Thomas Robinson-Piper has joined James & Wells as a partner, strengthening its trademark and brand protection practice across New Zealand, Australia and international markets.

Before joining the firm, Robinson-Piper served as a partner at Pipers, advising clients on trademark and related intellectual property matters. He specializes in trademarks and advises across the full cycle of brand protection, including brand creation, freedom to operate analysis, filing and protection strategies, local and overseas prosecution, and contentious trademark matters such as opposition, revocation and invalidity proceedings.

He also has experience in enforcement, including border protection, counterfeit takedowns and domain name protection. His clients range from startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises to large corporates in New Zealand, Australia and international markets.

Robinson-Piper is a qualified New Zealand barrister and solicitor, a registered Trans-Tasman patent attorney, a registered Australian trademark attorney and a Fellow of the New Zealand Intellectual Property Attorneys Inc. He is actively involved in the International Trademark Association (INTA), where he recently served as a New Zealand committee member for the Unreal Campaign, which educates young consumers about trademarks and the risks associated with counterfeit goods.

“Thomas’ appointment is an exciting step in the continued growth of our trademarks practice and our broader Australia and New Zealand offering,” said Tim Walden, managing partner at James & Wells. “He brings deep expertise across the full spectrum of brand protection and enforcement, together with a commercially focused approach that aligns strongly with the way James & Wells supports innovative businesses. We are delighted to welcome him to the partnership and look forward to the contribution he will make to our clients.”

At James & Wells, Robinson-Piper will focus on strategic trademark protection, portfolio management, enforcement and brand-related IP issues for local and international clients.