The Legal 500 has recently launched its 2019 Asia Pacific guide, and we are proud to again feature as a top-tier firm for intellectual property in New Zealand.
For 32 years, The Legal 500 has been analysing the capabilities of law firms in 150 jurisdictions across the world. The Legal 500’s comprehensive research programme is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading lawyers.
When reviewing the performance of a firm, The Legal 500 researchers focus on the bench strength of the team, and the consistency of quality of the individuals within the team. The areas that are considered include technical ability, in-depth capability, market share, track record, reputation, and perception in the market. Simply put, The Legal 500 highlights firms and individuals who are providing the most cutting-edge and innovative advice.
In its review of the firm, The Legal 500 describes AJ Park as a ‘powerhouse in the IP field’, and recommends seven AJ Park principals.
“'On pure IP matters the firm is very well thought of', remarks a client of AJ Park. The firm is recognised as a powerhouse in the field, with a team of 180 in Auckland and Wellington focused purely on IP strategy, commercialisation, protection, and enforcement. 'It is a tier one firm, given the size of its practice and the breadth of its client portfolio', notes one source.
In Auckland, Anton Blijlevens focuses on the engineering and ICT sectors. Also recommended are Anton Gibson, who leads the life sciences patent practice; trade mark strategist John Hackett; veteran trade mark specialist Colleen Cavanagh, with more than 30 years' experience; litigation and enforcement specialist Kim McLeod; and newly promoted principal Amanda Griffiths, who acted for Prevar on the commercialisation of the new Cherish apple variety.
In Wellington, Mark Hargreaves leads the commercial and strategy practice; managing director Damian Broadley handles trade mark strategy, copyright and domain name issues; Corinne Cole is a barrister, solicitor and patent attorney; and Kate McHaffie leads the Wellington litigation team."
In addition, the following AJ Park principals are listed in The Legal 500’s elite ‘leading lawyers’ list:
- Anton Blijlevens
- Damian Broadley
- John Hackett
- Mark Hargreaves
We're always thrilled to be recognised by this prestigious guide as a leading choice for intellectual property in New Zealand.
