Kate Wilson and Simon Rowell are the only New Zealand-based experts in IAM Strategy 300: the World's Leading IP Strategists, recently announced by influential magazine Intellectual Asset Management.

Ian Finch and Simon Rowell were named in the inaugural sister publication IAM Patent 1000: The World's Patent Practitioners.

The compilers of the two IAM publications spent months investigating the credentials of strategists and patent practitioners in dozens of countries, including speaking to their clients.

Ian Finch, James & Wells Intellectual Property's Hamilton-based Managing Partner, is president of the NZ Institute of Patent Attorneys, editor of James & Wells Intellectual Property Law in New Zealand, published by Thompson Reuters, and has acted as counsel in many of New Zealand's leading intellectual property decisions.

Kate Wilson, based in the firm's Hamilton office, is the go-to expert for New Zealand companies such as Gallagher Group and Bomac Laboratories (before it was acquired by Bayer), helping them to gain a competitive edge.

Auckland-based Simon Rowell specialises in helping Kiwi companies such as Cookie Time and Rockit, commercialise their innovations using a suite of clever IP strategies.

Kate Wilson, who last year became the first New Zealander to be named in the world elite, says making the list is an important accolade, particularly as James & Wells Intellectual Property's clients had obviously been able to convey the positive results which had come from employing their IP strategist.

"James & Wells' reputation is growing in overseas markets thanks to the work we do for some of our smartest and best Kiwi companies globally, and I am proud to be recognised in the most respected reference for companies seeking comprehensive IP strategies," she says.

Kate Wilson has been on a crusade to convince New Zealand businesses to think much more strategically about protecting their IP and linking this to their business goals.

Ian Finch says: "James & Wells is driven to ensure our clients receive world-class IP advice. Our three-peat as IP Law Firm of the Year, and accolades such as these from IAM show we are delivering on our goal to help clients protect their most valuable asset."

Simon Rowell, who made the IAM Strategy 300 for the first time, says coming up with innovative ideas has long been a strength in New Zealand, but a clever commercialisation strategy underpinned by a strong IP position is the secret to successfully getting the idea to market.

"It is important for all New Zealand companies to work with an IP strategist who understands their business inside out. With the right advice, they can use their major assets to compete, leverage deals, generate multiple revenue streams and build sustainable businesses."

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