Former senior associate returns to James & Wells as partner

Tonia Brugh, a former senior associate at James & Wells, and one of the Most Influential Lawyers in New Zealand, has returned to the firm as a partner.

The trade mark and IP expert brings to the table more than two decades of experience across New Zealand and the globe. She has spent time with a top law firm in Europe, where she supported Apple, Warner Bros and Google in matters related to the UK and European jurisdictions.

In addition to IT, she is knowledgeable about entertainment law, having drafted, reviewed and advised on various agreements for publishing companies, recording artists, song writers, authors and film production companies.

Following her initial stint with James & Wells, Brugh went on to launch her own practice. She has a passion for advising Pasifika and Māori entrepreneurs; she is a te reo Māori and tikanga advocate who conducts pro bono work for several Māori boards.

She is currently co-chair of the Pacific Island Community Tauranga Trust, and works with trustees at Te Murumāra Foundation (Te Aka Māori Dictionary). She is also an expert in indigenous rights, privacy, data protection and sovereignty as well as commercial contracts.

“I am very excited to be returning to James & Wells and contributing to the growth of its trade marks and commercial IP practice. Having the support of a familiar team made up of New Zealand’s most experienced trade mark professionals played a big part in my decision to return,” Brugh explained.

James & Wells managing partner Tim Walden lauded Brugh’s “positive people focus,” which he said was “combined with great insights and qualities in the culture and diversity space.” He added that Brugh’s familiarity with James & Wells added to her qualities as an asset for the firm.