CHANG TSI
News
Chang Tsi & Partners is pleased to announce that Spring Chang, Founding Partner of the firm, has been recognized in the World Trademark Review (WTR) Global Leaders 2026 ranking, a prestigious distinction awarded to leading trademark professionals who combine exceptional legal expertise with significant contributions to the global intellectual property community.
As part of this recognition, Spring was invited to participate in an exclusive interview with WTR, where she shared her perspectives on the evolution of China's intellectual property landscape, cross-border brand protection, global portfolio management, and emerging trends shaping the future of IP protection.
Having worked in the intellectual property field for more than three decades, Spring Chang has observed firsthand the remarkable transformation of China's IP system. In her point of view, China has evolved from a jurisdiction once perceived as challenging for rights holders into one of the world's most sophisticated and dynamic intellectual property markets. Significant improvements in judicial protection, administrative enforcement, and specialized IP courts have strengthened confidence among both domestic and international businesses.
Today, China is not only a major innovation hub but also an increasingly important jurisdiction where intellectual property rights can be effectively protected and enforced. The continuous development of China's legal framework has provided greater certainty and stronger protection for global brands seeking long-term growth in the market.
Rather than viewing IP solely as a legal function, Spring advocates a commercially driven approach that aligns legal protection with corporate growth strategies. At Chang Tsi & Partners, this means developing tailored solutions based on each client's industry, market position, innovation cycle, and risk profile. This philosophy has become increasingly important as businesses navigate digital transformation, cross-border expansion, and rapidly evolving consumer markets. Effective IP protection requires not only legal expertise but also a deep understanding of commercial realities.
Despite China's continued progress, foreign companies still face a number of challenges when protecting their intellectual property rights. Among the most common issues are bad-faith trademark filings, difficulties in evidence collection, and unfamiliarity with local enforcement procedures. Many international businesses also underestimate the importance of early-stage trademark registration in China, where the first-to-file principle remains a fundamental aspect of the system. Drawing on decades of experience advising multinational corporations, Spring emphasized the importance of proactive planning. Comprehensive trademark portfolios, regular monitoring, and early risk assessments can significantly reduce exposure to potential disputes.
Artificial intelligence, digital platforms, live-streaming commerce, and cross-border e-commerce have fundamentally altered the IP landscape. Rights holders must now address online infringement, data protection concerns, and rapidly evolving digital business models. Spring believes that traditional legal tools alone are no longer sufficient. Companies should combine conventional IP strategies with advanced technologies, including AI-assisted monitoring, digital evidence collection, and online enforcement mechanisms.
As infringement activities increasingly cross national borders, international cooperation has become a critical component of effective IP protection. As a frequent speaker at international conferences and industry forums, Spring has long advocated for closer collaboration among law firms, enforcement authorities, brand owners, and industry organizations worldwide.
She noted that greater cooperation between jurisdictions is helping to address complex challenges such as global counterfeiting networks, online infringement, and cross-border enforcement. At the same time, increasing alignment between China's IP system and international standards is creating new opportunities for rights holders operating globally.
