MoranLaw is a boutique IP firm launched in March 2024 by former Duncan Cotterill partner Scott Moran, specialising in IP strategy, brand protection, and litigation, often with significant cross-border elements.
Intellectual property in New Zealand
MoranLaw
AJ Park
AJ Park is a market leader in IP, assisting with matters spanning litigation, commercialisation strategies, plant variety rights, trade secrets, domain names, and geographical indications. The team is jointly led by David Harper, an expert in trade marks in the consumer electronics, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals sectors; Thomas Huthwaite, a skilled IP litigator; Michael Brown, a patents specialist in the electronics and IT spheres; and Duncan De Geest, who focuses on chemical innovations matters. Anton Blijlevens is noted for handling IP protection strategies, audits, and due diligence for mechanical and manufacturing companies, while Amanda Griffiths is highly regarded for branding and trade mark strategy, protection, and enforcement matters.
Praxisleiter:
David Harper; Thomas Huthwaite; Michael Brown; Dr Duncan de Geest
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Anton Blijlevens; Amanda Griffiths
Highlight-Mandate
MinterEllisonRuddWatts
MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ IP practice provides strategic and commercial advice, specialising in trade mark strategy, portfolio management, and transactional IP. The team advises private businesses, SMEs, multinationals, public bodies, and government clients both in New Zealand and abroad. Christopher Young, who is recognised for his expertise in IP licensing, commercialisation, and corporate transactions, leads the team, while Richard Wells is noted for his privacy and data protection work.
Praxisleiter:
Christopher Young
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Richard Wells; John McCay; Kate Cruickshank
Referenzen
‘Christopher Young is extremely responsive, articulate, and delivers clear, well-considered advice.’
‘I trust Christopher Young’s judgement completely. His advice is commercial, practical, and always tailored to our business.’
‘Christopher Young is highly skilled, straightforward to work with, and consistently excellent.’
Kernmandanten
Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
Centre for Climate Action Joint Venture Limited
ASOS PLC and ASOS Holdings Limited
Scholastic Inc
Two Degrees Mobile Limited
Essity Aktiebolaget Group including BSN medical GmbH
Entain Group Pty Ltd
Letterboxd Limited
Southern Cross Healthcare
SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited
The New Zealand Merino Company Limited
Tourism Holdings Limited
Kiwicare
Smokai Limited
Jubi Limited
Tiny Fund 1 LP
Plylite Marine
Credibil Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Entain and TAB New Zealand on all its IP, with recent work including a re-launch of the TAB brand and a range of new products.
- Advising AgriZeroNZ on its worldwide branding and brand strategy, and the IP aspects of a joint venture and its investments.
- Advising ASOS in relation to its IP in New Zealand and the South Pacific, including its ASOS brand and the sale of the TOPSHOP/TOPMAN brand to a JV.
Simpson Grierson
Simpson Grierson is recognised as a market leader in IP, advising on disputes, patents, commercial transactions, and the growing role of IP in sport. The team is co-led by Richard Watts, a seasoned litigator who also has strong transactional expertise, and Sarah Chapman, who specialises in non-contentious matters such as registry, infringement, and licensing. Raymond Scott adds further strength with his experience in trade mark prosecution and portfolio management.
Praxisleiter:
Richard Watts; Sarah Chapman
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Raymond Scott
Referenzen
‘Richard Watts has worked with us for quite a few years, so understands the business and our IP portfolio. He’s easy to talk to and has good availability.’
‘Communication is clear, actionable and timely with effort made to ensure the best next steps are always itemised by priority and very easy as a client to follow and progress.’
‘Sarah Chapman is highly personable, prompt and provides great actionable advice for us. Highly recommend for commercially orientated, practical advice.’
Kernmandanten
ADInstruments NZ
Briscoe Group
Eli Lilly
Energy Beverages LLC/ Monster Energy
GSK
Heineken
Jack Daniels
L’Oreal New Zealand
Merck Sharpe & Dohme
New Zealand Comfort Group
Novartis
NZ Rugby
New Zealand Rugby League
NZ Olympic Committee
Paralympics New Zealand
Red Bull
Sandoz
The a2 Milk Company
The Procter & Gamble Company
United Airlines
Wet & Forget
Highlight-Mandate
- Overseeing the brand protection, enforcement and ambush marketing strategy for the New Zealand Olympic Team at the Olympic Games in Paris.
- Representing international coffee house Cantarella Coffee (Vittoria) against rival coffee brand Lavazza in its High Court appeal relating to the use and registrability of its ORO trade mark.
- Representing Heineken in complex trade mark litigation against Monster Energy relating to the validity and enforceability of Heineken’s renowned TIGER brand in New Zealand.
Dentons New Zealand
The IP team at Dentons New Zealand provides end-to-end support, advising on everything from brand creation and protection to commercialisation, enforcement, and high-stakes litigation. The team is led by Jenni Rutter, a specialist in IP commercialisation with notable expertise in anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy. Patent attorney Andrew Baker focuses on agribusiness and healthcare, while Nadia Ormiston advises across trade marks and designs. Allira Hudson-Gofers departed the firm in 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Jenni Rutter
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Andrew Baker; Nadia Ormiston
Referenzen
‘The team has very strong knowledge across the business in relation to IP in many jurisdictions. They have access to a global network to support as needed, which has been invaluable for obtaining global trade marks, especially within China. They are always prompt in replying and provide balanced advice to help make key business decisions.’
‘They have excellent response times and provide pragmatic, easy-to-understand advice that aligns with our risk appetite. The team is stable, knows us well, and is keen to continue learning about our brands and business.’
‘Jenni Rutter is amazing. We have approached her with a wide range of requests and questions, and she always provides clear options with pros and cons. She is happy to hop on a call to discuss matters when needed, and she genuinely cares about our business. She has even stepped outside her IP role to support us in other areas where needed.’
Kernmandanten
The Hourglass Limited and Watches of Switzerland Pte Ltd
Danone Group
PepsiCo
AMP
Cisco Technology, Inc.
Kami Limited
Barilla G.e.R Fratelli S.p.A.
Avis Budget Group
New Zealand Transport Agency
Institute of Directors in NZ Inc
IBC Japan Limited
NZME Publishing Limited
Serko Limited
Snapper Services
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for IBC as the plaintiff in a dispute about ownership and infringement of copyright in an ERP software system created many years ago in the Philippines.
- Acting for New Zealand’s leading metaverse business and helping it clear, develop and enforce its large local and global portfolio of trade marks.
- Acted for the famous Italian pasta company Barilla in an opposition to a trade mark application for Barilla Dumpling.
Duncan Cotterill
Duncan Cotterill’s IP practice is recognised for its assistance to clients in identifying, protecting, and maximising their intellectual property, with a client base spanning the public sector, start-ups, and not-for-profits. Key figures include Michael Moyes, who focuses on the commercial side of IP, covering acquisitions, transfers, and licensing, and Katy Rostovitch, noted for her marketing law expertise, in addition to recently arrived partners Kieran O’Connell, valued for his work in sports and entertainment, and Jonathan Aumonier-Ward, a trade mark and copyright specialist, as well as highly experienced consultant Damian Broadley, all of whom joined from AJ Park in November 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Michael Moyes; Katy Rostovitch (née Stove); Peter Fernando; Kieran O’Connell; Jonathan Aumonier-Ward
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Damian Broadley
Referenzen
‘Very knowledgeable yet also quite practical and commercial. Great service.’
‘Katy Rostovitch – very responsive and an IP expert.’
‘Knowledgeable, invoices reasonably, responsive, prompt.’
Kernmandanten
Animates NZ Holdings Limited
Buy New Zealand Made Campaign Limited
Ceres Organics
Cobra Labs Limited (trading as JNX Sports)
ContextLogic Inc. (trading as Wish)
Coulter Ventures, LLC (trading as Rogue)
Eden Park Trust
EMI (IP) Limited
Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science
Interprofessional du Gruyère
Lumenart
MoleMap
oVRcome
PGG Wrightson
The New Zealand King Salmon Co. Limited
Trade Me Limited
Virtual Medical Coaching
Westland Milk Products
YETI Coolers, LLC
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising YETI Coolers, LLC on its New Zealand and Australian trade mark portfolio and the enforcement of its trade marks.
- Advising Interprofession du Gruyère on its application for a Certification Mark in New Zealand, as part of a global project.
- Advising the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science on protecting the IP and trade mark of RiskScape, a world-leading software tool for modelling natural hazard risks.
Hudson Gavin Martin
Hudson Gavin Martin’s IP group is recognised for its expertise in trade marks and brand strategy, complemented by broader support on IP protection, structuring, and commercial agreements. Team head Jason Rudkin-Binks is a leading name for brand development, protection, and commercialisation matters. Tim Mahood contributes strong commercial litigation skills, and advises on business strategy and operations, while Caitlin Hadlee specialises in entertainment and technology disputes.
Praxisleiter:
Jason Rudkin-Binks
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tim Mahood; Caitlin Hadlee
Referenzen
‘Jason Rudkin-Binks provides global expertise that matches our international intellectual property needs. He is fast, responsive, and keeps us well-informed throughout the trade mark process.’
‘Tim Mahood combines deep intellectual property litigation knowledge with practical, results-focused advice. He tempers strict legal analysis with commercial pragmatism to resolve disputes effectively.’
‘They are consistently clear, responsive, and practical. Their advice is easy to digest, and they always provide concrete next steps that fit our business.’
Kernmandanten
One New Zealand Group Limited
Genesis Limited
The Collective
Legend Story Studios
Vector
NIWA
IAG New Zealand (IAG NZ)
APRA New Zealand
Loyalty Solutions Limited
University of Otago
Nurox Hydrothermal Limited
Tahi Estate
Xero
Transition (Bio) Energy Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised ONE NZ on its re-brand from Vodafone NZ.
- Advised AgriZero in relation to various investments it is making in methane-inhibiting technologies and assessment of the underlying IP.
- Advising OneMusic (APRA New Zealand) on the enforcement of APRA and Recorded Music NZ’s public performance rights and secure licences from business owners who want to enjoy the benefits of music use, and assisting it with enforcement action required to ensure artists receive the royalties they deserve.
Russell McVeagh
Russell McVeagh’s IP team advises major local and international clients on navigating the full spectrum of IP challenges, covering litigation, compliance, and transactional matters. Its work spans the telecommunications, banking, pharmaceuticals, energy, and sports spheres, providing tailored, sector-specific solutions. Liz Blythe leads on complex technology transactions and IP structuring, while Joe Edwards is renowned for his advice on brand protection, IP disputes, and commercial arrangements.
Praxisleiter:
Liz Blythe; Joe Edwards
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Yaren Fu; Louise Taylor; Brigette Shone
Referenzen
‘Given its depth of expertise and client base, Russell McVeagh has a great knowledge of intellectual property issues within our industry.’
‘Liz Blythe and Louise Taylor adopt a very practical and commercial approach to their IP advice.’
‘Liz Blythe provides trusted legal advice with a commercial perspective.’
Kernmandanten
Bremworth Limited
Lion NZ
Spark
Ballance Agri-Nutrients
Meridian Energy
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for Bremworth in ongoing litigation against Pebblemill Limited and Mr Radford in relation to Pebblemill’s alleged use of confidential information (relating to the manufacture of certain types of wool carpets).
- Providing end-to-end legal support to the New Zealand Banking Association on the arrangements in respect of the establishment and launch of a Confirmation of Payee ecosystem involving the 13 retail banks in New Zealand.
- Providing end-to-end legal support to the New Zealand Banking Association on the establishment of an unincorporated data sharing alliance together with the 13 New Zealand banks to help protect New Zealanders through a co-ordinated approach to addressing frauds and scams.
Anthony Harper
Anthony Harper’s IP team works closely with the firm’s corporate and litigation lawyers to guide clients through transactions, disputes, enforcement, and data privacy matters. Mark Gavin leads the practice and is a respected IP specialist and litigator, recently appearing in cases before both the Intellectual Property Office and the High Court. Nicholas Allen is also recommended.
Praxisleiter:
Mark Gavin
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Nicholas Allen
Referenzen
‘We have a longstanding relationship with the law firm. They continue to provide great support.’
Kernmandanten
Caterpillar Inc
Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners
Dairyworks Limited
Emma Lewisham
GMP Dairy Limited
Intel Corporation
Louis Vuitton
MG Motor
Pacific Padel Limited
Paradise Beverages
Samoa Breweries
SKOPE Industries
Tax Traders Limited
Watches of Switzerland Pty Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting for global machinery giant Caterpillar in a long-running international trade mark dispute with Tigercat Inc over the use of the name TIGERCAT.
- Acting together with Corrs Chambers Westgarth on an application to remove the WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND trade mark registered in New Zealand by the Singaporean operator of Watches of Switzerland and an opposition to the WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND trade mark applied for by the client based on concurrent use.
- Acting for and undertaking a global clearance and filing programme for Emma Lewisham, which involves seeking protection globally both for EMMA LEWISHAM and the motif device used on packaging.
Bell Gully
Bell Gully’s IP practice is noted for its skill in handling disputes, major commercial deals, and copyright, patents, designs, and trade mark portfolio management. At the helm is Tania Goatley, an experienced commercial litigator with strength across the full spectrum of IP matters. Jessica Miles, recommended for her strategic brand work, and Kristin Wilson, a specialist in emerging technologies including AI and deepfakes, add further strength and depth to the team.
Praxisleiter:
Tania Goatley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Kristin Wilson; Jessica Miles
Referenzen
‘Tanya Goatley and Kristin Wilson are excellent lawyers – responsive, knowledgeable, and always ready with expert advice.’
‘Jessica Miles has a deep understanding of client portfolios and provides well-informed, strategic guidance that adds real value.’
‘They are a great team to work with – professional, detailed, and fast.’
Kernmandanten
Abbot Laboratories
ACO Limited
Antares Restaurant Group Limited
ASB Bank Limited
Auckland Transport
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (BMW)
Carter Holt Harvey
Colenso BBDO
Emeis Cosmetics Pty Ltd
Grimshaw Architects Pty Ltd
Impac Services Limited
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC and related entities in New Zealand and Australia
Stakeshop Pty Ltd
Suntory Beverages And Food New Zealand Limited
Tahua Partners Limited
Tainui Group Holdings Limited
Unilever IP Holdings B.V. / Unilever Global IP Limited
Vast Space LLC
Vero Insurance New Zealand Limited
Inchcape Motors New Zealand Limited
Malteries Soufflet SAS
Ministry for Primary Industries
Crown Infrastructure Partners
Department of Corrections
Task (formerly known as Plexure Group)
Ministry of Primary Industries
Non Fungible Labs Limited
Advent Partners
Synlait Milk Limited
CAE Inc.
Inghams Group Limited
Capital Productivity Pte. Limited
CVC Asia Pacific Limited
Enable Global Inc.
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Limited
Gallagher Bassett Services Pty Ltd
Eiris Solutions Holdings LP
The Warranty Group Australasia Pty Limited
PT APP Purinusa Ekapersada, Indonesia
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.
VMG Partners II, LLC re GoTracksuit
BlastOne International (Aust) Pty Ltd
The Network for Learning Limited
NZME Radio Limited
Monde Nissin (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Suntory Oceania
Land Information Freehold Education Trust
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Naveya & Sloane Limited
Abano Healthcare Group Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented Suntory Beverage and Food New Zealand (Frucor) in trade mark disputes concerning its ‘V Green’ colour (Pantone 376C).
- Advised European Energy Exchange on the acquisition of a one-third stake in Global Dairy Holdings, alongside NZX and Fonterra.
- Represented Lime Technology in urgent injunction proceedings brought by 3KM Technology, makers of Ario scooters.
Henry Hughes IP
Henry Hughes IP is a boutique firm with strength across the full spectrum of intellectual property matters, from litigation to copyright and licensing. The practice is spearheaded by David Moore, who is noted for his cross-border expertise spanning New Zealand, Australia, and the Middle East, alongside Elena Szentiványi, a trade mark and IP strategy specialist with a strong track record in enforcement.
Praxisleiter:
David Moore; Elena Szentiványi
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Jesse Strafford
Kernmandanten
Crocodile International PTE Ltd
Zoom Video Communications
Premier Brands IP LLC (GLORIA VANDERBILT TM)
Blue River Dairy LP (SPRING GOAT TM)
HNRY Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Successfully defended an application by Lacoste’s for i) the client to amend its pleadings and ii) file further evidence in a dispute over one of its trade marks.
- Assisted Zoom Communications in securing the registration of the well-known ZOOM trade mark in the face of multiple issues in New Zealand and internationally.
- Acted for Blue River Dairy in successfully obtaining the partial revocation of a registration for SPRING SHEEP, owned by Spring Sheep Dairy, on the basis that it had not been used for all the goods and services of the registration.
Ironside McDonald Intellectual Property
Ironside McDonald Intellectual Property is recognised for its strong trade mark expertise, advising clients across a wide range of industries. The firm is co-led by Sue Ironside, a commercial and IP specialist with a focus on trade marks and branding, and Rachel McDonald, who is experienced in patent litigation and broader IP matters. Seasoned litigators Ingrid Niemann and Solanda Chen further strengthen the team’s disputes offering.
Praxisleiter:
Sue Irwin Ironside; Rachel McDonald
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ingrid Niemann; Solanda Chen
Kernmandanten
Frank Commercial Limited
AVATR CO., Ltd
Inner Mogilia Mengniu Dairy (Group) Company Limited
Xiaomi Inc.
Aeroqual Limited
NSE Products, Inc.
Euro Corporation Limited
Marama Labs Limited
Evre Group Limited
Ruminant Biotech Corp Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Continuing to assist New Zealand Frost Fans in the protection of its trade mark in new and emerging markets overseas.
- Assisted Meno-Me in an intellectual property audit, and subsequently with international searches and IP protection in its key markets.
- Assisting Ruminant Biotech Corp Limited with the creation and protection of a new global brand that reflects its work within the methane emissions industry.
Tompkins Wake
Tompkins Wake is well known for its expertise in trade mark protection, brand enforcement, and sophisticated cross-border IP strategies. Shelley Slade-Gully leads the practice, bringing to bear deep experience in complex disputes, oppositions, and licensing matters. The team advises clients across a broad spectrum of industries, from technology and AI to gaming, motorsport, financial services, agritech, and media.
Praxisleiter:
Shelley Slade-Gully
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Natasha Alley
Referenzen
‘Shelley Slade-Gully- very commercial, practical, and has a strong understanding of the law. Great client service. A delight to work with.’
‘Very good litigation experience. Dedicated staff with strong technical and commercial skills.’
‘Natasha Alley is exceptionally strong on trade mark and IP matters, given her experience as an Assistant Commissioner with IPONZ for 10 years. She is very committed and hard-working. The client had high expectations, and Natasha and the rest of the team met these with aplomb.’
Kernmandanten
Barfoot & Thompson
Eagle Technology
New Zealand Plumbing World
The Thinking Studio (operating as Yabble)
Altered Capital
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Yabble on its acquisition by YouGov Plc, including complex cross-border IP due diligence and the valuation and transfer of AI-driven technology assets.
- Advising NZPM Group on trade mark portfolio management and brand protection across New Zealand and Australia, including strategy, filing, disputes, and acquired distinctiveness claims for core and secondary brands.
- Advising Altered Capital on multiple venture capital investments in New Zealand, including complex IP due diligence to assess asset ownership, value, and risk in early-stage companies.