Hongqiao legal services hub: Streamlining services and supporting global expansion

The Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Legal Services District. [Photo/WeChat ID: gh_9ebb1b46be49]

The Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Legal Services District, established in September 2021, is rapidly becoming a key legal services hub in the Yangtze River Delta region. Spanning 3.7 square kilometers, it now hosts 96 legal and allied service organizations, aiding local enterprises in expanding internationally and fostering regional integration.

Streamlining cross-province services

The Shanghai XinHongqiao Notary Public Office, located in the district, has led the way in cross-province notarization in recent years. Its cooperation initiative involving 11 notary offices across Shanghai municipality, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces has significantly expedited notarization processes. For instance, a Zhejiang native recently completed a property notarization in just one day, thanks to this efficient system.

Empowering global expansion

So far, the Shanghai XinHongqiao Notary Public Office has processed over 340 foreign-related notarizations for local companies, covering more than 10 countries including Russia, Germany, Italy, and Dubai, thus supporting local companies in their global ventures.

Safeguarding intellectual property rights

In June 2023, Shanghai Duan & Duan Law Firm opened a branch in the district, capitalizing on its strategic location that provides ease of travel and business operations within the Yangtze River Delta region. The firm successfully defended Ananda, a company looking to go global, in a patent lawsuit, enabling its successful listing in July.

One-stop legal services

The district has also launched an initiative called Administrative Approval and Government Service Express, which offers over 30 administrative services to law firms and lawyers, thus reducing processing times and costs. Additionally, its new Public Service Platform provides comprehensive online services, including legal consultations and resource browsing.

Future vision

The district aims to attract high-quality international legal services and support national strategies for regional integration and global openness. With a focus on innovation, it is set to become a dynamic legal services ecosystem that contributes to high-quality development.

The Shanghai XinHongqiao Notary Public Office. [Photo/WeChat ID: gh_9ebb1b46be49]