Thomas is an experienced intellectual property professional specialising in trade marks, branding and brand protection. He advises clients on the development, protection, management and enforcement of their intellectual property rights, with particular expertise in helping businesses clear, protect and defend brands in New Zealand, Australia and international markets.

A qualified New Zealand barrister and solicitor, a registered Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney and a registered Australian Trade Mark Attorney, Thomas brings a practical, commercially focused approach to IP strategy. He works with a wide range of clients, from start-ups and SMEs through to large corporates, providing advice tailored to their commercial objectives and growth plans.

In his spare time, Thomas likes to work in the backyard, tinker on his latest DIY project, watch rugby and coach his young children’s football teams.

Thomas is a Partner at James & Wells, advising clients on the full lifecycle of trade mark and brand protection strategy. His expertise includes brand creation, clearance and freedom to operate advice, filing and prosecution strategies, portfolio management, and local and international trade mark protection.

Thomas also advises on contentious IP matters, including trade mark oppositions, revocation and invalidity proceedings, infringement issues, passing off, copyright disputes, anti-counterfeiting strategy, border protection and domain name disputes.

Before joining James & Wells, Thomas worked at a leading New Zealand intellectual property firm, where he developed significant experience in trade mark law and practice matters.

• Trade mark strategy and portfolio management
• Brand clearance and freedom to operate advice
• Trade mark filing and prosecution in New Zealand, Australia and internationally
• Trade mark opposition, revocation and invalidity proceedings
• IP enforcement, including infringement, counterfeiting and border protection
• Domain name protection and disputes
• Copyright, passing off and fair trading matters