Thomas Huthwaite
Principal \ AJ Park Law Limited, Wellington
Thomas helps clients to maintain and enforce their intellectual property rights and to resolve disputes relating to those rights.
Expertise
Thomas is a principal based out of our Wellington office. He specialises in all areas of intellectual property, from protection and maintenance through to enforcement. His focus is on dispute resolution, whether by way of negotiation, mediation, or official resolution channels.
Recognised for his expertise, Thomas has been named ‘Up and Coming’ by Chambers & Partners, an ‘IP Star’ by Managing IP, and is among the top 12 individuals in New Zealand for enforcement and litigation by World Trademark Review’s WTR 1000 2021. He has represented clients at all levels of the New Zealand Courts from High Court through Supreme Court, and the New Zealand and Australian Intellectual Property Offices, as well as before the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, and the New Zealand Domain Name Dispute Resolution Service.
Experience
Thomas is a Committee member for the IPSANZ National and Trans-Tasman Committees, former IPSANZ Treasurer and current Vice President. He is also a member of the International Wine Law Association known as the AIDV (Association internationale des juristes du droit de la vigne et du vin), regularly dealing with issues relating to geographical indications and wine
Before joining Baldwins (now AJ Park) in late 2010, Thomas was a researcher of human memory error and eyewitness testimony for the Innocence Project New Zealand and the Victoria University School of Psychology. In late 2012, he was seconded as a copyright and media policy consultant at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Recent accolades
Thomas’ recent industry accolades include being:
- the only New Zealand lawyer named as ‘Up and Coming’ in the Chambers & Partners Asia-Pacific 2023 and 2024 Guide.
- named among the best intellectual property lawyers in New Zealand 2023 and 2024 by bestlawyers.com.
- named in the 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2019 editions of Managing IP's IP STARS as a 'rising star'.
- named a Top 10 Most Influential Intellectual Property Lawyers in New Zealand 2023 by Business Today.
- highlighted among top 12 individuals in World Trademark Review’s WTR 1000 2021 for enforcement and litigation.
- named in the 2019 edition of the Legal 500 as a Key Lawyer in New Zealand intellectual property.
He is absolutely fantastic. Young, incredibly smart, his legal analysis is great. Thomas is an exceptional lawyer. His advice is considered, sound and relevant. He is like the captain of a ship in stormy waters; calm and providing clear guidance at all times. His expert guidance is invaluable.
- WTR 1000 2021
- recognised in WTR 1000 2022 as a bronze individual for enforcement & litigation
- selected as an influencing IP lawyer in New Zealand 2022 by Asia IP.
Beyond work
Thomas is locally known due to his enthusiasm and support for local artists and artisans – from those involved in food and beverage goods and services, to those in the art, film and music industries. He is passionate about helping creative people and businesses.
Expertise
Qualifications
- BA (Psychology), Victoria University of Wellington (2010)
- BSc (Hons) (Psychology), Victoria University of Wellington (2010)
- LLB, Victoria University of Wellington (2010)
- Admitted as a Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
- Registered Patent Attorney (New Zealand and Australia)
Thomas Huthwaite 's insights
Thomas Huthwaite 's team
Principal \ Auckland
Natalie Harre
Consultant \ Auckland