Providing an ‘outstanding IP capability’, Simpson Grierson covers the gamut of IP matters, from litigation to strategy and licensing. The firm regularly hands appellate cases for major corporations, and tt possesses particular expertise in the sports sector. The ’highly commercial’ Richard Watts, an expert in trade mark, copyright, and patent law, leads the team alongside Sarah Chapman, who specialises in trade mark portfolio management. Anita Birkinshaw focuses on IP litigation, while Raymond Scott advises clients on trade mark prosecution across Australasia.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Outstanding IP capability, with deep experience across numerous sectors.’
‘Richard Watts is easy to work with, highly commercial and also has first-class technical knowledge.’
'SG is s standout firm in the NZ market for IP advisory and contentious matters.'
'Richard Watts, Raymond Scott and Sarah Chapman are all really excellent.'
'Simpson Grierson is a leading practice, specialising in supporting national and international sport organisations and activities.'
'Sarah Chapman's knowledge, advice, professionalism and overall approach makes her a trusted partner to guide our organisation through relevant matters.'
Key clients
- The a2 Milk Company
- NZ Rugby
- New Zealand Olympic Committee
- Livestock Improvement Corporation
- Merck Sharpe & Dohme
- Novartis
- Paralympics New Zealand
- Eli Lilly
- Energy Beverages LLC
- New Zealand Comfort Group Ltd
- Heineken
- Apple
- Jack Daniels
- Wet & Forget
- Briscoe Group
- The Procter & Gamble Company
- L’Oreal New Zealand
- Vertex
Work highlights
Advised the NZ Olympic Committee and Paralympics NZ on their brand protection, commercialisation, and enforcement strategy for the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
Advised Wet n Forget on the sale of its iconic and most loved New Zealand brand business, for a sum in the hundreds of millions.
Acted for Energy Beverages in relation to multiple related trade mark cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal in its ongoing dispute with Frucor over Frucor’s attempt to trade mark and obtain exclusivity over use of the colour green in respect of energy beverages.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sarah Chapman
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Raymond Scott
Practice head
Richard Watts; Sarah Chapman
Other key lawyers
Raymond Scott; Anita Birkinshaw