Chile–China Lawyers: investment, governance and strategic planning
Ubilla & Cía. Attorneys advises Chinese companies and investors doing business in Chile and Latin America, and Chilean companies working with China. We combine Chilean lawyers with a China practice team, with offices in Santiago and Shanghai, working in Spanish, English, Chinese and Japanese, so every transaction is understood the same way in both countries.
What we do
- Chinese investment in Chile: incorporation of companies, subsidiaries and branches, joint ventures and investment structuring.
- Strategic planning and governance: corporate structures, shareholder agreements and corporate governance for Chile–China operations.
- M&A, private equity and venture capital: acquisitions, due diligence and multi-jurisdiction structures.
- International contracts: distribution, supply, agency, licensing and technology transfer.
- Intellectual property and intangibles: trademarks, patents and technology in China and Chile.
- Legal contingencies and disputes: debt collection, negotiation and resolution of commercial disputes between Chilean and Chinese parties.
- Conservation, energy and clean technology: projects with foreign investors, including the Chilean conservation right (Law 20,930) and natural capital.
Legal due diligence in China: China Legal Check
Before paying a supplier or signing with a Chinese counterparty, verify that it exists and can contract. Through China Legal Check we obtain legal verifications signed in China that confirm the existence, licences and legitimacy of your counterparty, to avoid fraud, non-existent suppliers, fake bank accounts and invalid contracts.
For Chinese investors in Chile
We support market entry from the first analysis: choice of vehicle, incorporation, tax ID (RUT), appointment of representatives, sector permits, employment and dealings with authorities. We explain Chilean law in Chinese and English and coordinate with the investor’s advisers in China.
For Chilean companies doing business with China
We advise Chilean exporters, importers and investors on negotiating and drafting contracts with Chinese counterparties, protecting their brands and technology, and managing contingencies when a transaction does not go as planned.
China practice team
- Jaime Ubilla Fuenzalida, partner. Recognised by Chambers and Partners Global for his work in the Chinese market.
- Shi Wen, partner and China Practice Director. Corporate, M&A, private equity and venture capital.
- Yu Ke, legal counsel, dispute resolution.
- Li Huiying and Wu Yao, intellectual property consultants.
Track record
- Jaime Ubilla has been recognised by Chambers and Partners Global as a notable practitioner in the Chinese market.
- Offices in Santiago and Shanghai.
- Speaker at the First China Law and Business Summit in Latin America.
- Columns in El Mercurio Legal on legal contingencies in Chile–China trade.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Chinese company set up a company in Chile?
Yes. A foreign company can incorporate a company or open a branch in Chile. It must obtain a tax ID (RUT) from the Chilean Internal Revenue Service and have representation in Chile. We advise on the most suitable vehicle.
Do you work in Chinese?
Yes. We work in Spanish, English, Chinese and Japanese.
How do I protect my brand before selling in China?
China applies a first-to-file trademark system. We recommend registering your trademark in China, including its Chinese-character version, before negotiating or exporting.
Contact
Jaime Ubilla: jubilla@ub-co.com
Shi Wen (China practice, Shanghai): sw@ub-co.com
Or visit our offices.