Dr. Ross Patterson

Consultant

Ross is a highly respected competition and telecommunications law expert with more than 30 years of specialist experience as both a lawyer and a regulator.

Regarded as an authority on economic regulation, Ross represents clients in New Zealand’s highest profile merger clearances, authorisations, and Commerce Commission investigations, and advises on the Commerce Act aspects of commercial arrangements and behaviour. He assists a wide range of telecommunications companies with Telecommunications Act issues and the ongoing telecommunications sector reform processes.

Ross is sought after for his in-depth knowledge of competition law especially in the telecommunications sector. Clients appreciate the benefits of his “quite unique history and skillset” (Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022) as New Zealand’s Telecommunications Commissioner and a member of the Commerce Commission between 2007 and 2012. Along with his strong regulatory relationships, Ross has excellent ties with Australia, having been a partner at MinterEllison (Sydney) and President of the Australia New Zealand Business Council for many years.

Named in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific’s Hall of Fame for competition law, Ross is also recognised by top legal directories for his expertise in technology, media and telecommunications (TMT). He is praised by clients for his ability to “translate complicated concepts into clear language.” He is renowned for his client care, with one client saying “[t]he knowledge, advice and client attention we receive from Ross Patterson is amazing” – Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022. Drawing on the huge breadth of his experience, Ross provides excellent advice swiftly, enabling clients to make strategic decisions with speed.

With a PhD in competition law, Ross has published many articles on competition and telecommunications issues. He is a regular speaker at conferences both in New Zealand and overseas.

Career highlights

Acting for Action Manufacturing on its application for clearance to acquire the assets of MaxiTRANS NZ.

Acting for Camplify Co (NZ) Limited on its application for clearance to acquire the peer-to-peer business operated under the Mighway and SHAREaCAMPER brands.

Acting for Life Health Foods on its application for Commerce Commission clearance to acquire Chalmers Organics Ltd.

Advising Tourism Holdings Limited on its Commerce Commission application for clearance to acquire Apollo Tourism & Leisure Ltd.

Representing Television New Zealand (TVNZ) in a Case Stated brought by the Commerce Commission on the application of the Telecommunications Development Levy to broadcasting services.

Advising Enable Networks and Tuatahi First Fibre on the design and implementation of the regulatory regime for fibre fixed line access services under Part 6 of the Telecommunications Act that came into effect on 1 January 2022.

Advising Enable Networks and Tuatahi First Fibre on the application of Part 4AA of the Telecommunications Act in relation to unbundled access to their fibre networks.

Achievements and recognition
  • Hall of Fame, Competition Law, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Leading Individual, Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT), The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Tier 1 team, Competition Law, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Tier 1 team, Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT), The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
  • Senior Statesperson, Competition/Antitrust, Chambers Asia-Pacific
  • Senior Statesperson, Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT), Chambers Asia-Pacific
  • Band 1 team, Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT), Chambers Asia-Pacific
  • Winner, Lawyer of the Year 2024, Telecommunications Law, Best Lawyers
  • Recognised, Competition and Consumer Law, Best Lawyers
  • Recognised, Telecommunications Law, Best Lawyers