Taiwan’s Economic Miracle
Helped Pfizer establish its subsidiary and manufacturing facility in Taiwan and be the first foreign pharmaceutical company registered with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, setting a precedent for direct investment by multinational pharmaceutical companies in Taiwan.
Helped General Instrument establish its Taiwan subsidiary, which became the first foreign-invested electronic component processing plant in Taiwan, seminally shaping Taiwan’s export-oriented electronics industry.
Helped Bank of America establish a local branch and be the first foreign bank in Taiwan.
Mr. James Lee and Dr. C. N. Li began their joint practice under the name “Lee and Li, Attorneys-at-Law.”
Lee and Li, Attorneys-at-Law was given its official name in Chinese, "理律法律事務所."
First Oil Shock
Ten Major Construction Projects (1974-1979)
Reacting decisively to the termination of diplomatic relations between the R.O.C. and the United States, Lee and Li organized a lobbying delegation to the U.S., leveraging limited civilian resources to advocate for the nation.
Kaohsiung Office was established.
Second Oil Shock
Helped the Ministry of Finance draft the Regulations for Venture Capital Enterprises, qualifying the venture capital industry for the benefits under the Act of Encouragement of Investment, a development widely considered one of the top 10 domestic financial news stories of the year. It laid the legal foundation for Taiwan’s venture capital environment and spurred industry growth.
Helped Louis Vuitton register the first pattern mark in Taiwan (Reg. No. 00149682).
Represented the Ministry of National Defense in negotiating and signing a contract with Dutch RSV for the construction of two Chien Lung-class submarines.
Helped Procter & Gamble establish P&G Taiwan, successfully negotiating market share restrictions with the government and securing investment approval, setting a benchmark for equitable foreign investment policies.
Helped the government establish the first securities investment trust company in Taiwan, International Investment Trust Co., Ltd. (now Mega International Investment Trust), laying the foundation for Taiwan’s investment trust industry.
Overcame restrictions on foreign food service businesses to help McDonald’s become the first foreign-invested chain restaurant in Taiwan, sparking a revolution in the local chain restaurant industry.
Helped Hong Kong’s Sincere Department Store become Taiwan’s first foreign-invested department store, serving as a model for future foreign department store investment in Taiwan.
Dr. C. V. Chen became the youngest recipient of the National Outstanding Taxpayer Award and the only legal practitioner among the award recipients.
Dr. C. V. Chen served on the Executive Yuan’s Economic Reform Committee, the only legal practitioner invited.
End of Martial Law in Taiwan
Helped Ogilvy & Mather establish the first joint venture advertising company in Taiwan, paving the way for multinational players to enter Taiwan’s advertising industry.
Worked to secure the most favorable terms in government projects and related negotiations and helped train judge advocates in the field of military procurement.
Helped Merrill Lynch become the first foreign securities firm in Taiwan.
Helped China Airlines transition into civilian passenger and commercial cargo transportation by devising a four-part strategy, including donating shares to establish the China Aviation Development Foundation, to achieve sustainable operations for the airline and promote civil aviation.
Assisted the Navy in signing a contract for the construction of the Kuang Hua I Cheng Kung-class frigate.
Petitioned for Interpretation No. 242 to clarify the issues surrounding bigamy stemming from the nearly four-decade travel ban between mainland China and Taiwan, which led to the enactment of Article 64 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.
Beginning in 1989, advised the Navy on the negotiations for the construction of Kuang Hua II Kang Ding-class frigates, and helped plan and complete various procurement projects, including Kuang Hua III patrol vessels, Kuang Hua VI-class missile boats, German minehunters, and anti-submarine helicopters for the Navy, the Strong Net system, AWACS, and Dassault Mirage for the Air Force, Patriot missiles for the Army, and IDF fighter equipment procurement for the National Chung-Shan Institute for Science and Technology.
Helped YFY Inc. issue the first convertible bond in Taiwan.
Introduced new concepts and recommended regulatory updates to the government, enabling YFY Inc.’s issuance of the first European convertible bond in Taiwan, diversifying Taiwan's capital market.
Dr. C. V. Chen was awarded the Order of Resplendent Banner with Special Cravat.
The Straits Exchange Foundation was established, with Dr. C. V. Chen serving as the Vice Chairman and concurrently the Secretary-General, responsible for the Foundation’s operations.
Global Regional Integration (beginning 1990)
Helped the Industrial Development Bureau collect information, review regulations, and engage in WTO accession negotiations, laying the groundwork for Taiwan's WTO membership. (1990–2002)
Helped Kao Corporation convert its NTD investments into mixed foreign currency investments and bring them into the purview of the Statute for Investment by Foreign Nationals, establishing a model for foreign investment.
Planned and completed the ROCSAT-1, -2, and -3 projects (later renamed Formosat satellites). (1992–2006)
Helped AT&T (now Lucent Technologies) sign a patent cross-licensing agreement with the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the first agreement of contribution in kind by technology in Taiwan.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Finance to draft the Tobacco and Alcohol Business Act and craft legal frameworks for the privatization of the tobacco and alcohol markets, as well as the restructuring of the Taiwan Tobacco and Wine Bureau.
Hsinchu Office was established.
Handled the first certification mark registration in Taiwan, the "Taiwan Excellence" mark for the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Reg. No. 0000001).
Overcame restrictions in technology equity contribution policies to help a U.S. technical team secure full recognition of its technology valuation to acquire a 20% stake in ScinoPharm Taiwan Ltd., establishing a model for foreign investment through technology equity.
Helped Merck & Co. file the first patent term extension application in Taiwan.
The Lee and Li Foundation was established.
Taiwan acceded to the WTO.
Advised on the creation of a strategic alliance between Citigroup and Fubon Group (comprising Fubon Life, Fubon Insurance, Fubon Securities, Fubon Bank, and Fubon Asset Management), the first multinational financial group alliance in Taiwan and the largest single foreign investment at the time.
Advised on the restructuring of GigaMedia Limited (invested by Koo’s Family) helping it become the first Taiwanese company to list on NASDAQ through an offshore holding company.
Advised on Tong Lung Metal Industry Co.’s restructuring after the company experienced an embezzlement scandal, enabling creditors to recover their claims and shareholders to regain their investments; recognized as a definitive example of corporate restructuring in Taiwan. (2000–2006)
Assisted with the financing negotiations for the Taiwan High-Speed Rail project from the outset, securing multiple syndicated loans totaling billions in NTD to ensure the project’s completion and financial stability. (2000–2010)
Helped Shell Brands International AG register the first color combination trademark in Taiwan (Reg. No. 939882).
Helped draft the Financial Holding Company Act, which was later passed by the Legislative Yuan, contributing to the reform of Taiwan’s financial market.
Advised on the establishment of CTBC Financial Holding Co. after the Financial Holding Company Act came into force in November 2001.
Represented Mackay Memorial Hospital in an appeal concerning a neonatal brachial plexus injury during delivery, prompting amendments to the Medical Care Act to better define standards for determining medical malpractice liability.
Commissioned by the Council for Economic Planning and Development to study legal restrictions on mergers and acquisitions, draft the Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act, and conduct research for the tax provisions under the Act.
Represented the government in litigation against the shipowner and liability insurer over the Amorgos oil spill in Norway, reaching a settlement with them. (2001–2005)
Helped draft the Clauses of the Real Estate Securitization Act and handled the first securitization cases in Taiwan, including the first financial asset securitization, the first cash card securitization and cross-border issuance, the first auto loan securitization, and the first bond securitization. (2001–2006)
Beginning in 2001, represented RSEA Engineering Corporation in Taiwan’s first international arbitration conducted by a foreign arbitrator, the Hsuehshan Tunnel construction case, with the French subcontractor responsible for TBM construction as the opposing party.
Advised Polaris Securities Investment Trust on the issuance of its ETF, the first in Taiwan; the approval documents drafted by Lee and Li became the model for future issuances.
Defended Master Cheng Yen of the Tzu Chi Foundation in a defamation case. Overcame difficulties in evidence collection due to the passage of time to establish the veracity of her statements and protect her reputation.
Taichung Office was established.
Tainan Office was established.
Lee and Li underwent organizational streamlining; the Executive Committee was established.
Dr. C. V. Chen, Managing Partner, served as the Chairperson and first CEO of the firm, while Mr. Kwan-Tao Li served as the Principal Senior Counselor.
Assisted ASE Chungli in resolving fire insurance claims following a major factory fire, reaching an NT$8 billion settlement within 13 months, setting a record for the largest single policy insurance payout in Taiwan.
Helped China Airlines form a joint venture with Hainan Airlines and the HNA Group to establish Yangtze River Express Airlines, the first joint venture formed by airlines from mainland China and Taiwan.
As the sole law firm appointed to the Ministry of Finance’s Committee of Tax Policy & Regulations, was instrumental in enacting the Alternative Minimum Tax and advancing tax fairness; received the Ministry of Finance Medal for its contributions.
Advised CTBC Bank on issuing US$500 million in cumulative perpetual subordinated debts, optimizing the bank’s capital structure; the first issuance following FSC regulatory reforms.
Helped TRAMEC CONTINENTAL–AERO, LLC register the first single-color trademark in Taiwan. (Reg. No. 01185658)
Resolved complex arbitration and litigation issues arising from the NT$3.7 billion Southern Taiwan Science Park High-Speed Rail vibration reduction project over 16 years; recognized as a definitive case featuring intertwining arbitration and litigation issues.
Advised Standard Chartered Bank on the acquisition of Hsinchu Commercial Bank, securing full ownership; the first-ever 100% acquisition of a Taiwanese bank by a foreign bank.
Contributed to the amendment of Article 39 of the Income Tax Act, extending the offset period for profits and losses from five to ten years, which enhanced corporate competitiveness and fostered economic growth.
Helped NanYa Plastics invalidate a patent held by CML and receive the first invalidation judgment under the Intellectual Property Case Adjudication Act, challenging conventional patent concepts.
Advised Want Want China Holdings on issuing Taiwan’s first TDR, resolving regulatory ambiguities and paving the way for other foreign enterprises to list via TDRs.
Kaohsiung Office and Tainan Office merged to become Southern Taiwan Office.
Global Financial Crisis
Dr. C. V. Chen was awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon by President Ma Ying-Jeou.
Advised AIG on a US$2.1 billion sale of Nan Shan Life to Run Cheng Investment Holding, the largest and most representative foreign exit transaction in Taiwan’s insurance industry.
Represented a client in the Supreme Administrative Court’s tax litigation case that was selected as the first-ever Best Tax Law Case of the Year (Judgment 110 Pan-Zi 2254).
Advised TransGlobe Life on the assumption of KW Life’s assets and business using NT$88.3 billion from the Insurance Guaranty Fund; Taiwan’s first life insurance company exit case. (2012–2013)
Worked on the bankruptcy and reorganization of DRAM manufacturer Elpida and its subsequent sale to Micron Technology. Micron became the world's second-largest DRAM manufacturer after acquiring Elpida. Later facilitated Micron’s acquisition of Inotera, making Micron the largest foreign investor in Taiwan. (2012–2016)
Beginning in 2013, helped with the establishment of Formosa 1, Taiwan’s first offshore wind farm, including negotiating turbine purchase agreements, completing the first offshore wind project financing, and providing legal services after the wind farm became operational.
Undertook a legal reform study to support the amendment of Article 15 of the Income Tax Act, eliminating the “marriage penalty tax.”
Helped four China state-owned banks issue their first Formosa Bonds, raising RMB 6.7 billion and furthering mainland China-Taiwan financial cooperation.
Helped Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corp. and Kaohsiung resolve numerous disputes; one dispute ended with the first published arbitral award in Taiwan, which enhanced arbitration transparency and credibility.
Handled the first motion trademark registration in Taiwan; the trademark as seen in the Salonpas cold patch TV commercial (Reg. No. 01641755).
Dr. C. V. Chen received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Chinese Leadership.
Advised RCA Taiwan on compliance and remediation as well as long-running environmental litigation, helping to define the burden of proof and causation standards in pollution/toxic tort lawsuits and giving clarity to businesses evaluating Taiwan’s investment environment.
Represented the Taiwan government in a WTO dispute, prompting Canada to amend its anti-dumping regulations, which violated WTO rules, and safeguarding Taiwan’s export rights for products including welded carbon steel pipes. (2015–2016)
Petitioned for Interpretation No. 737, arguing that due process should not be compromised by the principle of the secrecy and confidentiality of criminal investigations, establishing the defense's right to access case files during detention review, and spurring amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Assisted Qatar in issuing USD 6 billion in international bonds in Taiwan, the first foreign government bond under Taiwan's new international bond system, setting a record for the highest single issuance amount.
Commissioned to undertake Taiwan’s first AI legal framework research project, providing recommendations based on international literature and expert opinions.
Advised on two major equity transactions for the Homeplus Group in 2006 and 2018, helping it navigate the National Communications Commission’s reviews, spurring integration in Taiwan’s cable television industry.
Advised Taiwan’s stainless steel producers on the E.U. steel safeguard investigation, securing tariff exemptions and preserving the producers’ competitiveness on the E.U. market. (2018–2019)
Taipei Office moved to its current location.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
Global Chip Shortage (2020-2023)
The Japan Practice Department was established.
Facilitated the Emergency Use Authorization and procurement for AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, MSD’s COVID-19 medicine, and Roche’s rapid test kits, ensuring sufficient supplies to support Taiwan’s pandemic response. (2020–2022)
Advised Ørsted on signing a corporate power purchase agreement, which was the world’s biggest at the time.
Provided strategic legal counsel to Ørsted in the NT$45 billion equity transfer for the Greater Changhua Southeast Offshore Wind Farm. The project’s innovative shareholder suspension mechanism earned multiple international accolades.
Assisted Gogoro, Taiwan’s leading electric scooter company, with its U.S. public listing as the first Taiwan-based company to go public overseas through a SPAC and Taiwan’s first startup unicorn to debut on NASDAQ.
Advised Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. on a patent linkage litigation case, the first of its kind in Taiwan; the Intellectual Property Court ruled against the generic drug manufacturer for patent infringement and issued a manufacturing ban. The decision established a legal basis for the patent linkage system, providing clarity for future pharmaceutical patent disputes.
Assisted PlayNitride Inc. with its listing on the Taiwan Innovation Board (TIB), the first-ever listing on the TIB; a milestone in Taiwan’s support of fundraising for innovative enterprises on the capital market.
Advised the Ministry of Finance on revising the Act for Promotion of Private Participation in Infrastructure Projects, proposing measures such as expanding public infrastructure categories, creating mediation mechanisms for contractual disputes, and introducing compensated PPP frameworks; spurring comprehensive amendments that ushered in “PPP 2.0.”
Helped Novartis secure national health insurance coverage and pricing for Zolgensma and Kymriah (CAR-T), facilitating the market launch of these regenerative medical products. (2022–2023)
Represented the banks in the Hai Long Offshore Wind Farm project financing, the largest financing deal in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region to date. This was also Taiwan’s first corporate PPA-based project financing.
Petitioned for 112 Constitutional Interpretation No. 9, which affirms the constitutionally protected right to confidential communication between attorneys and clients. The court declared portions of Articles 122 and 133 of the Code of Criminal Procedure unconstitutional, a decision with profound implications for human rights protections.
Advised SHINFOX ENERGY on a NT$6.72 billion syndicated loan, the first large-scale offshore wind farm syndicated loan with an EPC contractor as the borrower. This case set a benchmark for Taiwan’s offshore wind energy localization initiative.
Won the first Grand Chamber administrative trademark litigation case before the Supreme Administrative Court, which ruled that the “well-known trademark” provision in the latter part of Article 30(1)(i) of the Trademark Act does not require recognition by the general public.
Argued in a case before the Constitutional Court that led to Judgment 113-Hsien-Pan-3, which narrowed the definition and application of public insult laws for constitutional consistency, significantly enhancing the protection of freedom of speech. This ruling also allowed all petitioners, including Lee and Li, to seek extraordinary appeals for their original cases.
Lee and Li celebrates its 60th Anniversary.
Taiwan's Economic Miracle
Helped Pfizer establish its subsidiary and manufacturing facility in Taiwan and be the first foreign pharmaceutical company registered with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, setting a precedent for direct investment by multinational pharmaceutical companies in Taiwan.
Helped General Instrument establish its Taiwan subsidiary, which became the first foreign-invested electronic component processing plant in Taiwan, seminally shaping Taiwan’s export-oriented electronics industry.
Mr. James Lee and Dr. C. N. Li began their joint practice under the name "Lee and Li, Attorneys-at-Law."
Helped Bank of America establish a local branch and be the first foreign bank in Taiwan.
Lee and Li, Attorneys-at-Law was given its official name in Chinese, "理律法律事務所."
First Oil Shock
Ten Major Construction Projects (1974-1979)
Reacting decisively to the termination of diplomatic relations between the R.O.C. and the United States, Lee and Li organized a lobbying delegation to the U.S., leveraging limited civilian resources to advocate for the nation.
Kaohsiung Office was established.
Second Oil Shock
Helped the Ministry of Finance draft the Regulations for Venture Capital Enterprises, qualifying the venture capital industry for the benefits under the Act of Encouragement of Investment, a development widely considered one of the top 10 domestic financial news stories of the year. It laid the legal foundation for Taiwan’s venture capital environment and spurred industry growth.
Helped Louis Vuitton register the first pattern mark in Taiwan (Reg. No. 00149682).
Represented the Ministry of National Defense in negotiation and signing a contract with Dutch RSV Shipyard for the construction of two Sea Dragon-class submarines.
Helped Procter & Gamble establish P&G Taiwan, successfully negotiating market share restrictions with the government and securing investment approval, setting a benchmark for equitable foreign investment policies.
Helped the government establish the first securities investment trust company in Taiwan, International Investment Trust Co., Ltd. (now Mega International Investment Trust), laying the foundation for Taiwan’s investment trust industry.
Dr. C. V. Chen became the youngest recipient of the National Outstanding Taxpayer Award and the only legal practitioner among the award recipients.
Overcame restrictions on foreign food service businesses to help McDonald’s become the first foreign-invested chain restaurant in Taiwan, sparking a revolution in the local chain restaurant industry.
Helped Hong Kong’s Sincere Department Store become Taiwan’s first foreign-invested department store, serving as a model for future foreign department store investment in Taiwan.
Dr. C. V. Chen served on the Executive Yuan's Economic Reform Committee, the only legal practitioner invited.
Helped Ogilvy & Mather establish the first joint venture advertising company in Taiwan, paving the way for multinational players to enter Taiwan’s advertising industry.
Worked to secure the best interest for government defence projects and helped establish the expertise within the military procurement divisions.
End of Martial Law in Taiwan
Helped Merrill Lynch become the first foreign securities firm in Taiwan.
Helped China Airlines (CAL) shareholding structure transition by virtue of having the individual shareholers donate all shares to establish an NGO, namely, the China Aviation Development Foundation, to hold the CAL shares and achieve sustainable operations and promote civil aviation.
Assisted the ROC Navy in the negotiation and execution of the Kuang Hua I contracts for construction of Cheng Kung-class frigates.
Petitioned for Interpretation No. 242 to clarify the issues surrounding bigamy stemming from the nearly four-decade travel ban between mainland China and Taiwan, which led to the enactment of Article 64 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area.
Dr. C. V. Chen was awarded the Order of Resplendent Banner with Special Cravat.
Assisted the ROC Navy in the negotiation and execution of the Kuang Hua II contracts for construction of Kang Ding-class frigates, and provided legal services that led to the successful completion of various defence procurement projects, including Kuang Hua III patrol vessels, Kuang Hua VI-class missile boats, German minehunters, and anti-submarine helicopters for the Navy, the Ten-one E air defense systems, AWACS, and Mirage 2000 Fighters for the Air Force, PAC II missile defense systems for the Army, and IDF fighter equipment procurement for the National Chung-Shan Institute for Science and Technology (1985-1998)
Helped YFY Inc. issue the first convertible bond in Taiwan.
Introduced new concepts and recommended regulatory updates to the government, enabling YFY Inc.’s issuance of the first European convertible bond, helping the internationalization of the regulatory regime of Taiwan's capital market.
The Straits Exchange Foundation was established, with Dr. C. V. Chen serving as the Vice Chairman and concurrently the Secretary-General, responsible for the Foundation's operations.
Global Regional Integration (beginning 1990)
Helped the Industrial Development Bureau collect information, review regulations, and engage in WTO accession negotiations, laying the groundwork for Taiwan's WTO membership. (1990–2002)
Helped Kao Corporation convert its NTD investments into mixed foreign currency investments and bring them into the purview of the Statute for Investment by Foreign Nationals, establishing a model for foreign investment.
Provided legal services that led to the successful completion of the ROCSAT-1, -2, and -3 projects (later renamed Formosat satellites). (1992–2006)
Helped AT&T (now Lucent Technologies) sign a patent cross-licensing agreement with the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the first agreement of contribution in kind by technology in Taiwan.
Commissioned by the Ministry of Finance to draft the Tobacco and Alcohol Business Act and craft legal frameworks for the privatization of the tobacco and alcohol markets, as well as the restructuring of the Taiwan Tobacco and Wine Bureau.
Handled the first certification mark registration in Taiwan, the "Taiwan Excellence" mark for the Ministry of Economic Affairs (Reg. No. 0000001).
Hsinchu Office was established.
Overcame restrictions in technology equity contribution policies to help a U.S. technical team secure full recognition of its technology valuation to acquire a 20% stake in ScinoPharm Taiwan Ltd., establishing a model for foreign investment through technology equity.
Helped Merck & Co. file the first patent term extension application in Taiwan.
The Lee and Li Foundation was established.
Advised on the creation of a strategic alliance between Citigroup and Fubon Group (comprising Fubon Life, Fubon Insurance, Fubon Securities, Fubon Bank, and Fubon Asset Management), the first multinational financial group alliance in Taiwan and the largest single foreign investment at the time.
Advised on the restructuring of GigaMedia Limited (invested by Koo’s Family) helping it become the first Taiwanese company to list on NASDAQ through an offshore holding company.
Advised on Tong Lung Metal Industry Co.’s restructuring after the company experienced an embezzlement scandal, enabling creditors to recover their claims and shareholders to regain their investments; recognized as a definitive example of corporate restructuring in Taiwan. (2000–2006)
Assisted with the financing negotiations for the Taiwan High-Speed Rail project from the outset, securing multiple syndicated loans totaling billions in NTD to ensure the project’s completion and financial stability. (2000–2010)
Taiwan acceded to the WTO.
Helped Shell Brands International AG register the first color combination trademark in Taiwan (Reg. No. 939882).
Helped draft the Financial Holding Company Act, which was later passed by the Legislative Yuan, contributing to the reform of Taiwan’s financial market.
Advised on the establishment of CTBC Financial Holding Co. after the Financial Holding Company Act came into force in November 2001.
Represented Mackay Memorial Hospital in an appeal concerning a neonatal brachial plexus injury during delivery, prompting amendments to the Medical Care Act to better define standards for determining medical malpractice liability.
Commissioned by the Council for Economic Planning and Development to study legal restrictions on mergers and acquisitions, draft the Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act, and conduct research for the tax provisions under the Act.
Represented the government in litigation against the shipowner and liability insurer over the Amorgos oil spill in Norway, reaching a settlement with them. (2001–2005)
Helped draft the Clauses of the Real Estate Securitization Act and handled the first securitization cases in Taiwan, including the first financial asset securitization, the first cash card securitization and cross-border issuance, the first auto loan securitization, and the first bond securitization. (2001–2006)
Beginning in 2001, represented RSEA Engineering Corporation in Taiwan’s first international arbitration conducted by a foreign arbitrator, the Hsuehshan Tunnel construction case, with the French subcontractor responsible for TBM construction as the opposing party.
Taichung Office was established.
Tainan Office was established.
Advised Polaris Securities Investment Trust on the issuance of its ETF, the first in Taiwan; the approval documents drafted by Lee and Li became the model for future issuances.
Defended Master Cheng Yen of the Tzu Chi Foundation in a defamation case. Overcame difficulties in evidence collection due to the passage of time to establish the veracity of her statements and protect her reputation.
Lee and Li underwent organizational streamlining; the Executive Committee was established.
Dr. C. V. Chen, Managing Partner, served as the Chairperson and first CEO of the firm, while Mr. Kwan-Tao Li served as the Principal Senior Counselor.
Assisted ASE Chungli in resolving fire insurance claims following a major factory fire, reaching an NT$8 billion settlement within 13 months, setting a record for the largest single policy insurance payout in Taiwan.
Helped China Airlines form a joint venture with Hainan Airlines and the HNA Group to establish Yangtze River Express Airlines, the first joint venture formed by airlines from mainland China and Taiwan.
As the sole law firm appointed to the Ministry of Finance’s Committee of Tax Policy & Regulations, was instrumental in enacting the Alternative Minimum Tax and advancing tax fairness; received the Ministry of Finance Medal for its contributions.
Advised CTBC Bank on issuing US$500 million in cumulative perpetual subordinated debts, optimizing the bank’s capital structure; the first issuance following FSC regulatory reforms.
Helped TRAMEC CONTINENTAL–AERO, LLC register the first single-color trademark in Taiwan. (Reg. No. 01185658)
Resolved complex arbitration and litigation issues arising from the NT$3.7 billion Southern Taiwan Science Park High-Speed Rail vibration reduction project over 16 years; recognized as a definitive case featuring intertwining arbitration and litigation issues.
Advised Standard Chartered Bank on the acquisition of Hsinchu Commercial Bank, securing full ownership; the first-ever 100% acquisition of a Taiwanese bank by a foreign bank.
Kaohsiung Office and Tainan Office merged to become Southern Taiwan Office.
Global Financial Crisis
Contributed to the amendment of Article 39 of the Income Tax Act, extending the offset period for profits and losses from five to ten years, which enhanced corporate competitiveness and fostered economic growth.
Helped NanYa Plastics invalidate a patent held by CML and receive the first invalidation judgment under the Intellectual Property Case Adjudication Act, challenging conventional patent concepts.
Advised Want Want China Holdings on issuing Taiwan’s first TDR, resolving regulatory ambiguities and paving the way for other foreign enterprises to list via TDRs.
Advised AIG on a US$2.1 billion sale of Nan Shan Life to Run Cheng Investment Holding, the largest and most representative foreign exit transaction in Taiwan’s insurance industry.
Dr. C. V. Chen was awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon by President Ma Ying-Jeou.
Represented a client in the Supreme Administrative Court’s tax litigation case that was selected as the first-ever Best Tax Law Case of the Year (Judgment 110 Pan-Zi 2254).
Advised TransGlobe Life on the assumption of KW Life’s assets and business using NT$88.3 billion from the Insurance Guaranty Fund; Taiwan’s first life insurance company exit case. (2012–2013)
Worked on the bankruptcy and reorganization of DRAM manufacturer Elpida and its subsequent sale to Micron Technology. Micron became the world's second-largest DRAM manufacturer after acquiring Elpida. Later facilitated Micron’s acquisition of Inotera, making Micron the largest foreign investor in Taiwan. (2012–2016)
Beginning in 2013, helped with the establishment of Formosa 1, Taiwan’s first offshore wind farm, including negotiating turbine purchase agreements, completing the first offshore wind project financing, and providing legal services after the wind farm became operational.
Undertook a legal reform study to support the amendment of Article 15 of the Income Tax Act, eliminating the “marriage penalty tax.”
Helped four China state-owned banks issue their first Formosa Bonds, raising RMB 6.7 billion and furthering mainland China-Taiwan financial cooperation.
Helped Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corp. and Kaohsiung resolve numerous disputes; one dispute ended with the first published arbitral award in Taiwan, which enhanced arbitration transparency and credibility.
Handled the first motion trademark registration in Taiwan; the trademark as seen in the Salonpas cold patch TV commercial (Reg. No. 01641755).
Dr. C. V. Chen received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Chinese Leadership.
Advised RCA Taiwan on compliance and remediation as well as long-running environmental litigation, helping to define the burden of proof and causation standards in pollution/toxic tort lawsuits and giving clarity to businesses evaluating Taiwan’s investment environment.
Represented the Taiwan government in a WTO dispute, prompting Canada to amend its anti-dumping regulations, which violated WTO rules, and safeguarding Taiwan’s export rights for products including welded carbon steel pipes. (2015–2016)
Petitioned for Interpretation No. 737, arguing that due process should not be compromised by the principle of the secrecy and confidentiality of criminal investigations, establishing the defense's right to access case files during detention review, and spurring amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Assisted Qatar in issuing USD 6 billion in international bonds in Taiwan, the first foreign government bond under Taiwan's new international bond system, setting a record for the highest single issuance amount.
Commissioned to undertake Taiwan’s first AI legal framework research project, providing recommendations based on international literature and expert opinions.
Advised on two major equity transactions for the Homeplus Group in 2006 and 2018, helping it navigate the National Communications Commission’s reviews, spurring integration in Taiwan’s cable television industry.
Advised Taiwan’s stainless steel producers on the E.U. steel safeguard investigation, securing tariff exemptions and preserving the producers’ competitiveness on the E.U. market. (2018–2019)
Taipei Office moved to its current location.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
Global Chip Shortage (2020-2023)
Facilitated the Emergency Use Authorization and procurement for AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, MSD’s COVID-19 medicine, and Roche’s rapid test kits, ensuring sufficient supplies to support Taiwan’s pandemic response. (2020–2022)
Advised Ørsted on signing a corporate power purchase agreement, which was the world’s biggest at the time.
The Japan Practice Department was established.
Provided strategic legal counsel to Ørsted in the NT$45 billion equity transfer for the Greater Changhua Southeast Offshore Wind Farm. The project’s innovative shareholder suspension mechanism earned multiple international accolades.
Assisted Gogoro, Taiwan’s leading electric scooter company, with its U.S. public listing as the first Taiwan-based company to go public overseas through a SPAC and Taiwan’s first startup unicorn to debut on NASDAQ.
Advised Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. on a patent linkage litigation case, the first of its kind in Taiwan; the Intellectual Property Court ruled against the generic drug manufacturer for patent infringement and issued a manufacturing ban. The decision established a legal basis for the patent linkage system, providing clarity for future pharmaceutical patent disputes.
Assisted PlayNitride Inc. with its listing on the Taiwan Innovation Board (TIB), the first-ever listing on the TIB; a milestone in Taiwan’s support of fundraising for innovative enterprises on the capital market.
Advised the Ministry of Finance on revising the Act for Promotion of Private Participation in Infrastructure Projects, proposing measures such as expanding public infrastructure categories, creating mediation mechanisms for contractual disputes, and introducing compensated PPP frameworks; spurring comprehensive amendments that ushered in “PPP 2.0.”
Helped Novartis secure national health insurance coverage and pricing for Zolgensma and Kymriah (CAR-T), facilitating the market launch of these regenerative medical products. (2022–2023)
Represented the banks in the Hai Long Offshore Wind Farm project financing, the largest financing deal in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region to date. This was also Taiwan’s first corporate PPA-based project financing.
Petitioned for 112 Constitutional Interpretation No. 9, which affirms the constitutionally protected right to confidential communication between attorneys and clients. The court declared portions of Articles 122 and 133 of the Code of Criminal Procedure unconstitutional, a decision with profound implications for human rights protections.
Advised SHINFOX ENERGY on a NT$6.72 billion syndicated loan, the first large-scale offshore wind farm syndicated loan with an EPC contractor as the borrower. This case set a benchmark for Taiwan’s offshore wind energy localization initiative.
Won the first Grand Chamber administrative trademark litigation case before the Supreme Administrative Court, which ruled that the “well-known trademark” provision in the latter part of Article 30(1)(i) of the Trademark Act does not require recognition by the general public.
Argued in a case before the Constitutional Court that led to Judgment 113-Hsien-Pan-3, which narrowed the definition and application of public insult laws for constitutional consistency, significantly enhancing the protection of freedom of speech. This ruling also allowed all petitioners, including Lee and Li, to seek extraordinary appeals for their original cases.
Lee and Li celebrates its 60th Anniversary.
