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Richard Wells

Partner
Auckland
Download Richard's vCard

DDI:        +64 9 353 9908
Mobile:   +64 21 2440 238
FAX:        +64 9 353 9701
Email:      

Richard is a corporate and commercial lawyer with particular legal expertise in intellectual property law and technology, media and telecommunications law. Richard excels in the commercialisation of new technology and the strategic management of intellectual property.

Professional Qualifications

LLB (Hons) University of Auckland, 1996
BA University of Auckland, 1995

Areas of expertise

Intellectual Property
Corporate and Commercial
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Outsourcing
Sports

Richard has broad experience in the commercial, intellectual property and TMT fields across several jurisdictions. 

He advises on issues arising at all stages in the product lifecycle including in particular, the commercialisation of new technology, franchising structures and the strategic management of IP and technology.  Richard also advises on and negotiates TMT contracts and general commercial contracts. 

Richard also has broad experience working with event hosts, sponsors and key stakeholders for major events in New Zealand.
 
Some of Richard's major projects
  • Negotiating, drafting and advising on commercial agreements including supply, franchise, licence, co-existence and settlement agreements.
  • Advising official partners to Rugby World Cup 2011 on commercial licensing, endorsements and operational issues. 
  • Advising K2010 the local organising committee for the Rowing World Championships at Karapiro.
  • Advising on various IT and media issues, including software licensing, domain names, data protection/privacy, advertising and website compliance. 
  • Managing and structuring IP portfolios, implementing management, enforcement and licensing strategies for multi-national IP owners.   
  • Troubleshooting commercial and IP issues and advising on franchise and licensing structures.
  • Advising on legal aspects of acquisitions, dispositions and restructurings, particularly in the FMCG, mining/energy and professional service sectors. 
  • Negotiating and drafting contracts to control research & development collaborations with inventors, universities & industry players.

Seminars and publications

  • "Drafting IP Agreements", "International Technology Licensing Agreements" - Hawkesmere
  • "Intellectual Property Aspects of Commercial Transactions" - PLC
  • "IP Warranties and Indemnities" - Linklaters/PLC
International recognition
 
International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers – Trademarks (2010)
Recommended Lawyer (Intellectual Property) - PLC Which Lawyer? 2010 and 2011
Australasian Legal Business (ALB) 2009 – Technology, Media and Telecommunications
 
Work history
 
Partner, Minter Ellison Rudd Watts, Auckland (2008 - present)
Intellectual Property Counsel, De Beers Group, London (2005 - 2008)
Managing Associate, Linklaters, London (2000 - 2005)
Solicitor, Chapman Tripp, Auckland (1996 - 2000)




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