Yew, Simone W.

Simone Yew is a partner in the firm's corporate, technology licensing and China practices. She specializes in US-China cross-border transactions.

Practice

Ms. Yew helps US companies establish businesses, acquire shares and assets, and license technology to China. She has a broad range of expertise involving business in China, and specializes in joint ventures and complex partnering arrangements between US and Chinese parties, intellectual property protection, and helping clients successfully complete mergers and acquisitions involving Chinese targets. Most of her clients are in the technology and life sciences sectors. She also works with private equity investors on direct investments in China.

Ms. Yew has extensive international experience. Born and raised in Singapore, she has lived and practiced in Hong Kong, Beijing and Silicon Valley. Now based in Palo Alto, she travels regularly to China. She is admitted to the bars in California, England & Wales and Singapore. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and negotiates on behalf of clients in English and Chinese.

Before joining WilmerHale, Ms. Yew was a partner in Baker & McKenzie's China practice.  

Representative transactions

Complex Joint Venture and Partnering Agreements

• Represented leading producer of lithium-ion batteries in negotiations and execution of a joint venture with China's largest automotive manufacturer to develop business throughout the Chinese transportation market.
• Advised oncology drug company company on development and commercialization of products in China.
• Represented one of world's largest multinational pharmaceutical companies on its first research collaboration with a Chinese medical institute.

Mergers & Acquisitions and Restructurings

• Represented global leader in eye health products in its acquisition of two ophthalmic manufacturing companies in China.
• Represented international coffee company in the buy-out of its State-owned Chinese partner.
• Advised a Californian producer of utility scale wind turbines on its acquisition of a Chinese manufacturer in the green energy sector.

Intellectual Property Licensing

• Regularly advises technology owners on licenses of technology to China for production and commercial purposes.

Honors and Awards

Ms. Yew has been recommended by Legal 500 Asia Pacific in the technology media and telecommunications practice for the past two years.

Professional Activities

Ms. Yew currently serves on the board of the Singapore America Business Association.