We're delighted to announce that seven of our intellectual specialists are on the rise, all promoted to new roles effective 1 April.
Managing partner, Damian Broadley, says 'Congratulations to our staff on their promotions. We're proud of their commitment to excellence, and wish them continuing success in their roles. We are excited to see Colleen and Hadleigh join the partnership, and are optimistic about the future of the firm and our growth strategy. Colleen is a natural leader and invaluable to the firm with her exceptional work ethic. Hadleigh is a bright, hard working patent attorney and embodies the AJ Park values as a leader of the firm.'
AJ Park chief executive, Pete Boyle, says 'We're proud to announce the promotion of seven outstanding individuals who provide exceptional client service. As we expand our services in Australia, we look to grow the firm's capabilities even further, and continue to promote a culture of internal growth and opportunity by promoting staff internally. Next year represents our 125th year, where we celebrate the achievements of our staff and clients who have stood by us, and trusted us to represent them.'
Two promoted to partner
Colleen Cavanagh has rejoined the partnership. Previously, Colleen was a partner at AJ Park for nine years in the 1990s. Last year, she returned to the firm as a consultant in Auckland after years of overseeing the non-contentious trade mark practice of a large New Zealand law firm. She has over 30 years' experience advising multinational and local clients on intellectual property matters, and works across a variety of industry sectors including fast-moving consumer goods, household products, pharmaceuticals, insurance, retail, and fashion.
Hadleigh Brown moves up as a partner in the ICT and electrical technology patents team based in Auckland. Hadleigh has been with AJ Park for 13 years, advising start-ups, SMEs, large corporations, Universities, and crown research organisations on how to develop and implement IP protection strategies. He helps clients that are looking to export or do business overseas, focusing on international patent protection, particularly in the United States, Europe and Asia.
Two promoted to senior associate
Craig Rothwell has been promoted to senior associate. Craig works in the mechanical and electrical patents team based in Auckland, helping clients from all sizes of business, and working directly with inventors. He works with clients in a range of industries including building and construction, manufacturing, industrial design and product development, and medical devices. He drafts, files and prosecutes patent and design applications in New Zealand, Australia, and overseas, including in China, Europe, Japan and the United States.
Katherine Bowker has quickly moved up the ranks to senior associate after joining AJ Park last July. Katherine has been promoted to senior associate and works in our Auckland trade marks team. She helps local businesses to protect their brand, and works with clients in all industries, with an emphasis on apparel, fast-moving consumer goods, construction, nutritional supplements, and skin care products.
Three promoted to associate
Catherine Fry, Cici Cui and Nikki Kahn were all promoted to associate. Catherine Fry works on our litigation team based in Auckland, and helps clients to dissolve issues with IP matters. Cici Cui works in our Auckland ICT and electrical patents team, and is part of our dedicated China team, helping businesses protect their assets in the Chinese market. Nikki Kahn works in our Auckland mechanical and electrical patents team and helps a range of local clients protect their technologies.