Ben specialises in resolving disputes concerning registered or common law trade mark rights, domain names, copyright rights, registered designs, fair trading issues and confidential information. His passion is resolving trade mark and domain name disputes, having spent 14 years as a professional marketer and brand design manager before qualifying as a lawyer.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys good Kiwi craft beer, supporting his favourite team, the All Blacks, and spending time with his family.
Before joining James & Wells, Ben worked in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand as a marketer for large organisations such as Raleigh Bikes and Boots Healthcare and as manager for two prominent New Zealand brand design agencies.
Ben has appeared in dispute resolution forums both in New Zealand and overseas. In New Zealand, he regularly represents clients in trade mark proceedings before the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand and in domain name dispute resolution proceedings before the Domain Name Commission (NZ). He has also appeared before the Court of Appeal, High Court and District Court of New Zealand in disputes involving trade marks, breaches of the Fair-Trading Act, passing off, breach of confidential information, copyright rights and the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Ben has been recognised by World Trademark Review 1000 for his expertise in enforcement and litigation. The guide states that Ben "is always very prompt in responding to requests and offers a balanced view of perceived and/or real risks". His clients agree, saying “Ben has been championing the relationship between us and his firm for over a decade, providing service and advice of the highest standard. He has a detailed understanding of our business and the challenges we face; thus, he is instrumental in developing our strategy and provides immense value to us.”
“There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.” (Victor Hugo). It was a glorious afternoon. The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze blew across the sea as you enjoyed a fine Pinot Gris. Then it hit you…bam! The idea for the new product you’ve been searching for!
10 January, 2022 Read morePicture this: You’re a local NZ business and you’ve just successfully defended an opposition to registration of your trade mark before the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ). As a result of your win, the Assistant Commissioner has awarded you $2850 in costs.
4 November, 2021 Read moreAugust 2021 saw a slew of decisions issued by the Assistant Commissioners of Trade Marks in New Zealand. After significant frustrations with the rate of issuance in recent years, the uplift in volume is to be welcomed by trade mark practitioners and clients alike.
22 September, 2021 Read moreAre you thinking of exporting to Australia? Got your IP rights in order? Not yet? Well, don’t leave it too late because ‘she’ might not be right if you do.
7 September, 2021 Read moreLaunching a new brand is a massive task, involving a lot of people, a lot of teamwork, and a lot of decisions. From an intellectually property perspective, those decisions start the moment you consider creating your new brand. Here are five key IP rules when launching a new brand.
22 June, 2021 Read more
