Pearce IP’s Paul Johns has been recognised across six categories in Asia IP’s IP Experts New Zealand 2026, published in April 2026 – the highest number of categories achieved by any individual in the list.
Paul is recognised for expertise in:
⭐ Patents;
⭐ Trade Marks;
⭐ Copyright;
⭐ IP Litigation;
⭐ Media & Entertainment;
⭐ Pharma & Biotech.
Asia IP’s IP Experts New Zealand list recognises 53 New Zealand practitioners and is based on feedback from IP professionals, primarily in-house counsel and corporate legal managers, recognising practitioners who provide practical, commercially focussed advice.
Paul Johns, Executive, Lawyer (NZ, AU), Trade Mark Attorney (NZ) and Head of Litigation – New Zealand says:
“It is a privilege to be recognised across such a broad range of IP categories. For me, the most meaningful aspect of this recognition is that it reflects feedback from the in-house counsel and legal professionals we work with. Across patents, trade marks, copyright and litigation, our focus is always on providing practical, commercially focused advice that helps clients achieve their objectives.”
About Pearce IP
Pearce IP is a privately owned/independent, specialist, life-sciences focussed, intellectual property/law firm offering lawyers and attorneys in Australia and New Zealand.
Our lawyers and attorneys specialise in pharma, biopharma, biotech, ag-tech, food-tech, med-tech, although our work is broader than these industries.
Pearce IP and its leaders are ranked in every notable legal directory including: Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IAM Patent 1000, IAM Strategy 300, MIP IP Stars, Doyles Guide, WTR 1000, Best Lawyers, WIPR Leaders, Best Law Firms, among others. In 2025, Pearce IP was honoured by Australasian Lawyer and New Zealand Lawyer as a Top Specialist Firm, 5 Star Employer of Choice, and the “Standout Winner” for Inclusion and Culture (<100 employees).
Pearce IP is the only leading IP firm in Australia and New Zealand with a female founder, and is certified by WEConnect International as women owned.
Paul Johns
Executive, Lawyer (Head of Litigation – New Zealand)
Paul is an intellectual property dispute resolution specialist with more than 24 years of experience across New Zealand and the UK. Paul is a seasoned lawyer, IP strategist, and Head of Pearce IP’s litigation team in New Zealand. Paul appears in cases before the New Zealand Court of Appeal and High Court of New Zealand, as well as the New Zealand Intellectual Property Office and IP Australia
Paul is experienced in managing contentious disputes regarding all types of intellectual property and related issues, including patents, copyright, trade marks, designs, confidential information and consumer law. With a background in molecular genetics, Paul has acted for clients across a vast range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, animal health, med-tech, food & beverage technologies, heavy vehicle engineering, fashion, hospitality, and entertainment. Paul is recommended for litigation in the IAM Patent 1000, rated for enforcement and litigation in the WTR1000, ranked for Intellectual Property Asia-Pacific in Chambers, and recognised for Intellectual Property and Litigation in Best Lawyers.