MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Corporate and Commercial - Intellectual Property

Partner

Christopher is a widely recognised intellectual property expert with an extensive international practice and network. He is known for his technical expertise and pragmatic advice. Consistently ranked as a leading IP lawyer in legal directories, he assists with all aspects of IP through its lifecycle including development, protection, transfer, enforcement, and commercialisation. He has significant experience in media, film, and television production, and regulatory work in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

Head of the firm’s IP team, Chris specialises in IP, brand strategy, trade marks, commercial IP, licensing, franchising, marketing, sponsorship, privacy, IP disputes, enforcement, and IP audits. Chris has significant expertise handling the IP aspects of M&A and other corporate transactions.

Commercial IP is a key part of Chris’ practice. He has more than 20 years’ experience in licensing and commercialisation, franchising, and commercial arrangements. He routinely advises on and develops strategy for IP aspects of corporate transactions.

Recognised for local and international brand strategy and managing trade mark portfolios, he manages risks, launches new brands, develops strategies to commercialise, protects and enforces brands, trouble shoots problems, and handles counterfeits. He is experienced with sponsorship, marketing, advertising, privacy, consumer protection, and other regulatory areas.

Both local and international clients benefit from Chris’ breadth of experience. He takes time to understand his clients’ businesses and develops strong and ongoing relationships as their trusted adviser. His clients operate in numerous industries including FMCG, fashion/apparel, publishing, food and beverage, liquor, advertising and marketing, retail, TMT, media, aviation, automotive, banking and financial services, entertainment, agriculture/horticulture, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, building, forestry, education, health and ageing, transportation, and energy.

English

Co-Chair, INTA Asia-Pacific Bulletin Sub-committee (2019-2023)

Director, Pharmaco New Zealand Limited and Pharmaco Australia Pty Limited

Member, International Trademark Association (INTA)

Member, International Bar Association (IP and Entertainment Committee) (2017-2022)

Member, Licensing Executives Society of Australia and New Zealand

Member, Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand

Member, American Chamber of Commerce New Zealand

Member, New Zealand Biotech Industry Organisation

Chair, INTA East Asia & Pacific Famous Marks Subcommittee (2014-2015)

INTA Asia Pacific Global Advisory Council (2014-2019)

Dip IP Law, University of London

LLB, BCom, University of Auckland