Sharon Zhu

Sharon is a senior associate in AJ Park’s Auckland engineering and IT team. She combines her expertise in law and engineering to help clients protect their innovations and bring their ideas to life.

Expertise

Sharon specialises in patents, registered designs and other related IP law. Sharon works with her clients to help build up their IP portfolios and advises on potential infringement risks. Sharon helps clients through all stages of a patent lifecycle including advising on patentability of new ideas, drafting patent specifications, prosecuting patent applications globally and advising on freedom to operate.

Sharon works with a range of clients including individuals, SMEs, universities and large multi-national corporates. Having in-house experience means that Sharon is familiar with the goals businesses are trying to achieve and the value IP can bring to a business.

Working style

Methodical, efficient and approachable, Sharon enjoys working closely with clients to achieve their goals.

‘It’s inspiring to work with creators from different fields, and to be among the first to encounter new inventions and technology. What’s really fulfilling is the opportunity to be part of a process that brings ideas to life and create value for businesses.’

Experience

Sharon has previously worked at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, where she researched new engineering solutions in the areas of biology and human physiology. She has also worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Auckland’s Department of Engineering Science.

Sharon completed conjoint engineering and law honours degrees at the University of Auckland. An interest in these areas naturally led her to intellectual property law, a profession that bridges these fields.

Beyond work

When not at the office, Sharon enjoys being outdoors exploring new tracks, growing her vegetable patch and tending to her worm farm.