We're proud to announced eight promotions for 2026, including the appointment of two new Principals, reflecting the firm's continued investment in legal, technical and commercial expertise to support innovators across New Zealand, Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The promotions include:
- Daniel Thorpe, Principal, Patents (EIT)
- Dr Victoria Argyle, Principal, Litigation and Commercial
- Ben Willams, Special Counsel, Trade Marks
- Blake Carey, Special Counsel, Litigation and Commercial
- Sam Ting, Special Counsel, Patents (Chembio)
- Megan Donnett, Senior Associate, Patents (EIT)
- Angela Kim, Associate, Trade Marks
- Elliott Mollet-Wright, Associate, Trade Marks
The appointments form part of a broader promotion round across the IPH Group, with 33 professionals promoted and a record 15 new Principals appointed across member firms in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Asia.
For AJ Park, the promotions reflect growing client demand for sophisticated intellectual property advice across sectors including technology, life sciences, consumer products and advanced manufacturing, as organisations increasingly look to innovation as a source of competitive advantage.
Steve Mitchell, Managing Director of AJ Park, said the promotions demonstrate the firm’s strong history of attracting top talent and its commitment to developing future leaders as it enters its 135th year.
One of the defining characteristics of AJ Park has always been the quality of our people. These promotions recognise individuals who have consistently demonstrated technical excellence, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to helping clients succeed.
"Victoria and Daniel have each earned the trust of clients through their expertise, leadership and collaborative approach. Their appointments as Principals strengthen our leadership team and position us well for the future as we continue to support innovation across New Zealand, Australia and beyond."
Mitchell said the breadth of the promotions also reflects the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of intellectual property advice.
"Our clients are operating in a world where technology, brands, science and regulation are becoming more interconnected. Building capability across all areas of our practice ensures we can continue to provide the strategic advice our clients need at every stage of their growth journey."
Dr Victoria Argyle and Daniel Thorpe said they were honoured to join the firm's leadership group.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with some extraordinary businesses and entrepreneurs who are making a meaningful impact in their industries, both locally and around the world. Supporting their success, while continuing to elevate and empower my team, will remain a key focus as I join the AJ Park leadership group,” said Thorpe.
"Becoming a Principal is an exciting milestone. I look forward to continuing to help clients navigate complex legal and commercial issues surrounding intellectual property while also contributing to the development of the next generation of professionals within the firm," adds Argyle.
The appointments take effect from 1 July 2026.
