Join our Intellectual Property Mid-year Conference to gain a breadth of knowledge from IP litigation processes between New Zealand and Australia, to the new trademark guidelines for using Māori elements. Learn how to use a coordinated IP approach to increase business value and attract investment. Review the impact of recent free trade agreements on certification marks and geographical indications, and how businesses can capitalise on these changes.

Presenters

Sean Brogan, Principal, AJPark Law
Sean leads AJ Park's Commercial IP department. He is an experienced technology and intellectual property lawyer helping private and public sector organisations structure their business and operations to protect, commercialise and best use their assets.


Garry Williams KC, Richmond Chambers
Garry Williams has more than 20 years' experience of civil and commercial litigation. He started his career at Russell McVeagh in 1992, where his work focused on commercial litigation and contentious intellectual property matters. In 1997, Garry went to the UK where he worked for Nabarro Nathanson and then Olswang. On his return to New Zealand in 2003, Garry joined Bell Gully and was a member of that firm's litigation department until moving to the separate Bar at the beginning of 2014. He is now a member of Richmond Chambers, the specialist advocacy and advisory set located in the General Buildings on the corner of Shortland and O'Connell Streets in the heart of Auckland's CBD and legal precinct. Garry accepts instructions in most areas of civil litigation and he has particular expertise in intellectual property matters. He is an experienced trial and appellate advocate, having appeared many times in New Zealand's superior courts and specialist tribunals. Garry is on the Faculty of the NZLS Litigation Skills Programme. He is also a member of the Trans-Tasman and New Zealand Committees of the Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ).


Lynell Tuffery Huria, Managing Partner, Kahui Legal
Lynell is recognised as the first Māori Patent Attorney and is acknowledged as a leading expert on indigenous intellectual property rights, Māori intellectual property and trade mark protection. Over the last 30 years, Lynell has worked for a large intellectual property specialist firm, advising a wide variety of clients including whanau, hapū, and iwi, sole traders, companies, and multi-national corporations. Lynell is keen to continue to assist Māori to navigate the intellectual property system and develop new and innovative ways to protect our cultural heritage.


Anton Blijlevens, Principal, AJPark Law
Anton joined AJ Park in 1994 after graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Masters degree in mechanical engineering. He gained his law degree from The University of Auckland in 2004. Experienced in IP protection strategies and conducting IP audits for mechanical and manufacturing technology firms, Anton has a track record of helping exporters be successful locally and internationally. As head of AJ Park‚ specialist China team, Anton provides IP strategy advice to Australian and New Zealand companies looking to do business in or with China. His clients come from diverse industries such as packaging, marine engineering, aviation, agritech, and heavy engineering. Anton has received many industry awards including a listing as one of New Zealand‚ top legal practitioners in the field of patents in the 2017 Expert Guides. He was also listed as one of the world‚ leading patent professionals in the 2016 IAM Patent 1000 index.


Tania Goatley, Partner, Bell Gully
Tania is an experienced commercial litigator, specialising in media and advertising law, food and beverage law, and intellectual property. Tania advises on all aspects of advertising promotions, including impacts of the Gambling Act, Fair Trading Act and Privacy Act. She is also experienced in advising on food and wine labelling issues, involving advice on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Code, the Food Act, the Wine Act and related regulations and industry codes. She has a strong media law background, advising on defamation claims, appearing in Court on name suppression issues, and providing media law training to journalists. She advises on all aspects of intellectual property law, including copyright, passing off and trade mark infringement disputes and litigation. In addition to her particular areas of expertise, Tania provides general advice on commercial and contractual disputes and litigation with successful outcomes for her clients. Tania is recommended for intellectual property by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2018, which notes her specialties as media and advertising and food and beverage.


Paul Johns, Executive Lawyer, Pearce IP
Paul advises clients on actual or potential legal disputes, including in relation to registered intellectual property (IP) rights, copyright, and consumer and marketing law. He helps his clients to develop and implement appropriate strategies to effectively manage and resolve disputes, whether by negotiation, litigation or other dispute resolution methods. Paul appears on behalf of his clients in the Courts and in IP office hearings. Though based in our Auckland office, Paul travels regularly to work with clients in Wellington and Christchurch. Paul has more than 19 years’ experience in IP disputes, including five years at a leading general commercial firm in New Zealand and at a major international firm based in London. Paul’s recent industry accolades include being highlighted in the IAM Patent 1000 2020 selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in New Zealand 2021 in the field of IP law.