Multinational companies with global supply chains and data-intensive businesses face an increasingly challenging regulatory landscape around the globe, particularly in Asia. Evan Chuck advises corporate leaders and boards of directors as they make strategic decisions, particularly in the context of dueling U.S. and China laws and regulations resulting from geo-political competition. Evan advises Fortune 50 companies on matters involving China’s Antiforeign Sanctions Law, PRC Export Control Law, Unreliable Entity List, and the PRC Cybersecurity Law that impact their operations in China. He also advises on the impact of such laws on supply chains that incorporate Chinese manufacturing or sourcing that could conflict with laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and other corporate policies related to environmental and social governance (ESG).
Evan has 30 years of corporate and international trade experience representing companies and private equity firms in their cross-border investments in key industries, such as aerospace, semiconductors, electric vehicle (EV) and automotive, “internet of things” (iOT), medical devices, home improvement products (particularly wood and flooring products), and electric power generation in high-stakes corporate transactions and investigations. As a strategic advisor to corporate executives, Evan helps with creating and executing risk mitigation strategies, particularly those that involve “de-risking” China business exposure. He helps companies establish “re-shoring” operations that move manufacturing or sourcing operations to the U.S. or countries, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, and Mexico.
Evan also represents IT hardware and app development companies that rely on cloud computing and cross-border data transmission, particularly between the U.S. and China in their cross-border investment and commercial transactions. Evan has a keen understanding of newly developing laws, regulations and practices in China that impact existing and new investments in China and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. He also works with multinational companies navigating the potential conflict with new U.S. laws, including the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which places conditions on receiving U.S. Federal financial support that can be dependent on development plans for new or expansion of existing operations in China.
Evan began his career as an international trade lawyer in Washington D.C., representing U.S.-based companies in major unfair trade disputes. He continues to advise U.S.-based companies with complex supply chains in the ongoing Section 301 trade dispute between the U.S. and China. On behalf of the U.S. lumber industry, Evan helped file a constitutional challenge to the bi-national dispute resolution mechanism of the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement which ultimately led to a settlement between the two countries.
Evan leads the Asia practice for the firm. Prior to joining Crowell & Moring, he served as the chair of a global firm’s International Trade group for seven years and also served as the managing partner of that firm’s Shanghai office for seven years.
Recognition
- Los Angeles Magazine: Southern California Super Lawyers, 2005-2017
Affiliations
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Member, Board of Directors, Sunstone Trust Company
- Member, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
- Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association – Conference of Delegates to the State Bar of California (2002-2004)
- Member, Care for Children, U.S. Board of Trustees
Representative Matters
- Represented a publicly-traded, NYSE listed multinational company in the competitive bid of Chinese assets in connection with the $230 million global disposition of its performance and lifestyle footwear business.
- Represent multinational companies in developing “China plus rest of world” strategies focusing on the impact of increasing Chinese and U.S. regulation of technology that impact both manufacturing-intensive supply chains as well as businesses that rely on China and Asia as technology development centers for other parts of their worldwide business.
- Represented a NASDAQ listed multinational company in an investigation of possible fraud, corruption and violations of foreign exchange and sanctions laws in China as part of a global investigation in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia.
- Represents the private equity owner in the re-launch of its iconic toy store brand in China, with flagship stores planned in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as 30 smaller stores and shops in 200 department stores across China.
- Advised a consortium of Chinese companies acquiring a stake in the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.
- Represented an American chain of luxury department stores in its investment into a Hong Kong company with a discount "flash" e-commerce website in China for the purpose of developing luxury e-commerce and retail business in the People's Republic of China.
- Advised an international cosmetics company on PRC regulatory requirements, particularly with respect to China's food and drug regulations, product labeling rules, and China Customs regulations impacting duty-free sales in designated airports.
- Represented a global pet accessory store in the restructuring of its Chinese and Hong Kong operations in connection with the sale of the interests of its primary private equity shareholder to a private equity firm.
- Handled the disposition of Chinese assets for an American worldwide manufacturing company in a recent multijurisdictional sale of its mining business to another American manufacturing company for more than $1 billion dollars.
- Advised a U.S. publicly traded pharmaceutical benefits management company in establishing operations in Singapore, Hong Kong, and China in order to participate in China’s $124 billion health care stimulus program.
- Represented a manufacturer of GPS-enabled cell phones in its expansion and licensing of certain state-controlled technology as part of its entry into the domestic Chinese market.
- Represented a Hong Kong-based private equity fund in an investment in a tripartite joint venture and parallel offshore fund focusing on real estate and infrastructure investments in greater China.
- Represented an Indonesian Chinese company as an investor in a Taiwanese-sponsored limited partnership focusing on infrastructure investments in greater China.
- Represented a U.S. entertainment company in development of a flagship retail megastore in Shanghai.
- Advises an Italian luxury goods manufacturer on streamlining its supply chain and labeling issues in China.
- Advises a German footwear company on its anti-counterfeiting strategy in Asia.
- Representing a multinational construction equipment manufacturer in the development and build-out of a new manufacturing facility near Shanghai.
- Negotiated design and construction contracts on behalf of a collections-based educational and research institution with the design and construction of one of the largest Chinese classical gardens to be built outside of China.
- Represented a major U.S. entertainment company on cross-border issues relating to its bid to develop and operate a billion dollar integrated resort in Southeast Asia.
- Advised the management team in the buyout of a distributor of Indonesian tires by one of China’s largest tire manufacturers.
- Designs and implements a cost-savings program for a U.S. industrial construction materials manufacturer involving the transfer of U.S. manufacturing operations to a maquiladora factory in Mexico.
- Structured offshore entities and operations of a U.S. semiconductor equipment manufacturer to take advantage of low cost labor and financial incentives in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Speeches & Presentations
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"Compliant on Forced Labor? Prove It! | A Practical Guide on Preventing Forced Labor in Your Supply Chain and Responding to U.S. Customs Actions," Crowell & Moring Webinar Series, 2023.
(March 21, 2023).
Speakers: John Brew, Evan Chuck, Carolyn Krampitz, Laurel Saito, David R. Stepp and Simeon Yerokun.
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"Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act: Implementation and Enforcement Update" ACC Southern California Webinar, 2022.
(November 10, 2022).
Speakers: Evan Y. Chuck and David R. Stepp.
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Webinar: "Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act: Guidance and Response Strategies," Association of Corporate Counsel SoCal, 2022.
(April 6, 2022).
Speakers: Evan Y. Chuck, Partner; David R. Stepp, Partner.
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"Forced Labor Webinar," Crowell & Moring Webinar, 2022.
(March 30, 2022).
Speakers: Evan Y. Chuck, Michelle J. Linderman, David R. Stepp, and Frances P. Hadfield.
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"U.S. Trade Policy in the Biden Administration Era - Update on Tariffs, Exports and Changes to Buy American for Federal Procurement," PMI21 Manufacturing Success Conference
(November 16, 2021).
Speaker: Evan Y. Chuck.
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“Global Supply Chain Disruption,” The TMA Annual 2021, Nashville, TN
(October 26-29, 2021).
Speaker: Evan Y. Chuck.
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"Navigating Conflicting US-China Sanctions Regimes and Countermeasures," US-China Business Council Podcast
(July 27, 2021).
Presenter: Evan Chuck.
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"Is Relief from the Trade Wars in Sight?" Sports & Fitness Industry Association Webinar
(January 26, 2021).
Speakers: John B. Brew, Evan Y. Chuck, and Vassilis Akritidis.
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"Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Impact of Dueling Tech Regulations and Escalating Tensions on Cross-Border Transactions," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(November 19, 2020).
Presenters: Vassilis Akritidis, Evan Y. Chuck, Robert Holleyman, and Caroline E. Brown.
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"Opportunities and Challenges for Taiwan Companies under the Trade War," Lexcel Partners Webinar
(November 16, 2020).
Panelists: Robert A. Burton, Evan Y. Chuck, and David R. Stepp.
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"Election 2020: U.S. International Trade Policy and Its Impact on Cross-Border Business Strategy," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(October 15, 2020).
Presenters: Caroline E. Brown, Evan Y. Chuck, Robert Holleyman, Clark Jennings, and Shelley Su.
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"China, Trade and Supply Chains: Policy and Operational Risks," The National Association of Manufacturers Webinar
(October 7, 2020).
Presenters: Evan Y. Chuck and David R. Stepp.
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"IP Rights and Forced Technology Transfer in China: The Trade War Involving Intangibles,” 2020 University of Southern California Gould School of Law 2020 Intellectual Property Institute
(September 23, 2020).
Moderator: Evan Y. Chuck.
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"Dealing with the Asia Pacific Ring of Trade Fire," ABA 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting
(June 18, 2020).
Panelist: Evan Y. Chuck.
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"The U.S.-China Relationship and Implications for the Future of Supply Chains," American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai Webinar
(May 8, 2020).
Presenters: Ambassador Robert Holleyman, Evan Y. Chuck, and Himamauli Das.
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"Dealing with the Asia Pacific Ring of Trade Fire," ABA International Law Section’s 2020 Annual Meeting, New York, NY
(April 24, 2020).
Panelist: Evan Y. Chuck.
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"Navigating Uncharted Territory: Ensuring Your Compliance Function and Program Remain a Priority in the Current Environment," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(April 14, 2020).
Presenters: Evan Y. Chuck, Thomas A. Hanusik, Carlton Greene, Michelle J. Linderman, and Andrew Blasi.
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"Key Considerations for Cross-Border Transactions in Asia," Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference, Los Angeles, CA
(April 17, 2018).
Speakers: Nicole Janigian Simonian and Evan Y. Chuck.
Publications
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"Continued Pain in the Retail Sector: Coming Enforcement of Forced Labor Laws," Crowell & Moring’s Restructuring Matters
(February 27, 2023).
Authors: Frederick "Rick" Hyman, Evan Y. Chuck and David R. Stepp.
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"Companies Sourcing China Goods Need Forced Labor Reviews," Bloomberg Law
(February 10, 2022).
Authors: David R. Stepp, and Evan Y. Chuck.
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"Preparing For The ‘Surge’: Enhanced Corporate Enforcement," Westlaw Today
(October 20, 2021).
Authors: Thomas A. Hanusik, Evan Y. Chuck, Anand Sithian, Sarah Bartle.
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"U.S. Government Issues Business Advisory – Warns Companies About Risks of Doing Business in Hong Kong," Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
(July 16, 2021).
Authors: Caroline E. Brown, Evan Y. Chuck, David (Dj) Wolff, Anand Sithian, Frances P. Hadfield and Martín Yerovi.
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"Dueling Tech Regulations And Escalating Tensions On Cross-Border Transactions," WorldECR
(December 9, 2020).
Authors: Caroline E. Brown, and Evan Y. Chuck.
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"USTR Launches Section 301 Investigation Targeting Imports from Vietnam," Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
(October 7, 2020).
Authors: John B. Brew, Evan Y. Chuck and Robert L. LaFrankie.
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"Autonomous vehicles: Driving regulatory and liability challenges," Automotive World
(April 7, 2020).
Authors: Rebecca Baden Chaney, Evan Y. Chuck, and Maarten Stassen.
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"International Trade – Caught in the Crossfire," Crowell & Moring's Regulatory Forecast 2020
(February 26, 2020).
Contributors: Ambassador Robert Holleyman, Evan Y. Chuck, and Michelle J. Linderman.
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"Doing Business in China – Managing “Fapiaos”" Crowell & Moring's Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
(February 4, 2020).
Authors: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai, Evan Y. Chuck and Ye Zhou.
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"U.S. and China Sign “Phase One” Trade Deal," Crowell & Moring's International Trade Law
(January 15, 2020).
Authors: Robert Holleyman, Evan Y. Chuck and Joshua Boswell.
Client Alerts & Newsletters
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"China Issues a Draft Revision of the PRC Company Law: What Investors Need to Know,"
Corporate Alert
(January 25, 2022).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Jane Liang, Zhongdong Zhang
-
"Preparing for the “Surge”: Enhanced Corporate Enforcement is Coming,"
White Collar Alert
(October 12, 2021).
Contacts: Thomas A. Hanusik, Evan Y. Chuck, Anand Sithian, Sarah Bartle
-
"China Releases "Fact Sheet" on U.S.' Interference in Hong Kong,"
International Trade Bulletin
(September 28, 2021).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Zhiwei Chen
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"China Releases Guidelines on How to Develop Export Control Compliance Programs,"
International Trade Bulletin
(May 12, 2021).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Jeffrey L. Snyder, Zhongdong Zhang, Zhiwei Chen
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"Executive Order Prohibits Transactions with Eight Chinese Software Applications,"
International Trade Bulletin
(January 8, 2021).
Contacts: Caroline E. Brown, Evan Y. Chuck, Robert Holleyman
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"China Issues Rules Governing National Security Reviews of Foreign Investment,"
(December 23, 2020).
Contacts: Olivier N. Antoine, Caroline E. Brown, Evan Y. Chuck, Zhongdong Zhang
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"White House Issues Executive Order Prohibiting Investments that Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies,"
International Trade Bulletin
(November 17, 2020).
Contacts: Caroline E. Brown, Evan Y. Chuck, Maria Alejandra (Jana) del-Cerro, Robert Holleyman, David (Dj) Wolff
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"RETURN TO SENDER: China Provides New Tax and Duty Relief for Goods Returned to China for COVID-19 Reasons,"
International Trade Bulletin
(November 12, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, David R. Stepp, Zhongdong Zhang, Zhiwei Chen, Jun Zhao
-
"China Unveils Draft Personal Information Protection Law,"
International Trade Bulletin
(October 30, 2020).
Contacts: Caroline E. Brown, Zhiwei Chen, Evan Y. Chuck, Robert Holleyman, Clark Jennings, Zhongdong Zhang
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"Recent Changes in Chinese Export Controls: Are Your China Operations Ready?,"
International Trade Bulletin
(October 13, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Zhongdong Zhang, Zhiwei Chen, Jun Zhao
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"China Opens Up: Certain Foreign Nationals Can Come Back – With Conditions,"
International Trade Bulletin
(September 24, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Zhongdong Zhang, Yi Huang
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"China Customs Targets Key Industries in Latest Transfer Pricing Enforcement Initiative,"
International Trade Bulletin
(June 18, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, David R. Stepp
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"U.S. State Department Fails to Certify Hong Kong’s Autonomy: Signals Potential Change in Trade and Economic Treatment,"
International Trade Bulletin
(May 28, 2020).
Contacts: Robert Holleyman, Evan Y. Chuck, Clark Jennings, Shelley Su
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"Multinational Companies May Benefit From Chinese Stimulus Programs To Help Mitigate the Economic Impact in China of COVID-19,"
International Trade Bulletin
(March 31, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Nicole Janigian Simonian, David R. Stepp, Jackson C. Pai
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"China Temporarily Bans Certain Foreigners From Entry,"
(March 27, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai
-
"Lawmakers Take Aim at Chinese Drone Technology,"
Regulatory Alert
(February 19, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Mary-Caitlin Ray
-
"Coronavirus Outbreak: Time to Review Force Majeure Provisions in International Commercial Contracts,"
International Trade Bulletin
(February 13, 2020).
Contact: Evan Y. Chuck
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"Coronavirus: DHS Announces New Travel Restrictions on Certain Inbound U.S. Flights and Travelers from China, Including Medical Screening and Quarantine,"
International Trade Bulletin
(February 3, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Robert Holleyman, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Alex Rosen
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"Coronavirus: Key Issues for Employers,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(January 31, 2020).
Contacts: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Evan Y. Chuck, Jackson C. Pai, Jillian Ambrose
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"Getting Products to China: Avoiding Tariff Classification Traps in Uncertain Times,"
International Trade Bulletin
(January 30, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, David R. Stepp
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"The Month in International Trade – December 2019,"
International Trade Bulletin
(January 13, 2020).
Contacts: Jeffrey L. Snyder, Edward Goetz, Carlton Greene, Michelle J. Linderman, David (Dj) Wolff, Nicole Sayegh Succar, Adelicia R. Cliffe, Maria Alejandra (Jana) del-Cerro, Nimrah Najeeb, Evan Y. Chuck, Walter (Sam) Boone
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"China Announces Tariff Adjustments for 2020,"
International Trade Bulletin
(December 26, 2019).
Contact: Evan Y. Chuck
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"The Month in International Trade – May 2019,"
International Trade Bulletin
(June 12, 2019).
Contacts: Jeffrey L. Snyder, Edward Goetz, David (Dj) Wolff, Eduardo Mathison, John B. Brew, Evan Y. Chuck, David R. Stepp, Nicole Janigian Simonian
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"China Releases Product Exclusion Process for Certain U.S. Products Subject to Additional Retaliatory Tariffs,"
International Trade Bulletin
(May 15, 2019).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Nicole Janigian Simonian, David R. Stepp
Press Coverage
-
Risky Business: Why US Firms Are Pulling Up Stakes in China
December 21, 2021 — The American Lawyer
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SEC To Demand More Information On Shell Company Use By Chinese Companies
July 30, 2021 — CQ Roll Call
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Companies Eye Structural Changes Amid Bleak Outlook For China Trade Restrictions
February 26, 2021 — Global Investigation Review
-
PMI Wraps Up Successful Virtual Conference
January 11, 2021 — Plumbing & Mechanical
-
PMI20 Manufacturing Success Conference Held Virtually
November 23, 2020 — Contractor Magazine
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PandemicBuzz With Crowell & Moring's Head Of Asia Partner Evan Chuck (podcast)
April 20, 2020 — Pandemic Buzz
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Crowell & Moring Hires 4 Bryan Cave Global Practice Attorneys
March 13, 2019 — Daily Journal
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Crowell & Moring Lures 10-Lawyer Team From Bryan Cave In Planned Shanghai Launch
March 11, 2019 — American Lawyer
-
Crowell & Moring Enters Asia, Hires Away Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner's Shanghai Team
March 11, 2019 — Legal Week
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Crowell & Moring International To Open Shanghai Office
March 11, 2019 — Bloomberg Law
-
Crowell & Moring Raids Bryan Cave For China Expansion
March 11, 2019 — Law360
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In Planned Shanghai Launch, Crowell & Moring Lures Bryan Cave International Trade Team
March 11, 2019 — The Recorder
Firm News & Announcements