Andrew heads James & Wells’ Chemistry team. With a broad background in physics, biochemistry, and chemistry, Andrew has also completed a PhD in synthetic medicinal chemistry and post-doctoral studies in materials science.

Andrew is passionate about providing solid, commercially relevant intellectual property strategies to reduce environmental impact, improve human and animal health, develop high-tech devices and build infrastructure for the future, and more.

Andrew is a council member of the New Zealand Institute of Patent Attorneys (NZIPA).

Andrew is a proud father, into rock climbing, mountain biking, road cycling and orienteering.

Andrew works with clients to develop intellectual property strategies that include patent landscaping and freedom to operate advice. Notable recent examples of this work include providing validity and infringement opinions in relation to generic medicines, infant milk formulae, remote sensing systems and metallurgical products in Australia and New Zealand.

Of course, Andrew also helps clients obtain their own patent and design rights. This extensive drafting and prosecution experience is grounded in a solid understanding of the ability to defend, enforce and challenge patent rights in Australia and New Zealand.

Notable recent examples of contentious matters in which Andrew has been instrumental include defending United States Gypsum’s patent portfolio in Australia in front of the Patent Office and Federal Court of Australia and defending Bayer NZ’s/Elanco’s patent portfolio in Australia and New Zealand before both Patent Offices and the Federal Court of Australia.

Andrew was involved in the first three of eight patent opposition decisions under the post-Raising the Bar reforms in Australia and has an intimate knowledge of the new support and disclosure requirements under the Australian Patents Act 1990 and New Zealand Patents Act 2013.

Before joining the team at James & Wells, Andrew spent eight years working with Australia’s largest specialist IP firm Davies Collison Cave, developing a strong foundation in Australian law and practice.

Andrew is a Master of Intellectual Property Law including studies in Licensing Law and Technology Transfer.

Andrew’s PhD in synthetic medicinal chemistry included devising a novel enantioselective synthesis of the potent antimitotic agent, and important anti-cancer precursor, (-)-podophyllotoxin. His studies also included elucidation of the biological activity and mechanism of action of structural analogs of podophyllotoxin.

He was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship in materials science which involved designing and synthesising new classes of amphiphilic molecules using controlled radical polymerization techniques and investigating the role that the molecules play in stabilizing high internal phase emulsions.

Andrew was recognised as a notable practitioner by Managing IP in 2020/21.

• Novel bioactive compounds (poly(hetero)cycles, polysaccharide, cyclic peptides) for use variously as antiviral, antibiotic, antineoplastic, hypolipidemic agents
• Formulation science, particularly in the veterinary sector
• Polymer chemistry, particularly in the field of controlled radical polymerisation
• Natural products, including protein chemistry, plant metabolite, and drug delivery systems
• Materials science, including building materials, novel semiconductors, and nano-structured materials
• Synthetic chemistry
• Medicinal chemistry
• Physical chemistry