Simpson Grierson is recognised as a market leader in IP, advising on disputes, patents, commercial transactions, and the growing role of IP in sport. The team is co-led by Richard Watts, a seasoned litigator who also has strong transactional expertise, and Sarah Chapman, who specialises in non-contentious matters such as registry, infringement, and licensing. Raymond Scott adds further strength with his experience in trade mark prosecution and portfolio management.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Richard Watts has worked with us for quite a few years, so understands the business and our IP portfolio. He's easy to talk to and has good availability.’
‘Communication is clear, actionable and timely with effort made to ensure the best next steps are always itemised by priority and very easy as a client to follow and progress.’
‘Sarah Chapman is highly personable, prompt and provides great actionable advice for us. Highly recommend for commercially orientated, practical advice.’
'The team were excellent at understanding our unique situation, which involves multiple branches of stakeholders, and multiple layers to our requirements, ultimately providing us with recommendations and the support needed to make the right decisions throughout the process.'
'Richard Watts helped us through the whole process with expert advice, with a genuine understanding of our requirements and what we were hoping to achieve.'
'Sarah Chapman is very detailed oriented and pragmatic.'
Key clients
- ADInstruments NZ
- Briscoe Group
- Eli Lilly
- Energy Beverages LLC/ Monster Energy
- GSK
- Heineken
- Jack Daniels
- L’Oreal New Zealand
- Merck Sharpe & Dohme
- New Zealand Comfort Group
- Novartis
- NZ Rugby
- New Zealand Rugby League
- NZ Olympic Committee
- Paralympics New Zealand
- Red Bull
- Sandoz
- The a2 Milk Company
- The Procter & Gamble Company
Work highlights
Overseeing the brand protection, enforcement and ambush marketing strategy for the New Zealand Olympic Team at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Representing international coffee house Cantarella Coffee (Vittoria) against rival coffee brand Lavazza in its High Court appeal relating to the use and registrability of its ORO trade mark.
Representing Heineken in complex trade mark litigation against Monster Energy relating to the validity and enforceability of Heineken’s renowned TIGER brand in New Zealand.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Richard Watts; Sarah Chapman
Other key lawyers
Raymond Scott