Andrew Knowles

Andrew’s key expertise lies in Intellectual property, often the most valuable but least understood asset of successful businesses. Intellectual property can include innovations, products, processes and know how, as well as trade marks and the goodwill of an associated business. Andrew qualified as a lawyer in 1975, and within a few years developed a specialisation in intellectual property. He worked for, and was later a partner of, one of New Zealand’s large intellectual property firms in both Auckland and Wellington, before forming his own firm in 1993. Andrew joined James & Wells in 2003, and works part time out of the Tauranga office.

With over 40 years’ experience working in intellectual property, Andrew has been involved in numerous trade mark and design cases both in prosecution and litigation. His current practice includes working with clients on trade marks, copyright, design and patents. He is member of IPSANZ, (the Intellectual Property Society of Australia & New Zealand), and a registered trans- Tasman Patent Attorney.

Outside of the office, Andrew has a passion for sailing. He is currently a national yacht racing rules judge. He also qualified for the 1980 Olympic Games and has been chief selector for New Zealand’s gold-winning Olympic sail team.