On October 13, 2026, a four-member delegation from Watson & Band—comprising Senior Founding Partner Mr. Fu Qiangguo, General Manager of Watson & Band Intellectual Property Agent Ltd. Dr. Xiao Hua, Deputy General Manager Mr. Xu Yingcong, and Partner Ms. Zeng Zhen—visited the State Development Corporation of Thuringia (Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft Thüringen, "LEG") in Germany. The delegation met with Mr. Holger Heyer, Deputy Head of Economic Development and Head of the Investment Team at LEG; Mr. Ralph Leder from the Financial Services Division; Mr. Manuel Fries, Director for China and the Plastics Industry; as well as representatives from German enterprises and institutions. Building on LEG's previous visit to Watson & Band, the two sides held in-depth discussions on cross-border investment, market expansion, and intellectual property (IP) protection, exploring ways to integrate their respective strengths in corporate and legal services to support Chinese and German companies entering each other's markets.

Supporting Cross-Border Operations and Local Market Entry

During the meeting, LEG shared insights into Germany's business environment, common challenges faced by Chinese investors, and practical solutions. Both sides engaged in detailed discussions on investment structuring, shareholding arrangements, tax management, and day-to-day operational compliance. Mr. Fu Qiangguo noted that the globalization of Chinese enterprises is evolving from product exports to localized investment, manufacturing, and long-term market presence. Beyond identifying commercial opportunities, outbound enterprises must thoroughly understand and respect local laws, regulations, and business norms. Both parties agreed that partnering with trusted professional institutions enables companies to plan investments strategically, identify potential risks, and effectively navigate cross-border operational challenges.

Navigating IP Protection in China

Addressing German enterprises' keen interest in China's IP landscape, Dr. Xiao Hua provided an overview of recent legislative developments and corporate IP practices in China, drawing on the nation's patent protection system and practical experience. He also offered strategic recommendations on how foreign companies can proactively build and manage their IP portfolios to stay competitive in the Chinese market. 

Both sides concurred that as Sino-German technological and industrial cooperation deepens, early IP planning is essential for safeguarding innovation and securing a solid foundation for subsequent market expansion and commercial partnerships.

Deepening Professional Collaboration to Bridge Sino-German Business

This visit reinforced the cooperative relationship between Watson & Band and LEG, further clarifying their shared direction in facilitating cross-border growth for Chinese and German enterprises. Moving forward, both parties will strengthen collaboration in market intelligence sharing, business matchmaking, and professional advisory services—serving as a vital bridge connecting Sino-German markets and business cultures.