Intellectual property specialists James & Wells have announced the promotion of both David Macaskill and Andrew Clarke to partner.
David is a patents and IP strategy specialist working from the firm’s Hamilton and Tauranga offices, and Andrew is a life sciences patent specialist based in the firm’s Brisbane office.
Managing Partner Tim Walden says the appointments reflect James & Wells’ ongoing expansion and commitment to maintaining its position as one of Australasia’s leading independent Intellectual Property (IP) firms.
David Macaskill
Ranked by IAM1000 as a one of the world’s leading patent attorneys, David is an IP lawyer and patent attorney who specialises in strategy development, implementation and portfolio management.
He has experience in a wide variety of technology areas and has worked with some of New Zealand’s leading businesses helping them to develop IP strategies to maximise commercial value. This includes understanding the intersection between different forms of IP protection and applying the most effective mechanisms for achieving commercial goals.
David has a background in chemistry; however, his patent practice encompasses a wider range of areas including mechanical and process engineering, chemistry, medical products, and material science
Managing Partner Tim Walden says, “Dave has been with James & Wells since 2005 and has experience working across almost all areas of the business. Dave has made a sustained and significant contribution to the firm and his broad skills have only enhanced his natural aptitude for educating and communicating with business and with numerous organisations, including Callaghan Innovation, Enterprise Angels, Export NZ and the Maori Economic Forum.”
Dr. Andrew Clarke
Andrew is a former director and co-founder of boutique Australian IP firm Innofy which was acquired by James & Wells in 2019. He now heads James & Wells’ biotechnology team in Australia.
Andrew has an impressive track record of managing IP portfolios for universities, large research organisations, ASX-listed companies, and start-ups. He specialises in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in a diverse array of biotech fields including immunology, antibody technologies, vaccines, molecular biology, cell therapies and bioinformatics.
Recommended by the prestigious IAM Patent 1000 for patent prosecution in Australia, Andrew has significant experience working with companies and technologies in the biotech industry to develop their IP strategies, and protect and commercialise their inventions.
Tim says, “With a PhD in Biochemistry and a Master of Intellectual Property, Andrew brings with him significant expertise. Andrew’s realistic and grounded approach to work and life makes him a great fit for James & Wells’ culture. The Partners agree that we couldn’t have chosen a better attorney to begin our expansion into the Australian market and we are incredibly excited about our future expansion in Australia.”
