Briar Richardson

Senior Associate

Briar is an intellectual property lawyer with a focus on commercial IP, consumer and privacy law.

She advises clients on the use and registration of trade marks, branding issues, infringement, enforcement, and counterfeit strategy programmes. Briar is experienced with all aspects of commercialising IP including licensing and commercial contracts.

Her areas of expertise include advising on the IP aspects of transactions, business acquisitions and mergers as well as providing local and global brand protection strategies to ensure these meet company objectives.

Briar is an expert in commercialising IP, drafting and advising on a range of contracts including license agreements, distribution agreements, settlement agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.

Her experience in trade mark services include conducting trade mark clearance and availability searches, advising on the registrability of trade marks and filing and prosecuting the same in New Zealand and overseas. Briar has conducted IP clearances in relation to brands, products, packaging and online and advertising campaigns.

Briar is also sought after for her expertise in IP infringement risk assessments, including mitigating third party infringement risks, dispute resolution and strategy.

Career highlights

Advising SkyCity on its strategy for a wide range of IP matters including brand strategy and portfolio management in New Zealand, Australia and internationally, IP advisory work, disputes, oppositions, brand clearance, trade mark registration, IP licensing and contracts.

Advising Southern Cross Healthcare on brand strategy, contracting arrangements re IP, disputes and trade mark registration in New Zealand. Also assisting its joint ventures EAPWorks (a leading provider of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) in New Zealand) and Active Limited (rehabilitation services).

Acting for Icebreaker, one of New Zealand’s most successful international apparel brands, on all of its IP locally and internationally. This includes IP strategy, portfolio management and a range of disputes around the world.

Achievements and recognition
  • Recognised, Leading IP Trademark firm, 2022, Asia IP
  • Rising Star, IP Stars