Profile 

Whilst John Yan has specialised in all fields of intellectual property for over 30 years, his practice also spans other areas of general civil and commercial law.  He currently chairs the Hong Kong Bar Association’s Committee on Intellectual Property.  In addition to acting as counsel in disputes before the courts and in arbitrations, John Yan also sits as an arbitrator.  He has also sat as a Deputy High Court Judge.

“John Yan SC of 128 New Henry House maintains a diverse and versatile practice which in recent times has spanned disputes involving alleged copyright and trade mark infringement, in addition to patent oppositions.”  “John Yan is experienced, calm and thorough.”  “He covers all fields of IP and is very meticulous, leaving no stone unturned. He has the pulse of the court and can mirror the judges’ minds.” (Chambers and Partners 2023)

“John Yan continues to be ranked as a “Band 1 Silk” in Intellectual Property in 2024. (Chambers and Partners 2024)

John Yan is also recognised as one of the “Leading Silks” in Intellectual Property. (The Legal 500)”

Appointments and Public Office

Deputy High Court Judge 2011, 2012 and 2013

Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association’s Committee on Intellectual Property 2007 to 2019, 2022 to present

Non-Official Justice of the Peace since 2018

Member & Deputy Chairman of the Appeal Board Panel (Town Planning) 2017 to 2024

Member of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Operations Review Committee (2013-2019)

Member of the Panel of the Witness Protection Review Board (2013-2019)

Member of the Independent Police Complaints Council (2012-2018)

Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Independent Police Complaints Council (2017-2018)

Vice Chairman of the Municipal Services Appeals Board 2011-2017

Member of the Criminal & Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Boards 2011-2017

Publications

Contributing Editor of Hong Kong Civil Procedure.

Formerly Contributing Editor of Hong Kong Archbold.

Languages

English, Chinese & French

Selected Cases

Abbott Gmbh & Co Kg And Another v Pharmareg Consulting Co Ltd And Another

[2009] 3 HKLRD 524

Attorney General v. Wellcome Foundation Ltd.

[1992] 1 HKC 158

Auto-Treasure Ltd. t/a Albert Jewelry Creation v Noble Diamond Ltd.

[1992] 1 HKC 117

Biozeal, LLC & Anor v Nature’s Story Co Ltd & Anor

[2021] 5 HKLRD 75, [2022] 1 HKLRD 191

Borsalino Giuseppe & Fratello, SpA v. Leung Hoi Yung

[1993] AIPR 489

Bugatti Trade Mark

[1993] 1 HKC 557

Cheung Yan & Anor. v. Yue Lung Sea Products Trading Co. Ltd. & Ors.

[2005] 4 HKLRD 593

CSS Jewellery Co. Ltd. v Registrar of Trade Marks

[2010] 1 HKC 563

[2010] 2 HKLRD 890

Culturecom Limited v Jade Dynasty Publications Limited

[2023] HKCFI 805

Fossil, Inc. v Trimset Ltd. & Anor.

[2003] 3 HKLRD 11

Gmedia Technology (Beijing) Co Ltd v Tencent Holdings Ltd

HCA 495/2017

Golden Bright Manufacturer Ltd. v. Sunlight Electronic Toys Manufacturing Co. Ltd. & Ors.

[2008] 2 HKC 421, [2008] 2 HKLRD 106

Hong Kong Transit Publishing Co. Ltd. v Registrar of Trade Marks

[2001] 1 HKC 76, [2001] 1 HKLRD 590

Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV v Wealth Full Technology Ltd.

[2002] 3 HKC 87

La Chemise Lacoste SA v Crocodile Garments Ltd.

[1997] HKLRD 155

[2000] 4 HKC 317

[2001] HKEC 849

Land Power International Holdings Ltd. v Inter-land Properties (HK) Ltd.

[1995] 2 HKC 146

[1995] AIPR 284

Levi Strauss & Co. v Maruichi Holdings (HK) Ltd. & ors.

[1992] 1 HKC 419

Neway Music Ltd v Hong Kong Karaoke Licensing Alliance Ltd

CT2/2010, 23 December 2019

MGA Entertainment Inc formerly known as ABC International Traders Inc doing business as MGA Entertainment v Toys & Trends (Hong Kong) Ltd and Others

(2014) 17 HKCFAR 27

Midland Business Management Ltd v Lo Man Kui

[2011] 1 HKLRD 470; [2011] 2 HKLRD 667

Montres Tudor SA v Concord Watch Co. SA

[2001] 3 HKC 349; [2001] 3 HKC 358

“Naked” Trade Mark

[2010] 1 HKLRD 382

Natuzzi SPA v De Coro Ltd.

[2007] 3 HKC 74; [2006] HKEC 1077; [2007] HKEC 83

Nintendo Co Ltd v The World Camera & Radio Co. Ltd. & Ors.

[1999] 2 HKLRD 199

Omega Trade Mark

[1995] 2 HKC 473

Re Ping An Securities Ltd

[2009] 12 HKCFAR 808

Seiko Epson Corp. v. Registrar of Designs

[2001] 1 HKC 331; [2001] 1 HKLRD 795

Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha v Acker Trading Ltd

[1993] 2 HKC 490

Stitchting BDO v Banco de Oro Unibank Inc

[2013] 1 HKLRD 847

Tin Tin Yat Pao (International) Ltd. v Tin Tin Publication Development Ltd.

[2000] 3 HKLRD 111; (2000) 3 HKCFAR 251

Toy Major Trading Co. Ltd. v Hang Shun Plastic Toys Ltd.

[2007] 3 HKLRD 345

UMG Recordings Inc v Profit Chart Development Ltd

CACV 262/2012, 19 February 2013

Wowi & Device Trade Mark

[1998] 3 HKC 221

Yeko Trading Ltd v Chow Sai Cheong Tony & Ors

[2000] 2 HKC 613