Christopher Young

Commercial IP is a key part of Chris’ practice. He has more than 20 years’ experience in licensing and commercialisation, franchising, and commercial arrangements. He routinely advises on and develops strategy for IP aspects of corporate transactions.

Recognised for local and international brand strategy and managing trade mark portfolios, he manages risks, launches new brands, develops strategies to commercialise, protects and enforces brands, trouble shoots problems, and handles counterfeits. He is experienced with sponsorship, marketing, advertising, privacy, consumer protection, and other regulatory areas.

Both local and international clients benefit from Chris’ breadth of experience. He takes time to understand his clients’ businesses and develops strong and ongoing relationships as their trusted adviser. His clients operate in numerous industries including FMCG, fashion/apparel, publishing, food and beverage, liquor, advertising and marketing, retail, TMT, media, aviation, automotive, banking and financial services, entertainment, agriculture/horticulture, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, building, forestry, education, health and ageing, transportation, and energy.

Chris is recognised as a leading IP lawyer in legal directories, including Chambers, The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (Hall of Fame), Managing IP and WIPR. WTR1000 2022 recommends Chris, noting: “The IP practice at MinterEllisonRuddWatts is hallmarked by its strategic sophistication and impeccable transactional capabilities. The team can always be relied on to come up with the most commercially viable solution. Epitomising this is the dexterous head of IP Christopher Young, who has extensive involvement with many INTA committees and is always ready to deliver the top-notch brand protection and Trans-Tasman trademark law advice.” As one client says, “…we have found him to be extremely personable and overall, he has been a huge asset to us. Chris considers options and solutions that are both unique to the position of our business, and economically efficient. We always trust that we are in the best hands with Chris. Integrity, efficiency and quality is always delivered" – The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2022.

Chris has worked in London and is actively involved in the International Trademarks Association (INTA) and the International Bar Association (IBA). He has chaired INTA’s East Asia Pacific Famous Marks subcommittee, and been on the Parallel Imports Committee, Internet Committee, and the Asia Pacific Global Advisory Council. Chris is currently the co-Chair of the INTA Bulletin Asia-Pacific sub-committee.

Chris’ film, digital and television production work includes the New Zealand film grant regime. He has acted for many years for a range of major US studios on some of the leading productions filmed or produced in New Zealand.