Chris Way

Chris specialises in mechanical, electrical and electronics patents and registered designs.

Experience

Chris qualified as a UK and European patent attorney in London before moving to New Zealand in 2006, and requalifying in New Zealand and Australia.

Expertise

Chris has a broad range of technical expertise, with considerable practice in telecommunications, packaging and medical device related fields.

In addition to drafting specifications and progressing applications through to grant, he is experienced in commercialisation and dispute resolution, assisting in licensing strategising and negotiations, as well as more contentious matters. Chris provides infringement and validity advice and has a strong opposition practice, both locally and overseas, where he is able to draw on his European experience.

Chris also handles design applications and advises on copyright, particularly in New Zealand where copyright extends to cover industrial designs.

Beyond work

An experienced mountaineer and an amateur golfer, when not at the office Chris can usually be found walking the fairway or scaling the alps.

Recent accolades

Chris’s recent industry accolades include being:

• named as a Patent Star in Managing IP's IP STARS for 2023 and 2021.
• highlighted in the 2023 IAM Patent 1000 index.
• selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers^TM in New Zealand 2024 in the field of IP law.
• selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2023 Best Lawyers in New Zealand™ in the field of IP law, and Telecommunications Law.
• selected by his peers for the inclusion in The Best Lawyers^TM in New Zealand 2022.
• Named in the IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals 2021.