Department profile
Simpson Grierson

Intellectual Property

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

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Simpson Grierson

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About

Provided by Simpson Grierson

When some of the world's leading brands need speed and clarity, they turn to Simpson Grierson. Why? Because we deliver decisive, commercial advice from recognised experts.

The depth of our intellectual property team sets us apart. It is double the size of any other commercial law firm in New Zealand.

This strength is reflected in our trade mark and design prosecution practices. These include portfolios for some of the world's leading brands. We are also sought out for some of New Zealand's most significant IP disputes and appeals.

Simpson Grierson's other practice areas regularly seek our IP expertise, including our mergers & acquisition specialists who have advised on some of New Zealand's largest commercial transactions.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Intellectual Property - New Zealand

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Simpson Grierson has a broad practice representing clients in complex contentious matters including patent and trade mark matters concerning infringement, unauthorised use and passing off. It also advises on IP exploitation and commercialisation, including brand expansion and reviews, divestments and licensing deals. The team provides sought-after expertise in online copyright matters, including in relation to rebroadcasting and internet streaming. Simpson Grierson offers significant international presence, including key experience in the UK and the Pacific Islands.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Simpson Grierson advised Heineken Asia Pacific in a set of 25 different trade mark disputes with Monster Energy Company.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team at Simpson Grierson is extremely commercially minded and client oriented as well as being strategic and creative.

    Intellectual Property respondentAsia-Pacific

  • Simpson Grierson has great expertise throughout the firm and good external relationships with some of New Zealand's leading barristers.

    Intellectual Property respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Richard Watts
    Richard Watts

    Richard Watts

    Richard Watts heads the firm's intellectual property practice group. He acts for clients from diverse industries on significant contentious and non-contentious trade mark and other IP asset mandates.

    • Richard is an excellent litigator you want on your side when you have a complex and important dispute in New Zealand.

      Intellectual Property respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Richard Watts is an expert in sport law, rights IP and brand protection. He is without peer in this sector in New Zealand.

      Intellectual Property respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Sarah Chapman
    Sarah Chapman

    Sarah Chapman

    Sarah Chapman is experienced in trade mark law with specialist knowledge of non-contentious matters regarding portfolio management, licensing and infringement. She advises a range of major international and local corporate clients.

    • Sarah Chapman consistently provides advice, solutions and support when needed and is great to work with.

      Intellectual Property respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Raymond Scott
    Raymond Scott

    Raymond Scott

    Raymond Scott works with clients to advise on issues such as brand protection strategy and IP commercialisation.

    • Raymond Scott is a safe pair of hands.

      Intellectual Property respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Raymond is an excellent trade mark and design portfolio management counsel who is really adept at coordinating clients' global soft IP assets.

      Intellectual Property respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Simpson Grierson (3)

New Zealand

Members

Provided by Simpson Grierson

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