The new generation is moulding the current market, the Duncan Cotterill partner points out
Earlier this week Katy Rostovitch told NZ Lawyer how she got into IP law. In the second part of this December interview, the Duncan Cotterill partner explains why it’s important for the profession to pay attention to the younger generation’s expectations – not just as legal talent to recruit, but as clients to cater to.
Attending my first INTA Annual Meeting! For those unfamiliar, INTA stands for the International Trademark Association, which hosts an Annual Meeting every May, attracting 10,000–15,000 professionals from around the world. I’d say IP law is one of the most globalised areas of legal practice. At Duncan Cotterill, we assist local clients with protecting and enforcing their IP both locally and internationally, and support international clients with their IP needs in Australasia and the Pacific Islands.
The INTA Annual Meeting is a cornerstone of any serious trade mark practice — it’s all about building and strengthening global networks. My first meeting was in Washington, D.C., in 2022, just after the COVID lockdowns, and it’s hard to describe other than that it’s just a real vibe. The city comes alive with thousands of like-minded professionals eager to have a good time and build some good connections. That experience reinforced what a privilege it is to be part of such a warm, collaborative, and global profession, and I couldn’t imagine being in any other area of law.
Our IP team has seen significant development over the past year! We’ve of course had Kieran O’Connell and Jonathan Aumonier-Ward join me as IP partners, kicking off an exciting growth phase for the team.
We’re also piloting a new trade mark service tailored for startups and small businesses, spearheaded by Rachel Triplow in our Christchurch office. This initiative is a great way to support growing enterprises and make IP protection more accessible.
We need to better understand and adapt to the expectations of younger generations — they’re not just the graduate solicitors stepping through our doors, but are fast becoming the clients we’re also working with, and shaping the market we’re in.
