Pairman IP

Intellectual Property

I am the sole owner of Pairman IP and I have been a registered patent attorney for 30 years. The goal of Pairman IP is to support New Zealand enterprises in a practical and effective way.

  • Straight forward, easily understandable advice that is simple to implement.

  • One on one, personal and continuing advice if required by you.

  • No question is too simple.

  • I especially welcome queries from female enterprises - I am keen to support you and share my knowledge and experience.

What is Intellectual Property?


Intellectual Property (IP) is a specialised area of law that includes copyright, patents, trade marks, passing off, designs, and confidential information. It is often referred to as a “bundle of rights”.Any business will own many aspects of IP, although many businesses do not realise the extent of their IP and its value to them. The owner of any business enterprise should understand all aspects of these rights and the relationship between them so they can gain commercial advantage.It is imperative to seek advice as early as possible. Opportunities can be missed if ideas are made public without prior registration and reputations can be ruined if marks are used without first determining the ability to use them.

Are you getting the most from your IP?
Do you know the full extent of your IP?

About Me


During my 30 years as an intellectual property lawyer and a registered patent and trademark attorney, I have gained considerable experience in all aspects of IP law. I have been a small business owner for 14 years, having established Pairman IP from scratch in 2009. I understand the issues of running a company single handed.I specialise in assisting businesses or individuals to understand and then protect their valuable intellectual property assets. Gaining a commercial advantage and protecting your business endeavours is vital to the success of your business.No business, issue or question is too small. I work with all types and sizes of businesses and organisations. Whatever your problem or goal, I am keen to understand IP issues and help you to succeed.My approach has always been to listen to my clients to gain a thorough understand their goals and values. This allows me to guide you in your selected course of action utilizing the various types of IP available to you. I provide easily understood and straight forward advice at a competitive cost.I am a qualified IP attorney in both New Zealand and Australia so I personally look after your assets in these countries. If your business needs extend overseas, I have contacts with attorneys throughout the world and I provide advice and assistance for protection of IP in any country.

What Makes Me Different?

  • I personally advise all my clients.

  • I thoroughly understand my client’s values and goals.

  • I keep up to date with my client’s business.

  • I run a focused and effective business with low overheads enabling me to provide value for money.

Professional History

YearPositionCompany
2009-presentDirectorPairman IP Limited
2008-2009PartnerEllis Verboeket and Terry
2006-2008ConsultantBaldwin Son & Carey
1997-2006PartnerBaldwin Son & Carey
1989-1997Patent AttorneyBaldwin Son & Carey
1986-1989Malaghan Research FellowMalaghan Research Institute, Wellington

Educational History

YearQualificationInstitution
2017Graduate Diploma in Arts with distinction in HistoryUniversity of Canterbury
1996LLBVictoria University Wellington
1992Qualification as a Patent AttorneyMember of the NZ Institute of Patent Attorneys
1986D.Phil. (Oxon)*Oxford University
1983B.Sc. (First class honours)Imperial College, London University

*Study into the conjugation system of Staphylococcus aureus

Areas of Practice


General IP Services

  • IP planning and advice on the methods available for the protection of IP

  • Identification of IP assets

  • Review of IP portfolios

  • IP portfolio management

  • Drafting and recording assignments

  • Advice on third party claims regarding infringement

  • Advice on ownership of IP

  • Drafting of ownership agreements

  • Bringing and defending oppositions to patent and trade mark registration

Patent Services

  • Prior art and freedom to operate searches

  • Drafting and filing of patent specifications

  • Validity and infringement advice

  • Filing overseas applications

  • Management of overseas patents and applications

  • Patent renewal services in New Zealand and overseas

Trade Mark Services

  • Trade mark searching

  • Brand selection and availability for registration

  • Filing of trade mark applications

  • Filing overseas applications

  • Management of overseas trade marks

  • Trade mark renewal in New Zealand and overseas

Design Services

  • Preparation and filing of design applications

  • Filing overseas applications

  • Management of overseas designs

  • Design renewal services

Copyright Services

  • Advice on all aspects of copyright law

  • Registration of copyright protection in certain jurisdictions (for example United States of America, Canada, China)

Contact