Paul Johns has joined Pearce IP as an executive lawyer and head of litigation (New Zealand). Johns joins Pearce IP from AJ Park (formerly Baldwins), where he led the litigation and commercial practice group for a cumulative nine years.

Johns is an intellectual property dispute resolution specialist with more than 24 years of experience across New Zealand and the UK. He is a seasoned lawyer, IP strategist and is experienced in managing contentious disputes regarding all types of intellectual property and related issues, including patents, copyright, trademarks, designs, confidential information and consumer law. With a background in molecular genetics, he acts for clients across a vast range of industries. Johns is well-known for his thoughtful and strategic approach to dispute resolution and is ranked in virtually every notable legal/IP directory.

Pearce IP’s founder and CEO Naomi Pearce said: “In October 2023, Pearce IP quietly entered the New Zealand market, hiring a number of lawyers and attorneys. I am absolutely delighted that Paul has joined Pearce IP, and am excited to work with him at an executive level to build out our New Zealand-based legal capacity both in Wellington, Auckland and elsewhere. Paul’s commencement represents a megaphone to the New Zealand IP community that Pearce IP is realizing its 2027 Vision to be the premier life sciences IP practice in Australia and New Zealand.”

Johns follows special counsel Julie Ballance, also formerly of Baldwins, who joined the firm in October 2023; he is the 5th New Zealand-registered/based team member to join Pearce IP since January.