Patent attorney and lawyer Gus Hazel has been promoted to partner at James & Wells in Auckland. Hazel deals particularly with IP-related litigation, including in the area of hazardous substances, agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines.

Ceri Wells, managing partner of the firm, says the appointments of Hazel and Walden reflect the firm’s increasing dominance in New Zealand’s intellectual property services market. “Of course we help people own and control their intellectual property, but it’s also about helping bring their ideas to life from start to finish, from business strategy to commercialization,” he says.