Praised for its ‘deep knowledge of IP law and very commercial focus’, the team at Simpson Grierson possesses capabilities across the gamut of IP matters. The practice operates in a myriad of sectors, including sport, agriculture and life sciences, handling a range of non-contentious and licensing matters, IP commercialisation and litigation. The team is jointly led by Auckland-based practitioners Richard Watts and Sarah Chapman. The ’outstanding’ Watts is a key port of call to some of the world’s leading companies, while Chapman specialises in non-contentious trade mark law, providing strategic advice on trade mark portfolio management, registrability, infringement and licensing. Key contact Anita Birkinshaw is noted for her expertise in the trade marks area. Associate Raymond Scott is also noted.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Deep knowledge of IP law and very commercial focus.'
‘Richard Watts is an outstanding practitioner - my go to IP lawyer in New Zealand.’
Key clients
- The a2 Milk Company
- NZ Rugby
Work highlights
- Oversaw the brand protection and enforcement strategy for Beijing Winter Olympics in March 2022, and Birmingham Commonwealth Games in July 2022.
- Oversaw the brand protection and enforcement strategy for the Paralympics (Winter Paralympics in Beijing in 2022), and at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022.