Richard Watts

Richard heads the firm's IP/ICT National Practice Group.

Richard is one of New Zealand’s most renowned IP lawyers. He advises a number of the world's leading companies in the FMCG, pharmaceutical, IT, and sports industries. His practice covers both non-contentious and contentious IP, life sciences and sport.

Acting for a number of leading brands in the FMCG and sports industries, Richard has co-ordinated trade mark protection, enforcement and border protection measures for numerous household names, both in New Zealand and abroad, as well as overseeing brand protection and enforcement strategies for major events (including the Olympics and Paralympics). Richard has appeared in a number of New Zealand’s leading trade mark appeal cases, including in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He has also been involved in a number of New Zealand's most significant patent disputes, in the pharmaceutical and construction industries.

Richard is also regarded as one of the leading life sciences lawyers in New Zealand, particularly in relation to the regulation and commercialisation of pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements/nutraceuticals. Richard works with a number of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, particularly in relation to clinical trials, negotiation of supply deals to PHARMAC and regulatory approval of medicines and medical products. This work includes development and implementation of IP commercialisation strategies for leading local and international businesses.

Richard is also highly regarded in IT and new technologies, having advised a number of the world's favourite brands in relation to use and regulation of AO generated material, and the launch of their new electronic and web products in New Zealand.

Member of the International Trademark Association (INTA)

New Zealand President of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI)