Dr Briar Dominick

Senior Associate \ AJ Park IP Limited, Wellington

Expertise

Briar joined AJ Park in early 2016 as a search analyst. A member of the firm’s chemistry and life sciences team, she assists with patent prosecution and the drafting of patents for companies operating in the fields of chemistry, biology, food technology, and pharmaceuticals. In July 2024 Briar was promoted to Senior Associate.

Briar's work that draws on skills she has honed in her past roles and throughout her postgraduate study: organisation, attention to detail, research, and data collection and collation.

Experience

After gaining an honours degree in chemistry from the University of Otago, Briar worked in the laboratory at Wither Hills winery in her hometown of Blenheim, testing wines throughout the fermentation process. She then moved to Auckland to do a PhD in chemistry, researching the organic synthesis of a natural compound with potential anti-cancer properties.

Briar has held various roles at the University of Auckland, initially as a teaching assistant, then as a senior research assistant at Auckland UniServices—the university’s commercial research arm, and most recently as a lecturer in organic chemistry.

Working style

Super-organised (she loves making lists) and curious by nature, Briar enjoys challenges and the satisfaction of seeing large projects through to completion. A chance conversation introduced her to intellectual property law and saw her take on her current role where the variety keeps her stimulated and on her toes.

Services

Patents

Expertise

Qualifications

BSc (Hons) (Chemistry), University of Otago (2008)
PhD (Organic Chemistry), University of Auckland (2013)
Registered Patent Attorney (New Zealand and Australia)

Dr Briar Dominick's news and insights

Article \ 15 Nov 2023

Post-acceptance amendments in New Zealand

Post-acceptance amendments to a patent application in New Zealand are only allowed in certain circumstances and require careful drafting of the amendment to ensure it meets the relevant criteria. This article considers when an amendment might be permitted.

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Article \ 9 Mar 2022

Parent-divisional claim overlap in New Zealand

The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) has recently updated The Patent Examination Manual section regarding ’Regulation 82: Claims overlap between parent & divisional applications‘ in response to some recent decisions following hearings before an Assistant Commissioner.