Philipp Hanusch

Philipp focuses on international commercial arbitration. He guides clients through the lifecycle of transactions to minimize exposure to risk, prevent disputes where possible, and helps resolve disputes efficiently when they arise. His strong technical expertise and experience inform strategic approaches to dispute resolution for his clients.

Philipp has acted for clients in a wide range of commercial and corporate disputes, including joint venture, shareholder, post-M&A, and international business transaction matters. His experience spans diverse industries, such as automotive, consumer goods, energy and mining, financial services, health care and life sciences, industrials, manufacturing and transportation, telecom, and technology.

He has represented clients in arbitrations under the rules of various institutions, including the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), China International Economic Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), International Center for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), Vienna International Arbitral Centre (VIAC), and arbitrations under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.

Philipp has been repeatedly appointed as arbitrator. He is on HKIAC's List of Arbitrators and the Panel of Arbitrators of AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre and South China International Arbitration Center (HK).

• Acting for three subsidiaries of an MNC against a Russian respondent in a Hong Kong arbitration under the HKIAC Rules. The Russia-exit dispute concerned the termination of English law governed license agreements for various territories. Successfully obtained emergency arbitrator relief, including anti-suit injunctions, and interlocutory injunctions protecting the clients' IP rights.
• Acting for a PRC SOE against eight claimants in a Hong Kong ad hoc arbitration and anti-suit injunction proceedings. The complex dispute arose from PRC law governed JV agreements and involved various jurisdictional issues. Successfully defended all claims exceeding USD 1.4 billion and obtained substantial costs awards. Discharged an anti-suit injunction obtained ex parte against the client in HK and removed seven claimants from the arbitration for lack of jurisdiction.
• Acting for a PRC-listed company defending a USD 200 million claim against a third party-funded company in a Hong Kong ad hoc arbitration under the UNCITRAL Rules. The dispute concerned the termination of two supply agreements and involved jurisdictional issues arising from pathological arbitration clauses.
• Acting for a leading commercial provider of waste management services against five respondents in two consolidated Hong Kong arbitrations under the HKIAC Rules. Successfully enforced funding obligations under a Sino-foreign JV agreement, defended all counterclaims, and obtained a substantial costs award.
• Acting for an investment and investment holding group company against three respondents in three consolidated Hong Kong arbitrations under the HKIAC Rules. Successfully enforced a share buy-back obligation under a Hong Kong law governed shareholders’ agreement and related guarantee obligations. Obtained an interim award for reimbursing advances on costs to the client.
• Acting for two Chinese insurance group companies against a Korean applicant in Hong Kong setting aside proceedings of an ICC award worth over USD 160 million. The award was rendered in a post-M&A arbitration against the applicant and five Korean companies. Successfully defended the award and obtained security for the clients’ costs.
• Acting for three US claimants against a Cayman respondent in a Hong Kong arbitration under the HKIAC Rules. The dispute concerned the breach of a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement regarding the potential acquisition of a biopharmaceutical business.
• Acting for a subsidiary of a HKSE-listed company against a PRC owned BVI company in a Hong Kong arbitration under the HKIAC Rules. The JV dispute concerned a mining business in South-East Asia. Secured emergency arbitrator relief and successfully resisted applications for joinder and consolidation.
• Acting for a subsidiary of a HKSE-listed company against the subsidiary of a NYSE-listed company in an ICDR arbitration in California regarding the termination of a JV. The dispute involved complex substantive and procedural issues arising under California and Hong Kong law.
• Acting for a subsidiary of a global pharmaceutical company against a HKSE-listed company in a Hong Kong arbitration under the HKIAC Rules. The dispute arose from a Subscription Deed for an investment in a pharmaceutical business in Mainland China.
• Acting for a subsidiary of a HKSE-listed company against a BVI company in a Hong Kong arbitration under the HKIAC Rules (Expedited Procedure) and in subsequent setting aside proceedings. The dispute arose from a project management agreement for a luxury residential project in Macau.
• Acting for a minority shareholder against a PRC company and its parent in two Hong Kong arbitrations administered by HKIAC under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules and in related court proceedings. The dispute arose from a shareholders’ agreement relating to a HK JV company providing marine heavy transportation services.

• Asia-Pacific Forum for International Arbitration (AFIA)
• Austrian Arbitration Association (ArbAut)
• Austrian Consulate General in Hong Kong, Legal counsel (Vertrauensanwalt)
• DELOS Dispute Resolution
• ICC-HK Standing Committees on Arbitration and ADR, and on Commercial Law and Practice
• International Bar Association (IBA), Asia Pacific Arbitration Group
• The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham)
• The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), Europe Committee
• The Law Society of Hong Kong