Our Expertise
Corporate & Commercial
Life Sciences
Life sciences is one of the fastest growing sectors in New Zealand. It incorporates a wide range of industry areas, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare, and agricultural and veterinary medicines. Life sciences is also one of the most complex sectors in New Zealand, with fast-moving opportunities for commercialisation.
Our life sciences specialists work collaboratively with our other specialist practice areas to advise on the full spectrum of life sciences issues. These issues include corporate structuring, intellectual property protection, regulatory issues, commercialisation arrangements, growth strategies, and exit strategies.
Our specialists understand the commercial drivers and business objectives of the life sciences sector. We offer knowledgeable, timely, and tailored practical advice.
We are actively involved in industry organisations, and have been a premier sponsor of NZBIO since 2003.
Our Experience
- Novartis Animal Health - acquisition of patents and other intellectual property assets from a New Zealand animal health company, and related licensing and supply arrangements
- Novartis - substantial patent infringement litigation with Astra Zeneca, and intellectual property issues relating to PHARMAC arrangements
- Multi-national pharmaceutical and animal health companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis and Bayer - various New Zealand law issues
- New Zealand Venture Investment Fund, which focuses on investment in New Zealand-originated, high-growth potential companies including life sciences companies - structuring and operational arrangements including the establishment and operation of the VIF Venture Capital Fund, the Seed Co-Investment Fund and the angel investment Halo Fund
- A2 Corporation, a leading and innovative New Zealand milk company - recent capital raising and various corporate, commercial and intellectual property issues since its establishment
- Antipodean Pharmaceuticals, a leading New Zealand biopharmaceutical company - various corporate, commercial and intellectual property issues
- University of Otago - intellectual property protection and commercialisation strategy and related contractual arrangements
- Neuren Pharmaceuticals, a leading biopharmaceutical company - initial public offering of shares in Australia and New Zealand and listing on ASX, and on various intellectual property issues
