Thomas Huthwaite

Thomas is the Practice Group Leader for AJ Park's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice. He helps clients to maintain and enforce their intellectual property rights, and to resolve disputes relating to those rights.

Expertise

Thomas is a principal based out of our Wellington office. He specialises in all areas of intellectual property, from protection and maintenance through to enforcement. His focus is on dispute resolution, whether by way of negotiation, mediation, or official resolution channels.

Recognised for his expertise, Thomas has been named 'Up and Coming' by Chambers & Partners, an 'IP Star' by Managing IP, and was among the top 12 individuals in New Zealand for enforcement and litigation by World Trademark Review’s WTR 1000 2021. He has represented clients at all levels of the New Zealand Courts from High Court through Supreme Court, and the New Zealand and Australian Intellectual Property Offices, as well as before the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, and the New Zealand Domain Name Dispute Resolution Service.

Experience

Thomas is a former NZIPA council member, IPSANZ Treasurer and Vice President. He sits on the INTA enforcement committee responsible for Cross-Border Enforcement. He is also a member of the International Wine Law Association known as the AIDV (Association internationale des juristes du droit de la vigne et du vin), regularly dealing with issues relating to geographical indications and wine.

Before joining Baldwins (now AJ Park) in late 2010, Thomas was a researcher of human memory error and eyewitness testimony for the Innocence Project New Zealand and the Victoria University School of Psychology. In late 2012, he was seconded as a copyright and media policy consultant at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Industry recognition

Thomas is an extremely skilled practitioner. His document drafting skills are exceptional and he has a truly excellent knowledge of relevant court decisions, statutory provisions and court and IPONZ practice.

WTR 1000

Beyond work

Thomas is locally known due to his enthusiasm and support for local artists and artisans – from those involved in food and beverage goods and services, to those in the art, film and music industries. He is passionate about helping creative people and businesses.