WEBVTT

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What do US tech companies
need to know

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before expanding into Asia’s
booming markets?

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Asia represents two-thirds of
the world’s population

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and the largest body of middle-class
consumers globally,

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making it an incredibly attractive market for US tech companies.

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Unsurprisingly, China has often
been a key market of interest

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for US tech,

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but we are seeing
other markets emerge

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and renewed interest in
exploring expansion

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in other markets as companies
develop a “China Plus Two” strategy,

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exploring markets like Korea, Vietnam,

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Malaysia, India, and the Philippines.

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But unlike in the US,

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many jurisdictions in Asia are implementing strict data sovereignty

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and localization rules,

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which is thus necessitating US tech

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exploring deploying a
localized version

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of their technology solution.

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Further, certain technology offerings,
whether it’s software as a service,

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telecoms, and over-the-top
products,

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digital infrastructure,
require certain licenses to operate.

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The stakes of failing to follow
the rules are high.

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Companies that don’t navigate these rules properly face fines,

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enforcement actions, civil
and even criminal liability.

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In some markets, regulators often
have the ability to suspend

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or even revoke certain licenses,
which can even be more problematic

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than the potential fines,

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as this can bring an immediate halt
to business operations

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and make it very difficult
to achieve re-entry.

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Asian markets are eager for partnerships with US tech companies,

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particularly in AI,

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where local players
are looking to collaborate

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with major US AI companies

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to access their models
and product offerings.

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There’s real revenue on the table
for companies

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willing to navigate the complexity
of entering these markets,

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from strategic alliances,

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to distribution arrangements,
and joint ventures.

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Experienced counsel can help companies avoid risk,

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stay compliant with rules, and form
strategic partnerships in the region.

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At Latham, we have dedicated
data and technology attorneys

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in Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong,
and Singapore

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who have a finger on the pulse of what’s happening in each market.

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They have a deep understanding
of the underlying technology

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so you can navigate entry
with confidence.

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I’m Rhys McWhirter,
and I lead Latham’s

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Data & Technology Transactions Practice in Asia,

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helping companies turn
market entry challenges

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into opportunities across the region.