Watson & Band is pleased to announce its inclusion in the "2025 Boutique Legal Service Brand Guide: Culture, Entertainment & Sports."

The guide, released on September 7 during the LEXPRESS Legal Service Innovation Forum in Shenzhen, identifies the most capable legal teams operating in China’s dynamic media sectors. Based on a rigorous multi-dimensional evaluation involving client feedback and peer review, Watson & Band Law Offices was honored with the title of "2025 Brand Influence Law Firm (Culture, Entertainment & Sports)."

• Individual Accolades for Firm Leaders

In addition to the firm-wide recognition, two senior partners were singled out as "Brand Stars" for their exceptional contributions to the industry:

Zhu Xiaosu (Vice Chair of the Management Committee, Senior Partner) was named a "Star Lawyer: Leading Practitioner" (Strength Lawyer). Mr. Zhu is recognized for his strong commercial insight and project management capabilities, particularly in complex cooperation and licensing structures.

Zhang Sijie (Senior Partner) was named a "Star Lawyer: Legal Craftsman" (Ingenuity Lawyer). Mr. Zhang is noted for his deep practice in gaming and entertainment compliance. His track record includes numerous "Typical Cases" recognized by the Supreme People’s Court, highlighting his ability to secure breakthrough victories in novel IP and unfair competition disputes.

• Two Decades of Industry Leadership

Watson & Band was one of the first firms in China to establish a dedicated practice for the cultural and sports industries. For nearly 20 years, the firm has provided full-spectrum legal support to:

Film & Television Production

Music Publishing & Artist Management

Live Events & Sports Clubs

Online Streaming & Digital Media

From intellectual property protection and financing to dispute resolution and corporate compliance, Watson & Band remains a trusted partner for major market players navigating the intersection of law, art, and technology.