Dr Hannah McKerchar

Patent Scientist \ AJ Park IP Limited

Hannah is a patent scientist and lawyer. She works with clients to protect, maintain and enforce their intellectual property. Hannah has particular expertise in biochemistry, food and proteins.

Expertise

Hannah combines deep scientific expertise with legal and commercial insight to help clients protect and maximise the value of their innovations. Holding a PhD in Biochemistry and having practised as a litigation lawyer in both New Zealand and Australia, she brings a rare multidisciplinary perspective to intellectual property strategy and protection.

Specialising in protein science, Hannah has a particular expertise in the structure and function of milk and food proteins. Her background enables her to understand complex technologies and communicate them effectively to a wide range of audiences, from inventors and investors to regulators and courts.

Experience

Prior to joining AJ Park, Hannah worked with the Office of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor through a Riddet Institute-supported internship, leading initiatives that strengthened engagement between researchers and policymakers and promoted evidence-informed decision-making.

Hannah has been appointed Counsel Assisting in the High Court, to help the Court to navigate complex scientific and patent issues. She is an Ambassador Champion for BioTech supporting the advancement of New Zealand's biotechnology ecosystem.

Beyond work

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys swimming at the beach, knitting and eating liquorice.

Services

Patents

Expertise

Qualifications

LLB, University of Canterbury (2005)
BSc (Hon, First Class) (Biochemistry), University of Canterbury (2006)
PhD (Biochemistry), University of Canterbury (2022)
Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand (2006)
Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Western Australia (2009)
Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of Australia (2009)