AJ Park principal Lynell Tuffery Huria has been selected by World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR) for inclusion in the WIPR Influential Women in IP 2020 publication.
As part of WIPR’s recent online survey on diversity and inclusion, they asked for nominations for outstanding women in their respective organisations, with the aim of providing a positive focus on the development and progress that women have made in creating, protecting and securing intellectual property (IP). WIPR was inundated with nominations from across the globe, but only 100 women were selected for the WIPR Influential Women in IP 2020 publication—80 leading female practitioners from around the world, and 20 ‘trailblazers’ identified as rising stars in the industry.
The WIPR Influential Women in IP publication celebrates the work women have done, and will continue to do, in the IP sector, and highlights women who are playing a vital role in advancing the IP industry and challenging the status quo.
It is no surprise that Lynell has been selected for inclusion in a publication celebrating women who are championing diversity and changing the IP system.
Lynell (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahine, Ngā Rauru) joined AJ Park in 1990, aged just 16, and celebrates 30 years with the firm this year. She was the first Māori patent attorney in New Zealand, and in 2018 became a principal of AJ Park.
With more than 20 years’ IP experience, Lynell specialises in all aspects of trade mark protection, management and enforcement. She acts for a diverse range of clients, from Māori organisations in New Zealand to multinational companies in North America, South America and Asia.
Lynell is regarded as New Zealand’s leading expert on indigenous IP rights and Māori IP. She manages AJ Park’s presence in the Pacific Islands and specialises in advising Māori organisations on IP issues and protecting their cultural icons. Lynell is passionate about helping Māori navigate the IP system, identify cultural property and develop protocols and processes for recognition and protection within Western structures.
Despite her busy career, Lynell is committed to giving back. She dedicates her time and expertise to ensure that future generations will benefit from the richness of indigenous culture. Lynell is a tireless advocate for the further development of New Zealand’s IP regime to ensure that Māori culture is used with respect and in accordance with tikanga. She also chairs the International Trademark Association Indigenous Rights Committee and has been involved in drafting submissions on new legislation for the protection and recognition of indigenous rights across the globe.
We congratulate Lynell for her inclusion in the WIPR Influential Women in IP 2020. She is highly deserving of her place on this exclusive list.