Presenters

Richard Watts, Partner, Simpson Grierson
Richard Watts is one of New Zealand's pre-eminent IP lawyers, and considered New Zealand's leading expert on IP commercialisation and strategy. He co-heads Simpson Grierson's intellectual property group, advising a number of the world's leading companies in the FMCG, pharmaceutical, IT, and sports industries. Richard works with a number of leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, developing commercialisation strategies for leading local and international businesses. Acting for a number of leading brands in the FMCG area, Richard has co-, ordinated trade mark protection, enforcement and border protection measures for numerous household names, both in New Zealand and abroad. Richard is also highly regarded in copyright law, particularly in relation to IT and new technologies, having advised a number of the world's favorite brands in relation to the launch of their new electronic and web products in New Zealand. Richard appears frequently in IP disputes, having appeared in leading Supreme Court and Court of Appeal IP cases, as well as in the High Court, Copyright Tribunal and Intellectual Property Office.

Hamish Selby, Partner, Buddle Findlay
Hamish is a partner at Buddle Findlay, who specialises in intellectual property and leads the Buddle Findlay IP team. He has practised for over 20 years experience and has extensive experience advising clients in New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and overseas. Hamish advises clients about all aspects of IP, including creation, development, protection, commercialisation, enforcement and management, including copyright, trade marks, registered designs, patents and domain names. He acts in non-contentious, contentious and transactional IP matters. Hamish is privileged to act for some of the world's largest multi-national companies, large New Zealand companies, small-medium sized companies and local and central government clients as well as start-up/early stage businesses, who all entrust their IP rights with him. He is also proud to provide pro bono advice to a well-known international and local not-for profit businesses. Hamish acts for many food and beverage clients and provides IP advice to these clients, including in New Zealand, Australia and key export markets. In recognition of his expertise, Hamish is ranked in international legal directories, including Legal 500, World Trade Mark Review and Chambers and Partners. Hamish is also affiliated with a number of IP organisations, including IPSANZ (where he is a member and sits on the New Zealand executive committee), INTA (where he is a member and is on an Asia Pacific IP Office Practice subcommittee) and NZIPA. Hamish has a LLB and BSC (Biochemistry) from the University of Otago.