David Harper

Expertise

David works with a range of clients to devise commercially-driven strategies to protect, enforce and defend their trade mark rights.

David specialises in advising clients on trade mark protection, management and enforcement, and provides strategic and portfolio advice. He has particular expertise in the consumer electronics, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals.

Experience

After graduating from the University of Otago, David started his career in the intellectual property team of a large commercial firm in Auckland. In 2008, he moved to Dubai where he worked for over 12 years advising clients on all aspects of branding protection, exploitation and enforcement throughout the Middle East – ending his stint in Dubai as Managing Partner of a regional firm. During his time there, he advised large multinational and regional clients on all aspects of IP matters, specialising in trade mark and patent portfolio management, IP disputes, and anti-counterfeiting issues.

Credentials

David’s recent industry accolades include being named in WTR 1000 2022, which describes David as “a very safe and steady pair of hands – you know he will provide an excellent service and he never lets you down”. WTR 1000 is the World's Leading Trademark Professionals - a unique guide that identifies the top trademark professionals in key jurisdictions around the globe.

David has been recognised as a Trade Mark Star by IP Stars every year since 2017.

In 2023 David was appointed to the Indigenous Rights Committee of the International Trademark Association (INTA) for the 2024 – 2025 term.

Beyond work

David works remotely from the picturesque shores of Lake Wānaka; and has recently taken up snowboarding and piano lessons in his spare time.