Recently, leading international intellectual property publications World Trademark Review (WTR) and Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) jointly released the inaugural Copyright 1000 rankings. Recognized for its deep expertise and outstanding track record in copyright law, Watson & Band Law Offices was ranked as a recommended firm in China. Individually, Senior Partner Mr. Zhang Sijie was recognized as "Highly Recommended," and Mr. Guo Yifan was named a "Recommended" practitioner.

Inaugural Ranking Highlighting Global Copyright Excellence

Copyright 1000 is the world's first authoritative guide dedicated exclusively to copyright law and practice, identifying top-performing law firms and practitioners across major jurisdictions to guide corporations, creators, and rights holders. Watson & Band's inclusion underscores the firm's comprehensive strength and international standing in copyright legal services.

A Proven Track Record in Landmark Copyright Matters

Since its founding in 1995, Watson & Band has positioned intellectual property at the core of its practice as one of China's earliest providers of foreign-related IP legal services. In the copyright arena, the firm has handled numerous landmark disputes—most notably representing eight major Hollywood film studios in their copyright infringement action against Renren Video, successfully overcoming the platform "safe harbor" defense to establish direct infringement liability. The firm's cases have been repeatedly selected among the "Top 10 IP Cases in Shanghai (2014)," "Top 10 Copyright Cases in Shanghai (2024)," and "Supreme People's Court Typical Unfair Competition Cases (2025)." Watson & Band is also consistently ranked by Chambers Greater China Region, ALB China, WTR 1000, and IAM Patent 1000.

Mr. Zhang Sijie: A Seasoned Practitioner in Digital Entertainment Copyright Protection

Mr. Zhang Sijie (Highly Recommended): A Tier-1 Equity Partner at Watson & Band with over a decade of experience in IP and complex commercial dispute resolution, Mr. Zhang focuses on the digital entertainment sector, advising leading enterprises in online gaming, digital literature, long- and short-form video, and MCN operations. Consistently recognized by ALB China, LEGALBAND, China Business Law Journal, and LVXINSHE, he has led cases selected as Typical IP and Unfair Competition Cases of the Supreme People's Court, Provincial Top 10 IP Cases in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai, and numerous industry-first rulings.

Mr. Guo Yifan: A Rising Force in Digital Entertainment Copyright Protection

Mr. Guo Yifan (Recommended): A graduate of Zhejiang University and Rutgers University, Mr. Guo previously served as Senior Legal Counsel in charge of litigation and enforcement at a leading global gaming company. He specializes in internet and gaming dispute resolution, having handled a wide range of copyright, trademark, trade secret, and novel unfair competition cases, many of which set national or regional precedents and were named typical cases by the Supreme People's Court and local courts.

Guided by its core values of "Integrity, Foresight, Dedication, and Progress," Watson & Band will continue to deliver comprehensive, high-caliber copyright and IP legal services to clients worldwide.