Intellectual Property

Chapman Tripp acts for global brands on patents and trade mark litigation, with notable expertise in infringement and internet piracy. It also advises corporate clients on transactional matters including the sale of IP rights, IP sharing and joint ownership arrangements, and trade mark licensing negotiations. The practice has a strong track record in patent infringement and trade mark opposition proceedings. Key clients include Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, EC Credit Control and Fonterra.

"They are very thorough with evidence and very clearly formulate a strategy. They have a very pointed, deliberate approach to each case."

Chapman Tripp acted for Vanguard Trademark Holdings in a trade mark opposition proceeding against Toyota.

Matt Sumpter is a highly respected practitioner with particularly noteworthy litigation experience who advises clients on both contentious and non-contentious IP matters. He is regularly instructed on a range of trade mark, copyright and patent matters, including infringement, opposition, internet piracy and site-blocking, and also advises extensively on regulatory and commercialisation issues. "Matt is a good operator in this area and a safe pair of hands."

Kelly McFadzien maintains an active practice in non-contentious IP matters, acting for clients in such sectors as education, manufacturing, and food and beverages. She advises on the IP aspects of various forms of transaction, including brand sharing, licensing and joint ownership arrangements.

Tom Cleary is a senior associate at the firm and represents clients in patent infringement proceedings and trade mark protection mandates. His clients operate in sectors such as healthcare, media and design.