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Following King & Wood Mallesons' combination between China giant King & Wood and Australian big six firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques in March 2012, the firm's IP practice has sought to attract clients with Asia-wide interests, although it still remains a force in the domestic market. Clients say their experience with the firm is "positive, exceeding expectations with good partnering".

Recent cases for the firm include acting for Imperial Tobacco in the plain packaging litigation before the High Court of Australia. The case drew significant media attention around the world and was closely followed by the industry. The firm also acted for Hospira in proceedings against Aventis Pharma in connection with patent validity and infringement. Aventis cross-claimed, alleging infringement and applied for an urgent interlocutory injunction. In another notable case, King & Wood Mallesons advised the Australian Football League and Telstra Corporation in National Rugby League Investments v SingTel Optus in court proceedings, including their successful appeal before the Federal Court.

The firm has a formidable team of experienced lawyers. Natalie Hickey in particular was commended by several clients. One client liked her "passion, drive and putting legal issues in the context of the bigger picture" and "her approach to forming teams and letting them lead pieces". Another client said: "She is conscious of the financial pressures we are under in-house and she works hard to, one, carefully prepare and communicate fee estimates and, two, provide as much certainty with estimates as possible by using methods like capped fees and fixed fees. She has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to deal with difficult people, such as witnesses."

King & Wood Mallesons has expanded to 12 offices spread around China, staffed by approximately 240 IP professionals. Clients of the firm typically include international companies that have achieved household name status.

The firm's patent prosecution practice is sometimes overshadowed by its highly regarded IP litigation practice. In the past year, it has been attracting start-up tech clients from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to boost its patent presence. One client said of the firm: "It has many good resources and the patent attorneys can handle drafting matters to the satisfaction of foreign countries." Wang Maohua is recommended by many clients for his experience.

Peers also highlight the copyright practice, particularly for IT and software, resulting in the firm moving up to tier 1 this year. Two new hires also strengthen the team. IP veteran Zhu Nongfan joins to co-head the IP practice group, and Ren Yunling joins as a partner. The team also welcomed Jiang Zhipei, a former IP chief judge of the Supreme People's Court, as senior consultant. Ren and Jiang's additions are expected to beef up the firm's IP litigation practice.