While An Tian Zhang & Partners may not be that high profile among its local counterparts, clients and foreign firm peers have no hesitation in lavishing praise on this boutique. "It is certainly a great firm in terms of litigation," says a partner at a foreign firm. "Andy Xiaodi An is the one I will hire if I have a case."
Clients have kind words for An as well: "An Xiaodi is a very good lawyer. He is able to come up with solutions and is willing to take risks. He is very creative as well, which is rare in China." Another client agrees: "Andy An is a very good IP lawyer and he has been building a good team around him. He is very hands on and can debate legal points. He is extremely strong in copyright and trade mark and very good in patents."
Notable cases led by An and partner David Tian this past year include acting for Japanese air-conditioner maker Daikin Industries as a third party in a litigation between Shanghai Dajin and the TRAB to protect their trade mark rights as Shanghai Dajin applied for 24 marks that are similar to Daikin's, and helping Champagne Perrier-Jouet to win in a trade mark infringement case in Shenzhen Intermediate Court and obtain Rmb300,000 ($45,000) as compensation.