Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Intellectual Property - New Zealand
What the Team is Known For
Buddle Findlay is widely recognised for its work on IP aspects of significant transactions and portfolio management. It has extensive experience acting for startups and is particularly adept in brand protection and IP enforcement. The team represents a broad range of clients, from global corporations and leading domestic businesses to government and industry bodies. It regularly handles disputed matters before the High Court and Court of Appeal, as well as the Commissioner of Trade Marks. The practice is known for handling multi-jurisdictional mandates across the Asia-Pacific region.
Strengths
What sets Buddle Findlay’s IP team apart is its ability to combine deep legal expertise with commercial insight.
Buddle Findlay is really pragmatic and gives great advice to inform our decision making.
Work Highlights
Buddle Findlay assisted Glow Lab in completing the sale and transfer of its Earthwise business to German multinational chemical and consumer goods company, Henkel.
Notable practitioners
Hamish Selby leads the firm's intellectual property team. He acts regularly on a range of trade mark and copyright matters, including design infringement, brand strategy and commercialisation.
Hamish Selby stands out for his consistency, clarity and strategic thinking. His ability to stay focused even in more technical or uncertain situations gives us a strong sense of confidence and trust.
Sophie Thoreau is a special counsel based in Auckland. She specialises in trade marks and geographical indications, also advising clients on brand protection strategy, opposition and enforcement.
Sophie is a well known trade mark specialist.
Sophie Thoreau provides a client-focused attitude and consistent support. We always feel comfortable raising questions with her and appreciate how attentive and efficient she is in her follow-ups.




