We’re thrilled to announce that AJ Park has once again received a gold band ranking by World Trademark Review (WTR) in the annual WTR 1000—a comprehensive and definitive list of the world’s leading trade mark experts. In addition, six AJ Park principals have been ranked this year—the highest number in the WTR 1000’s New Zealand chapter.
Now in its tenth year, the WTR 1000 shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in this critical area of practice. The WTR 1000 recommends who it considers to be the best of the trade mark scene. Only those delivering top-quality services make the cut.
While all firms and individuals listed in the WTR 1000 are leaders in their field, some are considered to have an edge over their competitors. The WTR 1000 recommendations are therefore presented in gold, silver and bronze bands to reflect the reputations of teams and professionals relative to their peers in the field. Firms and individuals in the gold band are those that attract the most positive comments from sources and are considered the ‘crème de la crème’.
To research the market, World Trademark Review conducted face-to-face and telephone interviews and exchanged correspondence over a four-month period with hundreds of lawyers, attorneys and their clients involved with trade marks. They also gathered written submissions from firms detailing their recent activity in the field. Individuals qualify for inclusion in the WTR 1000 upon receiving sufficient positive feedback from market sources with knowledge of their practice and the market in which they operate.
“By far the largest trade mark firm in town, AJ Park is well staffed by an efficient team,” offering “in-depth specialist advice on IP matters”. Of its 28 professionals, six are ranked this year – the highest number in the WTR 1000’s New Zealand chapter. With almost 130 years’ experience behind the IP boutique, it is ‘the best source’ for local and overseas entities seeking assistance from lawyers who ‘are pragmatic and business orientated, and provide a legal and commercial perspective, with a quick turnaround when required’. Although the firm was acquired by IPH Limited Group in late 2017, business has continued as usual; it still dominates the trademark market as the representative for over a third of the Fortune 500 and 85 of the top 100 local businesses. A well-regarded and trusted partner for trademark portfolio management, managing director Damian Broadley oversees the trademark practice. His team consists of the crème de la crème: with a career spanning 45 years, John Hackett (named a ‘Luminary’ in this year’s WTR 1000) is ‘a legend’ in the local profession, ‘very knowledgeable and a good collaborator’, while trans-Tasman patent attorney Colleen Cavanagh follows closely behind with more than 30 years of experience and a largely local practice, focusing on IP strategy and trademark portfolio management. Meanwhile, over in Wellington, Jonathan Aumonier-Ward advises multinationals and non-profit organisations. The firm is not limited to prosecuting trademarks either. Renowned local expert on indigenous law and Māori intellectual property Lynell Tuffery Huria has carved a niche for herself in the Pacific Islands. Co-chair of INTA’s international indigenous rights initiatives and policy analysis sub-committee, she possesses ‘unsurpassed thoroughness, timeliness and attention to detail’ and ‘has quickly become the go-to attorney in town’, with ‘feedback from clients that is highly complimentary of her practical advice’. Busy resolving trademark disputes in the High Court lately, Matthew Hayes debuts in the enforcement and litigation table this year.”
We are always very proud to be recognised by this prestigious guide as a world-class trade mark firm. Congratulations to the six trade mark principals who have been individually recognised for their outstanding work—particularly John Hackett, who was named the first New Zealand ‘Luminary’.
