Intellectual Property

When some of the world's leading brands need speed and clarity, they turn to Simpson Grierson. Why? Because we deliver decisive, commercial advice from recognised experts.

The depth of our intellectual property team sets us apart. It is double the size of any other commercial law firm in New Zealand.

This strength is reflected in our trade mark and design prosecution practices. These include portfolios for some of the world's leading brands. We are also sought out for some of New Zealand's most significant IP disputes and appeals.

Simpson Grierson's other practice areas regularly seek our IP expertise, including our mergers & acquisition specialists who have advised on some of New Zealand's largest commercial transactions.

We are highly ranked as a leading IP practice in the major international directories, Asia Pacific Legal 500 and Chambers Global.

Work Highlights

SKY Television 

We acted on High Court litigation leading to successful resolution with New Zealand media entities relating to their use of SKY’s sports footage.

Procter & Gamble 

We advise on its New Zealand brand protection and anti-counterfeiting strategy.

Mars Group

We advised on its New Zealand intellectual property strategy, including a successful strategy to gain exclusivity for the colour purple for cat food packaging.

Google

We have advised on various copyright issues for the launch of products in New Zealand.

New Zealand Olympic Committee (and Commonwealth Games Committee)

We oversaw the brand protection and enforcement strategy for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (eventually held in 2021), 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Netball NZ

We oversaw the global licensing and expansion of key brands for Netball NZ, including its FASTNET brand, which it now licenses to other key organisations around the world.

LIC (Livestock Improvement Corporation) 

We are key legal advisers to LIC, supporting its growth strategy including commercialising its IP.

The a2 Milk Company 

We are key legal advisers to a2, supporting its growth strategy including commercialising its IP.

Briscoe Group Limited

We advise Briscoe Group on its trade mark portfolio for key brands in New Zealand.

Our Experts

Expertise within Intellectual Property