Hadleigh Brown

Hadleigh is an experienced intellectual property (IP) expert who specialises in all aspects of patent and design law, advising and developing IP protection strategies for clients in the high-tech space. 

Expertise

A seasoned patent attorney, Hadleigh specialises in all aspects of patent and design law. He advises clients in the high-tech space, specialising in electrical, electronic, ICT, hardware and software technologies. He has particular experience in technologies relating to communications, sensors and scanning, networks, data processing, encryption, image and signal processing, audio, graphical user interfaces, AI, machine learning, and smartphone apps.

Hadleigh develops and implements IP protection strategies, including developing patenting and trade secrecy IP protection strategies. He prepares, files and prosecutes patent applications all around the world, and has particular experience in obtaining patent protection in the USA, Europe and Asia. His expertise also extends to helping assess potential infringement risks and devising design-around or risk-mitigation strategies for IP infringement, particularly around patent rights.  

Experience

Hadleigh joined AJ Park in 2002 after completing his electrical and electronic engineering Honours degree. His clients include crown research institutes, universities, engineering and manufacturing companies, start-up companies, and individual entrepreneurs and innovators.

During his time with AJ Park, he has learnt many approaches to developing and implementing IP protection strategies in the high-tech space. These have come about through peer-to-peer learning with smart colleagues and clients, and from a diverse range of client situations and experiences, ensuring Hadleigh’s advice is relevant, cutting-edge and cost-effective.

Working style

Friendly, analytical and solutions-focused, Hadleigh enjoys helping his clients understand their options and the associated pros and cons from a legal, commercial and pragmatic perspective. Having seen many start-ups and businesses grow and adapt to market changes, he knows that their IP needs evolve over time as their business goals and focus change.

Hadleigh gains huge satisfaction from helping clients to understand and navigate the IP landscape and leverage off it to achieve their commercial objectives. He values trust and collaboration in his professional relationships and works hard to demystify the IP system and minimise surprises as much as possible.

'I love watching my clients and their businesses grow and adapt to the fast-changing world we live in, and being part of their growth and business strategy. I like to consider the strategies and options available, and tailor bespoke solutions to suit their budgets and their short- and longer-term goals.'

Accolades

Hadleigh was listed as one of the world’s leading patent professionals in the 2023 IAM Patent 1000 index, based on peer and client reviews. He is described as a ‘versatile operator comfortable handling a wide range of technology from sensors to smartphone apps'.

Hadleigh was also selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2023 and 2024 Best Lawyers in New Zealand™ in the field of IP law. He was also recently noted as a recommended individual in IAM Patent 1000 for 2022.