Patent Attorney

P L Berry and Associates Ltd; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IP law firm in Christchurch is seeking a mid- to senior-level Patent Attorney for a solo charge position. The role involves drafting and prosecuting patent specifications predominantly in engineering, alongside trade mark and copyright work. The ideal candidate will work autonomously and collaborate with associates abroad, starting in 2026 or earlier. Applications are welcomed before October 31, 2025.

Qualifications

• Mid- to senior-level Patent Attorney with experience in engineering-based patent work.
• Ability to work autonomously as a solo practitioner.
• Eligible to work in New Zealand or UK.

Responsibilities

• Draft patent specifications for local clients and prosecute them.
• Handle trade mark, registered design and copyright work.
• Collaborate with associates abroad.

Skills

Patent law expertise

Engineering background

Autonomous working

Job description

Overview

Wanted – a mid- to senior-level Patent Attorney for a sole charge position at PL Berry and Associates Ltd – a happy and thriving practice in Christchurch.

The practice is a busy mix of all Intellectual Property work, including drafting patent specifications for local clients and prosecuting them in New Zealand and abroad, together with plenty of trade mark, registered design and copyright work. Much of the patent work is engineering based. We also have strong, long-term connections with a range of associates abroad.

The position is a solo one, so would suit an experienced practitioner looking for greater autonomy or release from the constraints of a larger organisation. Professional support and collegiality are available from members of our associated IP Law firm. The position becomes available because of the impending retirement of Elspeth Buchanan B.Met. (Hons), C.Eng., MIMMM, FNZIPA.

The practice is ably supported by two long-time support staff, who provide great strength to the practice, including strong systems knowledge and great institutional memory.

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city and is rightly known as the “Garden City”. Not only is it well-known for good growing conditions it also has a huge range of sporting opportunities readily available, including swimming, tramping and skiing available on the city’s doorstep. It has a vibrant cultural life and is close to world class vineyards. It is a University town, hosting one of New Zealand’s two Engineering Schools.

While the position is best suited to a Trans-Tasman attorney, it would also suit qualified attorneys from the United Kingdom and similar British jurisdictions.

Ideally the new attorney would be ready to start in the new calendar year of 2026, but other arrangements would be possible for the right candidate.

Applications or any questions about the position would be appreciated before Friday, 31 October 2025.

Responsibilities

• Draft patent specifications for local clients and prosecute them in New Zealand and abroad.
• Handle trade mark, registered design and copyright work.
• Collaborate with associates abroad.
• Provide professional support and contribute to autonomy within a solo charge role.

Qualifications

• Mid- to senior-level Patent Attorney with experience in engineering-based patent work.
• Ability to work autonomously as a solo practitioner and integrate with an associated IP law firm.
• Eligible to work in New Zealand; UK or similar British jurisdictions considered.
• Ready to start in 2026 or alternative arrangements for the right candidate.

Application details

Applications or any questions about the position would be appreciated before Friday, 31 October 2025.