IP enforcement, particularly at the border. In response to rising global scrutiny, Chinese Customs has intensified its role in brand protection—especially for high-risk goods like electronics, clothing, and auto parts. “Recordation is only the first step,” she explained. “To ensure effective enforcement, rights holders must also provide customs authorities with authentication tools, risk assessments, and even staff training.” Chang Tsi has established a dedicated Customs team to guide clients through the full lifecycle of border protection—from pre-raid coordination to post-enforcement support.
Spring also offered thoughts on future IP legislation, particularly in relation to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and deepfakes. “China’s legal framework must evolve to address AI-generated content and synthetic media,” she noted. This includes clarifying authorship, determining originality standards, and assigning liability. She advocated for updates to China’s Copyright Law that distinguish between human and machine authorship and empower rights holders to take swift action against unauthorized use.
As an active member of INTA, AIPPI, and AIPLA, Spring emphasized the value of global engagement in shaping policy and practice. “These platforms have enriched my legal perspective and expanded our firm’s international network. They enable us to offer clients truly global IP strategies that are harmonized across jurisdictions.”
This international orientation is paired with deep local expertise. The firm’s ability to manage complex disputes, advise on regulatory developments, and respond to real-time infringement threats has earned it the trust of clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to tech startups and R&D-intensive enterprises.
Looking ahead, Spring remains focused on empowering clients through foresight and innovation. “We are expanding our services to include metaverse branding, digital rights management, data privacy, and ESG-related IP issues,” she said. The firm is also helping clients navigate new opportunities in AI, green tech, and semiconductors—areas where IP plays a vital role in global competitiveness.
WTR Global Leaders brings together the world’s most distinguished trademark practitioners—those who have not only been ranked highly in WTR 1000 but have also demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise, and influence in the field. Inclusion in this list reflects a practitioner’s impact both in their firm and within the broader legal and business communities.
Spring Chang’s leadership continues to set new benchmarks for excellence in the IP profession. Her inclusion in the 2025 WTR Global Leaders list is a testament to her vision, values, and the outstanding work of the entire Chang Tsi & Partners team.
