New Zealander awarded international honour

Media Release

New Zealander awarded international honour

Auckland – 11 December 2013, A New Zealander has been recognised by the International body the Asian Patent Attorneys Association,for his services to Intellectual Property.

Baldwins Intellectual Property Partner Philip Thoreau was presented with the APAA Enduring Award at a recent ceremony in Vietnam. He is the first New Zealander and one of fewer than 20 recipients to have received the prestigious accolade.

Thoreau, who practices internationally in Intellectual Property, was given the award by Association President CK Kwong at a special ceremony held during the 2013 APAA International Meeting.  At the ceremony Thoreau was honoured for his contribution to Intellectual Property throughout the Asia-Pacific region and in particular his commitment to New Zealand interests in intellectual property on the global stage.

"The previous recipients of the APAA Enduring Award are few, so I am honoured to stand amongst them." said Thoreau after the ceremony. 

“It is important that New Zealand continues to have a voice on intellectual property matters on an international stage.  It is critical that we remain an influencer in Asia, particularly at this time of negotiations on market-changing trade deals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).”

The Asian Patent Attorneys Association is the leading private practice body in Intellectual Property throughout the Asia Pacific region and New Zealand has been a member for almost 40 years.  It holds links with IP organisations worldwide both at government and private practice levels.

“It is fantastic to see one of our leading experts recognised for his commitment to New Zealand interests in Asia.  Asia is now a key market for New Zealand exports, and intellectual property rights are fundamental to our businesses success” says Catherine Lye - Executive Officer, ExportNZ Auckland.

Thoreau has held leadership positions within the association as International Councillor, a member of the International Cooperation Committee and as a founder member and Chair in a number of leadership areas of APAA since the late 1970’s.  He has contributed extensively at his New Zealand Group level since 1975, as well as Group President for 9 years.

Thoreau headed a team which has seen considerable international recognition for New Zealand, including the 9th General Assembly and 32ndand 33rd Council Meetings in Auckland New Zealand, attended by hundreds of IP experts from around the world.  He was also significantly involved in the hosting of the 47th Council Meeting in Wellington, New Zealand and is now engaged in plans to host future International IP meetings in New Zealand, including recently announced dates in 2017.  He also plans to be involved in the upcoming 50th Anniversary of APAA in 2019.

ENDS

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