Tom Tong’s practice focuses on China-related transactions as well as dispute resolutions. In his transactional matters, he has represented clients in numerous M&A transactions and other international investment projects involving Chinese companies. In litigation and arbitration matters, Mr. Tong has represented some of the most prominent Chinese companies and individuals in lawsuits in the United States.
Mr. Tong is familiar with various China-specific issues, some of which are common to all types of Chinese companies and individuals, and others are unique to the status of the party as a state-owned company, a private company or as an individual. Such familiarity together with his knowledge about both the U.S. and Chinese legal systems, his understanding of the Chinese economic and political systems, and his language skills and cultural sensitivity enable him to identify and articulate certain issues unique to China. Such a background helps him to better strategize and more efficiently work for his clients.
In addition, Mr. Tong is a certified mediator in the State of Texas and has represented clients from China and the U.S. in several mediations. He is a native of Zhejiang, China and can read and write Mandarin Chinese as well as speak Cantonese and Shanghai Dialect.
Education
- J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School, 1999
- M.B.A., Rollins College, 1993
- B.A., Shan Dong University, China, 1987
Bar Admissions
Languages
Representative Experience
Representative International Dispute Resolution Matters
- Represent Chinese company in shareholder disputes in connection with the underlying company’s financing activities;
- Serve as a Receiver in an SEC investigation of investment fraud case involving 200+ Chinese investors/victims.
- Manage matters with more than 2,000 investors/victims in Taiwan in an SEC investigation of securities investment fraud case.
- Defended Sinopec and some of its affiliates in a case filed in a federal court in Houston, Texas with a claim of over $1 billion.
- Defended affiliates of CNPC in a case field in a Texas state court (Harris County) with a multi-million dollar tort claim resulting from an international drilling accident.
- Defended affiliates of Sinochem in several cases filed in federal and state courts with multi-million dollar claims in connection with their export transactions.
- Defended a Chinese individual in a lawsuit in a Texas state court with a claim of over $20 million resulting from a dispute over marital asset division.
- Defended a Chinese software company based in Beijing in a lawsuit filed with a $1 million claim in a shareholder dispute.
- Defend various Chinese companies in suits involved in payment and product quality dispute.
Representative Corporate Transactions
- Represented U.S. companies in acquisitions of Chinese companies to form joint ventures or wholly foreign owned enterprises in China --- including establishing a fiber glass manufacturer in Heilongjiang, a coating application JV in Hebei, a coating application JV in Jiangsu, a steel pipe JV in Jiangsu, an electronic component manufacturer WFOE in Jiangsu, a computer software WFOE in Shanghai, a food processing JV in Shandong, a construction material manufacturing WFOE in Shandong, a precious metal refining WFOE in Shandong, a wood furniture JV in Shenzhen, a wood floor material manufacturing JV in Zhejiang, a coating manufacturing JV in Zhejiang, and a steel manufacturing JV in Zhejiang, among others.
- Represented U.S. companies in licensing their technologies to Chinese companies --- including a medical device licensing arrangement with a company in Shanghai, the Chinese Health Ministry, and a medical device manufacturer in Shandong; the American Heart Association’s licensing arrangement with the Chinese Red Cross; a lighting fixture licensing agreement with a Chinese manufacturer in Zhejiang; among others.
- Represented U.S. companies in setting up contract manufacturing relationships with Chinese companies --- including U.S. medical device company contracting with Zhejiang and Shanghai manufacturers; U.S. steel products distributor contracting with producers in Jiangsu and Zhejiang; U.S. lighting products distributor contracting with manufacturing in Zhejiang, among others.
- Represented U.S. companies in oil and gas development projects involving Chinese financing partners.
- Represented the first Chinese company in acquisition of U.S. helicopter engine manufacturer.
- Represented Chinese company in acquiring equity interest in U.S. oil and gas equipment distribution company.
- Represented dozens of Chinese companies in setting up their U.S. distribution subsidiaries and obtain working visas for their intra-company transferees and provide corporate governance advice on an on-going basis.
Publications & Presentations
Professional History
- International Partner, Locke Lord LLP
|
|