Overview
We represent a spectrum of clients, from venture backed start-ups, research institutions, to some of the world’s leading biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
Our team will guide you through all legal issues in relation to the biotechnology and life sciences industry. We advise on:
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Business formation processes and start-up financing, including venture capital finance
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Structuring an investment in the bio-sciences industry, including any relevant tax structuring
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Application for, or protection of patent, copyright and trade mark rights
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Labelling and regulatory compliance, such as in relation to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms legislation
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Product liability
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Competition issues
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Employment law matters, including executive compensation
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Software development, distribution and licensing
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Research and development collaborations and licensing
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Marketing arrangements
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Undertaking due diligence, including analysis of all issues specific to the industry
- Preparation and negotiation of sale and purchase agreements and ancillary commercial agreements, including licensing agreements, confidentiality agreements, distribution agreements, manufacture and supply agreements, intellectual property licensing agreements and software usage agreements.
Experience
Work highlights
Advising Rangatira
on the acquisition of laboratory equipment firm Bio-Strategy
Advising ZyGEM
on the acquisition of United States based MicroLab Diagnostics
Advising ZyGEM, a biotechnology company specialising in DNA extraction and testing
on capital raising, third party contracts and corporate restructuring matters
Advising AgResearch, New Zealand’s largest Crown Research Institute
on various corporate matters, including the fund formation of BioPacificVentures, a NZ$150m life sciences venture capital fund and on the sale of animal vaccine company AgVax Developments to Intervet
Advising Lypanosys, a pharmaceutical company specialising in dermatological products
on a capital raising from various venture capital sponsors, including iGlobe Treasury Management, Cure Kids Ventures, Ice Angels Investments and NZVIF (Seed Fund)
Advising Aquaflow Bionomic, a company pioneering the conversion of naturally occurring algae into biofuel,
on various corporate matters including a capital raising
Our team
Grant Dunn
Partner, Auckland
Grant specialises in corporate and commercial law and has over 20 years experience. He previously spent six years with the London…
- DDI +64 9 363 0636
- M +64 21 888 812
John Glengarry
Partner, Auckland
Patent Attorney | Trade Marks Attorney
John specialises in intellectual property law and has extensive experience in New Zealand and overseas. John's practice covers the…
- DDI +64 9 357 9391
- M +64 21 678 198
Philip Wood
Partner, Auckland
Philip specialises in providing commercial, IT, telecommunication, media and television/film sector advice including strategic advice…
- DDI +64 9 357 9385
- M +64 21 624 356
Sherridan Cook
Partner, Auckland
Board of Management
Sherridan specialises in employment, industrial relations and health and safety as well as litigation and dispute resolution…
- DDI +64 9 357 1858
- M +64 27 545 9768
Tony Dellow
Partner, Wellington
Tony specialises in competition law and regulatory processes, especially in infrastructure industries. Tony’s practice is unique…
- DDI +64 4 498 7304
- M +64 21 349 651