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James & Wells Tops New Zealand Rankings For Leading Patent Litigation Expertise

Tuesday 9 August 2016, 11:02AM

By Beckie Wright

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In the latest of a host of awards received this year by national intellectual property specialists James & Wells, the firm has once again secured a top ranking in the prestigious IAM Patent 1000 for patent litigation in New Zealand. Partner Ian Finch topped the New Zealand listing as a leading patent litigation and transaction professional, remaining the sole gold-ranked practitioner in the country.

Of his expertise, judges commented, “Ian Finch is a titan of the contentious scene; a preferred choice of players in the heavy industries, he is also an active member of several IP associations.” Ian’s achievement sees him outrank practitioners from both specialist intellectual property firms and general law practices with intellectual property divisions in New Zealand.

Fellow team member Gus Hazel, Partner and head of the firm’s Auckland-based litigation team, was recommended for litigation and transactions, with IAM 1000 researchers commenting he is a “Renaissance man who can deftly turn his hand to all manner of contentious and non-contentious briefs; biotech and mechanical engineering are his specialist subjects.”

The firm was commended for the emphasis attorneys placed on strategic considerations when advising clients on identifying, owning and leveraging their competitive edge.

 “James & Wells is more than just a run-of-the-mill filing shop. The attorneys take the time to formulate strategies concerning how best to use the portfolio. Oftentimes they will come up with an angle you would not have considered before. When deciding to go forth with a proceeding, their creativity often makes all the difference.”

“One of the nation’s most illustrious outfits, the sizeable boutique covers all aspects of patent engagements. Close ties with Chinese firms and businesses, together with sophisticated linguistic capabilities, make it a prime pick for navigating continental Asia”, judges said.

Alongside the IAM ranking, James & Wells were ranked by Media Law International 2016 and listed by Corporate LiveWire’s 2016 Global Awards’ Winners Guide in the fields of ‘biotech and pharma’, and ‘domain name disputes’.

Following an extensive nomination and research process Global Law Experts awarded James & Wells ‘IP Litigation Law Firm of the Year in New Zealand’ and Trade Mark Advisory Law Firm of the Year in New Zealand’. 

For further information on James & Wells and their litigation services, please visit the website at http://www.jaws.co.nz .