Promotions at James & Wells testament to ‘champions of innovation’ culture
National intellectual property specialists James & Wells are proud to announce three staff promotions among their ranks, naming Peter Brown and Owen Culliney as Senior
Associates, and Sebastien Aymeric as an Associate.
Managing partner Kate Wilson says the promotions are a reflection of the firm’s commitment to professional development,
and the company’s vision to stay as New Zealand’s most sought after intellectual property firm.
“We have a clear vision of where we are heading, and it is definitely a good space for all of us and the industry.”
“Peter, Owen and Sebastien’s professionalism, quality and the value of their work is outstanding. Their promotions are a
chance for us to celebrate their achievements, and to acknowledge the firm’s confidence in them for what they will
accomplish with their new responsibilities,” Kate says.
As a patent attorney based in James & Wells’ Auckland office, Peter heads the firm’s Food and Beverage division. The industry is seen as an area of huge
growth potential in New Zealand with the government’s plans to grow the sector 300% by 2025. Intellectual property will
play a crucial role.
Peter joined the firm in 2008 and in less than three years had passed his exams to qualify as a Registered Patent
Attorney, taking out the country’s top mark in two exams. Hecompleted a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in genetics and a PhD
in biochemistry at the University of Auckland before undertaking his post-doctoral fellowship with Auckland Uniservices.
Owen is a commercial lawyer and heads James & Wells’ rapidly growing national commercial team. Having joined the firm in 2013, Owen’s diverse practice sees him
working to commercialise intellectual property, negotiate mergers and acquisitions, draft commercial agreements and
oversee property related capital-raising and development.
Outside of work, Owen is community oriented, being the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee for the Waikato Football
Federation, the chairman of the Career Moves Charitable Trust Board and a member of the Rotary Club of Waikato Sunrise.
He has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Management Studies, majoring in accounting.
A member of the Auckland litigation and commercial teams, Sebastien focuses on commercial and intellectual property
disputes. His experience means he is well versed in drafting commercial agreements as well as the processes and
strategies of dispute resolution, either before the courts, the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand or via
arbitration and mediation.
Sebastien joined the firm in 2012, and is on his way to becoming a registered patent attorney.
He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and holds a Master of Laws from the Sorbonne University
of Paris. Recently Sebastien became the New Zealand Chairperson for LESANZ (Licensing Executives Society Australia New
Zealand).
ENDS