You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

September 26, 2023

Tilleke & Gibbins Joins Drew Network Asia to Fuel Strategic Expansion and Legal Excellence

Subscribe to Updates

On September 26, 2023, Tilleke & Gibbins joined Drew Network Asia (DNA), a network of blue-chip law firms in Southeast Asia, expanding the network to a total of nine countries and 824 fee earners in Southeast Asia.

Formed in March 2020, DNA brings together some of the most influential and well-established law firms in Southeast Asia, namely Drew & Napier from Singapore, Makarim & Taira S. from Indonesia, Shearn Delamore & Co. from Malaysia, and Martinez Vergara & Gonzalez Sociedad (MVGS) from the Philippines. The addition of Tilleke & Gibbins further expands the network’s regional footprint in Southeast Asia, which now boasts a total headcount of over 1,600 in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

“We are delighted to become a part of DNA,” said Tiziana Sucharitkul, Managing Partner of Tilleke & Gibbins, “because being part of this network provides a platform for our clients to access the top lawyers in the region who will facilitate their legal needs and strategic ambitions in Southeast Asia. For over 130 years, Tilleke & Gibbins has been helping enterprises around the world achieve their business goals in Southeast Asia, and we are excited to continue our commitment to serving our clients as part of this network. We look forward to working hand in hand with the best lawyers in the region to enable this and to deliver the finest seamless legal advice and representation to our clients.”

Cavinder Bull SC, CEO, Drew & Napier said, “We are excited to have Tilleke & Gibbins join the network. DNA was created to enable pillar firms to service their clients’ multijurisdictional needs. With DNA covering almost the whole of Southeast Asia, we now have the capability to provide clients with seamless and integrated legal services of the highest quality throughout the region.”

“With the addition of Tilleke & Gibbins, we have significantly amplified our regional presence. I believe that DNA will become a formidable option for multijurisdictional legal work in the region.” said Dhinesh Bhaskaran, Managing Partner of Shearn Delamore & Co.

Maria Sagrado, Managing Partner, Makarim & Taira S. said, “The addition of Tilleke & Gibbins to the DNA family marks a significant milestone for our network, and underscores our unwavering pursuit of excellence. Together, we will leverage on our combined strengths to drive positive change to the legal industry.”

“We welcome Tilleke & Gibbins into our dynamic network which now has presence in almost the whole of Southeast Asia. By uniting our expertise and resources in DNA, we are poised to meet the needs of our clients more effectively and gain a competitive edge over other networks.” said Manuel Z. Gonzalez, Managing Partner of MVGS.

DNA is a cross-border ‘firm of firms’ that operates as a united collective, bringing both international perspectives and local expertise to the table. DNA operates as a one-stop shop in handling complex and time-sensitive multijurisdictional transactions or disputes.

Each DNA member firm upholds a stellar reputation that is built on consistently delivering premium legal advice alongside a world-class service experience. This unwavering commitment is recognized by clients and peers and has earned DNA firms top rankings in the world’s most prestigious legal publications.

Locations

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

October 5, 2023
Thomas J. Treutler, partner and managing director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ Vietnam offices, was interviewed for an Asia IP article on the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm intellectual property enforcement. The provocatively titled “Will AI bring the death of IP enforcement work?” explores the impact of AI in the IP space, and the delicate balance between helping and replacing IP professionals. In the article, Thomas is quoted as saying that “AI-powered algorithms can be trained to detect and monitor IP infringements more rapidly than a single human can, as they are able to analyze vast amounts of data on online platforms, social media and ecommerce marketplaces. This can preliminarily help rights owners and IP agents in data scraping to identify potential targets.” However, he further explained, “taking legal action requires human actions; for example, filing a complaint with the police or handling litigation proceedings in court. Therefore, it will not replace IP professionals in enforcement actions.” The full article can be read at the Asia IP website. Asia IP  is a publication of the Apex Asia Media Group, an independent publisher based in Hong Kong. The magazine aims to provide informed analysis of IP–related issues for Asian and international law firms.  
Read More
August 22, 2023
Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh, partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group, is quoted extensively in a recent article on fintech in Southeast Asia. The article, which was published in the August 2023 issue of Asian Legal Business, highlights the importance of achieving a balance between innovation and regulation in fostering a healthy environment for fintech operations. In the article, Nop emphasizes that innovation and regulation should not be seen as competing ideals. “When it comes to new and complex products in the fintech sector,” she says, “a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework can give businesses the confidence to make investments.” Nop also points out the role of regulations and regulators in combating cybercrime within the fintech realm, noting that regulators are a crucial ally in the fight against cyber threats. She explains that this can even be on a regional or global level. For example, the Financial Action Task Force and its recommendations create a network that has been especially effective in combating cross-border financial crimes. Asian Legal Business, owned by Thomson Reuters, is a leading source of information for businesses and professionals in the legal industry in Asia.
Read More
June 6, 2023
Tilleke & Gibbins is pleased to announce the addition of Nuttaphol Arammuang as a partner in the firm’s industry-leading intellectual property (IP) practice in Bangkok. In his practice, Nuttaphol focuses on providing strategic counsel and representation to corporate clients seeking to protect their IP rights. He works closely with clients to develop comprehensive strategies tailored to their specific needs, helping them to capitalize on their valuable assets and navigate the complex landscape of IP law. Drawing on his extensive experience in IP litigation, Nuttaphol will play a key role in representing clients in high-stakes disputes and advocating for their rights in the courtroom. Additionally, he will collaborate with the firm’s cross-practice, multijurisdictional teams to offer innovative solutions that address evolving challenges and opportunities in the realm of IP. “Nuttaphol’s expertise in IP litigation will further empower our clients to protect and maximize the value of their intellectual assets in today’s complex IP landscape,” said Darani Vachanavuttivong, managing partner of Tilleke & Gibbins. “We are delighted to have him join us in advocating for our clients’ rights and crafting innovative solutions in the dynamic field of IP.” Prior to joining Tilleke & Gibbins, Nuttaphol led teams of IP practitioners for several years as IP practice head and managing partner of the Thailand offices of two prominent regional law firms. Throughout his career, Nuttaphol has successfully handled a wide range of IP litigation cases, including pharmaceutical patent disputes, patent infringement, design infringement, trademark and trade dress infringement, passing off, trademark invalidation, copyright litigation in the context of new media and technology, and obtaining preliminary injunctions and Anton Piller orders. His in-depth knowledge and strategic approach have earned him a strong reputation in the legal community. As an accomplished IP practitioner, Nuttaphol Arammuang is recognized as a leading lawyer for IP in
Read More
May 9, 2023
Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh, partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group, was quoted in a recent article from the Financial Times on how law firms are helping clients tackle cybersecurity risks and navigate fast-evolving regulatory landscapes for data protection and cybersecurity in Asia. In the article, Nop commented on recent Thai legislation that requires companies monitoring the behavior of residents to have a local data privacy representative in the country. She explained that this has created a client-service opportunity for Tilleke & Gibbins, which set up a digital solutions service that allows the firm to be the representative in Thailand for existing clients, including Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook. This helps clients become compliant and avoid having to set up their own local representative in Thailand. Nop also discussed enforcement of the country’s fledgling Personal Data Protection Act and related regulations. “Last year, when the law was implemented, the regulator’s approach was more educational,” she told Financial Times. “This year, I would expect the regulator to start imposing fines. They are starting to enforce more strictly.” Tilleke & Gibbins Digital Solutions is a first-of-its-kind service in Thailand, and it demonstrates the proactive approach the firm takes in addressing cybersecurity and data privacy. The firm’s data protection team—led by counsel Nopparat Lalitkomon—remains committed to helping clients navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats and compliance.
Read More