MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ IP practice provides strategic and commercial advice, specialising in trade mark strategy, portfolio management, and transactional IP. The team advises private businesses, SMEs, multinationals, public bodies, and government clients both in New Zealand and abroad. Christopher Young, who is recognised for his expertise in IP licensing, commercialisation, and corporate transactions, leads the team, while Richard Wells is noted for his privacy and data protection work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Christopher Young is extremely responsive, articulate, and delivers clear, well-considered advice.’
- ‘I trust Christopher Young’s judgement completely. His advice is commercial, practical, and always tailored to our business.’
- ‘Christopher Young is highly skilled, straightforward to work with, and consistently excellent.’
- ‘They have great knowledge of the international intellectual property environment and outstanding trade mark expertise.’
- ‘Agile and responsive, always ready to step in and protect our interests.’
- ‘Very professional, efficient, and easy to deal with, providing trusted advice on intellectual property issues.’
Key clients
- Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
- Centre for Climate Action Joint Venture Limited
- ASOS PLC and ASOS Holdings Limited
- Scholastic Inc
- Two Degrees Mobile Limited
- Essity Aktiebolaget Group including BSN medical GmbH
- Entain Group Pty Ltd
- Letterboxd Limited
- Southern Cross Healthcare
- SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited
- The New Zealand Merino Company Limited
- Tourism Holdings Limited
Work highlights
Advising Entain and TAB New Zealand on all its IP, with recent work including a re-launch of the TAB brand and a range of new products.
Advising AgriZeroNZ on its worldwide branding and brand strategy, and the IP aspects of a joint venture and its investments.
Advising ASOS in relation to its IP in New Zealand and the South Pacific, including its ASOS brand and the sale of the TOPSHOP/TOPMAN brand to a JV.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Christopher Young
Other key lawyers
Richard Wells; John McCay; Kate Cruickshank