Howard Chen
Partner
Howard Chen, a partner in the firm, focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation matters. Having practiced in Vancouver, Taipei and New York, Mr. Chen brings a unique perspective representing and advising clients in various areas of the law. In particular, Mr. Chen has extensive experience in advising Asian and other non-U.S. based clients concerning U.S. litigation matters and international commercial disputes, including international arbitration matters, intellectual property litigation, licensing disputes, claims relating to breaches of fiduciary duty, and other commercial disputes. Mr. Chen has also advised clients in transactional matters relating to private equity transactions, license agreements, asset and share purchase agreements, commercial leases, and commercial loan transactions.
Mr. Chen seeks to provide practical solutions to complex problems in a cost-effective manner. To do so, effective attorney-client communications is essential. While each client has its own unique concerns and objectives, frequently international or non-U.S. based clients have particular concerns and objectives that differ considerably from U.S.-based clients. Indeed, international or non-U.S. based clients face formidable challenges in navigating the intricacies of the U.S. legal system, which challenges are often compounded by language and cultural barriers. Having been born and raised (in part) in Taiwan, Mr. Chen brings to international representations a perspective and sensitivity informed by his foreign language skills and cultural background which enable him both to communicate effectively with international clients and to appreciate their particular goals and concerns. Having worked overseas for extended periods of time, Mr. Chen also has first-hand knowledge and experience in counseling and assisting non-U.S. clients to achieve their goals.
Mr. Chen is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese.
Representative Matters
- Represented Taiwanese conglomerate in ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) arbitration venued in Hong Kong concerning contract dispute in private equity transaction, resulting in eight-figure arbitration award.
- Represented English pharmaceutical company in AAA (American Arbitration Association) arbitration concerning supply contract dispute, resulting in favorable settlement.
- Defended Taiwanese technology companies against claims of patent infringement and related claims under licensing agreements.
- Represented Taiwanese investment company in connection with claims relating to its investments in U.S. company.
- Represented Taiwanese company in connection with claims arising under its purchase of certain zero coupon convertible bonds issued by another Taiwanese company.
- Represented English manufacturer over trademark dispute in United States Patent and Trademark Office proceedings, resulting in favorable outcome for client.
- Represented major European bank in connection with disputes over letters of credit and other matters.
- Represented government agency in East Asia in multi-party, multi-jurisdiction aviation tort litigation.
- Represented prominent professional services firm in East Asia in connection with claims of breach of fiduciary duty, malpractice and related issues.
- Defended publicly-traded company against claims of breaches of fiduciary duty and securities laws violations.
- Represented Delaware corporation and its board of directors in connection with claims of breaches of fiduciary duty and securities laws violations.
- Represented client in connection with defaults under securitized instruments.
- Represented client in connection with claims arising under certain sovereign debt instruments.
- Represented Taiwanese technology companies in connection with patent infringement claims and related antitrust issues.
- Represented Swiss trading company relating to sales contract governed by UCC Article 2.
- Defended client against claims of trademark infringement by European luxury firm.
- Defended U.S. territory government in employment-related litigation, obtaining dismissal of action.
- Represented major European luxury firm relating to disputes with its U.S. distributor.