AJ Park has been ranked as a Gold firm for IP prosecution and strategy in New Zealand, and Silver for enforcement and litigation in the WTR 1000 2024.
In ranking the firm, WTR 1000 observed:
Reputed for its gold-standard IP offering, the venerable AJ Park remains the go-to IP firm on both sides of the contentious/non-contentious divide. An illustrious roster of clientele, including many of the most iconic Trans-Tasman brands and over one-third of global Fortune 500 companies, taps into the vast reservoir of expertise and knowledge offered by its trademark team. Currently home to 105 fee earners, it easily tops the New Zealand IP market in terms of sheer size and quality.
Congratulations also to Principals Jonathan Aumonier-Ward, Paul Johns, Penelope Catley, Amanda Griffiths, and Thomas Huthwaite, and Special Counsel Kate Giddens and Sarah Harrison who were recognised as recommended individuals.
Anchoring the trademark group is fast-moving consumer goods aficionado Amanda Griffiths, whose speciality lies within the branding and trademark strategy within the sector... IP maven Aumonier-Ward’s no-nonsense approach coupled with his well-honed trademark skills make him the top choice and closest ally on any New Zealand copyright or trademark issue. Special counsel Harrison excels at providing commercially sound and unerringly pragmatic IP advice in an easily understood manner. Giddens draws judiciously on her previous experience as an IPONZ senior trademark examiner to dispense valuable IP counsel to clients in the automotive, entertainment, food and beverage, sportswear and telecommunication sectors. For the past three decades seasoned IP lawyer Catley has assisted countless businesses in Trans-Tasman trademark and brand protection matters. In the meantime, contentious firepower is supplied by Paul Johns and Thomas Huthwaite... Known for his mediation and negotiation, [Paul] also makes frequent appearances at all levels of the New Zealand courts; Wellington-based Huthwaite exhibits a deft touch in handling IP dispute resolution matters of all kinds.
About WTR 1000
Focusing exclusively on trade mark practice, the WTR 1000 identifies the top trade mark professionals that are deemed outstanding at obtaining, protecting, managing, enforcing, and monetising trade marks in key jurisdictions around the world. It is regarded as the definitive "go-to" resource for those seeking world-class legal trade mark expertise.
WTR undertakes exhaustive qualitative research, identifying top firms and individuals based on their depth of expertise, market presence and sophistication of work.
