Expertise
Intellectual property
Protecting your ideas and strengthening your business
In an increasingly competitive and fast-paced marketplace, your intellectual property can be your business’ most valuable asset.
Whether it is your brand, creative works, or commercial know-how, protecting your assets is critical to maintaining a competitive edge in the market. Ford Sumner’s experienced team will help safeguard your intellectual property and ensure your rights are recognised and enforced.
In today’s environment, the challenges facing IP protection are ever-changing. From securing protection for your key assets, guiding ownership and use, and resolving disputes, we provide practical advice tailored to your commercial needs. We take a strategic approach to intellectual property, ensuring that your rights exist not only on paper but also deliver real value to your business.
Our team will work with you to identify, manage, and protect your intellectual property across its lifecycle. We proactively help you anticipate risks, maintain control of assets, and respond effectively where your rights are challenged.
Clear and practical solutions to maximise
the value of your intellectual property
At Ford Sumner Lawyers, we provide legal services designed to meet the unique needs of businesses and individuals, including:
Trade mark protection and management
We assist with securing, maintaining, and managing your brand assets to ensure they remain protected and commercially effective.
Intellectual property enforcement
We advise on strategies to respond to infringement and protect your rights, including negotiation, dispute resolution, and litigation where required.
Copyright advice and protection
We help you understand, protect, and enforce rights in creative works, including ownership, licensing, and use.
Strategic IP advice
We provide commercially focused guidance to help you identify, structure, and leverage your intellectual property as part of your broader business strategy.
Whether you need guidance on the process for selling a business or help with a complex commercial contract, our team will deliver expert legal advice that supports your commercial strategy.
Meet the team
Sarah Churstain
Mark Ford
Rebecca Richter
Jordan Todd
Josh Basobas
Fenella Smith
How to Get Started
If you’re entering a new commercial arrangement or need legal advice on an existing one, Ford Sumner Lawyers is here to help.
Start with a no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced commercial lawyers.
We’ll take the time to understand your business, assess the legal considerations, and outline a clear path forward — whether you’re negotiating a contract, managing risk, or planning a business sale.
Get in touch today to find out how our commercial law expertise can support your next business move.
News and insights
Intellectual property: Legal updates and case studies
At Ford Sumner, we are a committed part of New Zealand’s business sector and local communities. We keep a watchful eye for relevant legislative and regulatory changes, and we regularly write and share updates on what these changes will mean in practice for our clients.
So check in regularly with this part of our website, and subscribe to our newsletters.
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