Simpson Grierson

Intellectual property

Special Counsel

Sarah is experienced in all aspects of intellectual property having specialised in the area since 1996. Her work experience includes four years in London working as in–house counsel for the BBC and Nestlé UK and for a large international law firm.

Sarah advises clients on a wide range of intellectual property–related issues including strategies for protection, exploitation, transfer, and enforcement. She specialises in trade mark law, specifically, providing strategic advice on the trade mark portfolio management, registrability, infringement, and licensing to both local and international clients.

Sarah’s significant transactional experience includes advising on due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and initial public offerings, drafting and negotiating intellectual property–related contracts, and advising on all aspects of franchising (including franchise relationships), and drafting franchise–related agreements and documentation.

Sarah also has experience advising on the laws surrounding the sale and marketing of goods and services (including advertising standards compliance, sales promotion schemes, gambling and intellectual property issues), and intellectual property and commercial aspects of sponsorship arrangements.

Simpson Grierson has been voted New Zealand Firm of the Year for Patent Litigation at the 2025 Asia IP Awards.

Recognition

Asia Pacific Legal 500 2026 Intellectual Property – Next Generation Partner

Chambers Asia–Pacific 2026 Intellectual Property – Leading Lawyer

English

New Zealand Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ) - committee member and Past Chair

Franchise Association of New Zealand

International Trademark Association (INTA)

INTA Commercialisation of Brands Committee

BA LLB