We are delighted to announce the promotion of Kathryn McLardy, a member of our litigation team, to Associate.

“Kathryn’s promotion to Associate is testament to her hard work and dedication to providing excellence to clients” says managing partner, Tim Walden. “Kathryn has considerable expertise in ascertaining the place of intellectual property created from research, and is highly regarded for her ability to analyse and successfully negotiate contracts and agreements. She has been involved in multiple contentious matters such as advising on IP infringement, working on trade mark and patent opposition proceedings, and various matters before the High Court. Kathryn’s extensive background in research and innovation has been invaluable to clients, particularly in the academic space.”

Prior to joining James & Wells in February 2022, Kathryn spent nearly 10 years working at the University of Canterbury’s Research and Innovation Department as a contracts advisor. She has utilised this experience in her commercial IP work at James & Wells, including reviewing, negotiating and preparing IP-related contracts as well as advising university personnel on contracts, policies and intellectual property ownership.

Kathryn holds a Graduate Certificate in Social Policy (including Māori Development). She has a sound understanding of the role of indigenous intellectual property to Māori stakeholders, and has worked with kaiārahi rangihau Māori, to ensure that mātauranga Māori, taonga species and Māori data sovereignty are recognised.

Kathryn also holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts and is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. An overachiever, Kathryn received the University Prize in Law on completion of her LLB, was awarded the Chalky Carr Scholarships, and received six first in class awards.