Qualifications
LLB (Hons), BSc (Biochemistry), MBHL (Dist), University of Otago
LLM, University of Melbourne
Admitted
2014, New Zealand
2023, Trade Mark Attorney (Australia)
2025, Patent Attorney (New Zealand and Australia)
Tom is an experienced litigator who helps clients resolve complex commercial disputes, safeguard their intellectual property rights, and protect or vindicate their reputation and privacy.
Tom has represented clients at all levels of the court system in a wide range of disputes, from negligence claims and trust disputes through to consumer protection actions and shareholder proceedings. He is also skilled in alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediations.
He has particular expertise in intellectual property, leveraging his expertise as a Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney, Australian Trade Marks Attorney and litigator. He works with national and international clients to protect and enforce their most valuable assets - their brands and inventions. He co-authors the patent and copyright infringement sections in New Zealand’s leading intellectual property commentary, Intellectual Property Law, published by LexisNexis.
Tom has significant experience representing media and high-profile clients in defamation and privacy claims. His strategic advice helps clients navigate these issues effectively, often preventing disputes before they arise. So, he is frequently engaged to help in crisis and reputation management responses.
Before joining Chapman Tripp, Tom was a junior barrister at Shortland Chambers. He was formerly a judge’s clerk at the High Court and clerk to the Rules Committee.
Tom is recognised as an Associate to Watch by Chambers Asia Pacific 2025 and a Leading Associate by Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025.
Recent highlights
- Representing Fisher & Paykel Healthcare in patent opposition proceedings before IPONZ.
- Acting for Zuru in the High Court and Court of Appeal in trade mark, passing off and Fair Trading Act 1986 proceedings against the Lego Group.
- Representing Warner Bros. Discovery in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in defeating an interim injunction brought by a public figure to stop the broadcast of a major news story.
- Appearing for STgenetics in successfully obtaining an interim injunction stopping competitors from infringing patents covering flow cytometry and animal sex-selection technology.
- Acting for a NZX-listed company and its directors in suing an investment bank for defamation and obtaining a six-figure settlement.
- Representing a New Zealand inventor in patent litigation against Apple Inc.
- Acting for a leading engineering consultancy firm in defending a $100m claim, including appearing in the Supreme Court on whether the longstop applies to contribution claims.
Affiliations
- Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ)
- International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI)
- Communications and Media Law Association (CAMLA)
- New Zealand Intellectual Property Attorneys (NZIPA)
