[Published November 2012 and updated August 2024] The American law firm Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton has opened an office in Shanghai as it looks to grow its operations in the wider Asia-Pacific region. Two of the firm’s top people from its offices in Denver, Colorado, have relocated to lead developments at the new site in Shanghai.

The Zhang Jiang High-tech Park, which covers an area of some 25 square kilometres, was chosen as the site at which Kilpatrick Townsend would set up a new operating base in the largest city in China. Roughly 2,000 companies and more than 100,000 people are based at the Zhang Jiang park.

Much of the Atlanta-based law firm’s work with Chinese companies has involved various intellectual property issues. The thinking behind the new Shanghai office is that the company’s lawyers in the region will be better placed to meet the needs of its Chinese clients.

“Kilpatrick Townsend’s internationally-recognised intellectual property department, with over 300 attorneys, is committed to creating a significant presence in this burgeoning area of the world,” said Paul Aguggia, Kilpatrick Townsend’s chairman. “The Shanghai office creates an outstanding opportunity for growth. A presence here, along with our offices in Tokyo and Taiwan, is critical to giving direct access to the region’s key markets.”

“Kilpatrick Townsend attorneys will be working closely with our clients to primarily focus on serving their intellectual property needs, including China-based companies and American companies with interests in the region,” added Kenneth Chang, who worked for the firm at its Denver offices for over ten years. “This move will facilitate business development and building relationships with existing and new clients located across Asia,” he said.

Kilpatrick Townsend’s list of office space locations includes sites in Atlanta, Denver, and now Shanghai. It also includes sites across the US and the Middle East. However, its only European office base is in the Swedish city of Stockholm.

Editor’s notes: In 2023, the law firm rebranded as Kilpatrick and employed 650 attorneys.

The firm that counts Volswagen and Meta as clients listed Lane 2889, Jinke Road, Pudong New District
Suite 904, Building E, Chamtime Plaza, No. 6, as its Shanghai office in August 2024.

The firm also listed Unit 1003 Level 10, Yintai Office Tower, No.2 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, as its Beijing office.