Senior Associate promotions - Baldwins Intellectual Property

Media release

Rising up the ranks: Senior Associate promotions at Baldwins Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property firm Baldwins has made exciting staffing changes to ensure continued success in New Zealand, Australia and internationally, with 12 promotions of six Senior Associates and six Associates.

“I would like to congratulate our staff on their promotions. Developing the gifted people at Baldwins is essential to the evolution of the firm. It exhibits our commitment to grow the firm and promote from within,” says Baldwins Chairperson Sue Ironside.

Dr Fiona Pringle joined Baldwins in June 2005, was appointed team leader in January 2013 and works primarily in the area of biotechnology patents. After gaining her PhD in 2000, she spent three years as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Upon returning to New Zealand she worked as a science policy analyst in the area of biotechnology for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Fiona’s PhD research focussed on an RNA virus from the family Tetraviridae. Her work involved cloning and sequencing the tetravirus (which infects insects and is used as a biocontrol agent in some developing countries), and demonstrating its unique assembly strategy using a baculovirus expression system. During her postdoctoral research Fiona characterised the first tetravirus capable of replicating in tissue culture.

Rachel McDonald is a Senior Associate specialising in Trade Marks in Baldwins' Auckland Office. Rachel started with Baldwins in April 1998 were she was appointed to assist one of the trade mark teams. In November 2000 she joined the professional staff as a trade mark executive and is currently studying towards a Certificate in Business Studies. Rachel's experience is in trade mark searching, filing and prosecution in New Zealand and internationally. She also assists clients in maintaining international watching briefs to provide clients with a market advantage of ensuring security to their trade mark rights.

Sophie Thoreau joined Baldwins in May 2003 having a background in intellectual property. She is qualified in law, and in the arts majoring in psychology and linguistics. She uses these skills in her daily work. Sophie is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in 2003 and was appointed as a Senior Associate in 2013. Sophie specialises in the application of Intellectual Property in commerce, particularly in contentious trade mark and branding related matters in New Zealand and internationally. She has been involved in a number of complex cases, developing new and emerging concepts of case law for regional and multinational clients of the firm. As a recognised contributor to learned and professional publications, Sophie is well engaged in and represents Baldwins in Intellectual Property professional peer groupings and advisories.

Duncan Schaut joined Baldwins in November 2009 and has been promoted to Senior Associate in the mechanical and manufacturing team in our Auckland office. He specialises in patents, registered designs and copyright particularly for mechanical and manufacturing inventions. Duncan’s industry experience comprises a range of technologies and their commercialisation namely aeronautical, building, cleantech, greentech, infrastructure, manufacturing, marine, medical devices, mining and mineral, packaging, recreational, sustainability, and transport. Duncan has worked as an intellectual property specialist since 2000 both in leading IP firms and as in-house IP counsel. This combination of experience brings a unique perspective and understanding of clients’ needs.

Brigette Shone is a barrister and solicitor, is currently studying towards becoming a registered patent attorney, and was appointed as a Senior Associate in 2013.

Prior to joining Baldwins in January 2012, Brigette practised general litigation for five years at a major New Zealand commercial law firm. Brigette specialises in all areas of intellectual property litigation and advice including trade marks, passing off, Fair Trading Act, border protection, domain name, patent, design and copyright disputes. Brigette also advises clients on commercial issues related to intellectual property, including contractual matters.

Brigette has represented clients in hearings on a wide range of matters in the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand, District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. From her commercial law background, Brigette also has experience in alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation.

Natalie Harre (nee Larnder) joined Baldwins in July 2012 as an Associate in the litigation team in the Auckland office and was appointed as a Senior Associate in 2013. Prior to joining Baldwins, Natalie practised in general commercial litigation and intellectual property at a top tier commercial law firm in Auckland. Natalie's previous intellectual property experience includes trade mark portfolio management, filing and prosecution of trade mark applications, contentious IP matters, border protection, domain names, passing off, Fair Trading Act and copyright issues.

Baldwin’s has promoted six Associates internally: Tim Stirrup; Katherine Bowker; Piers Thoreau; Rachael Koelmeyer; Anna Bargh; and Maria Sun.

ENDS

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