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Robert Snoep

Partner – Registered Patent Attorney

Christchurch

A patent specialist with an emphasis on mechanics and engineering, Robert is known for his no nonsense IP advice and fresh, energetic approach.

Having obtained his Bachelors degree in Chemical and Process Engineering he started his professional career as an engineer working for one of the old ‘Think Big’ petrochemical plants. He later completed a Masters degree in Engineering Management (MEM), moving into technical management roles in the concrete, nutraceuticals and wine industries.

In 2001, Robert turned his focus to intellectual property law and joined a recognised IP specialist firm, where he qualified as a registered patent attorney and quickly progressed to become a partner in the firm.

He left that firm in 2009 to establish CreateIP and has subsequently gone from strength to strength. ‘Managing Intellectual Property’ magazine says that Robert is an IP Rising Star and CreateIP is receiving increasing peer recognition.

In 2017, Robert was named in the Intellectual Asset Management­ guide as one of the top patent specialists in the world.  The IAM Patent 1000 is universally acknowledged as the definitive guide to leading patent lawyers, attorneys and firms in over 40 jurisdictions.

Qualifications and Memberships

  • B.Eng: Chemical and Process Engineering (1995), University of Canterbury
  • M.Eng: Masters in Engineering Management (1997), University of Canterbury

Robert is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Patent Attorneys, Fellow of the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia, member of the Royal Society, member of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce and member of Export New Zealand.  He is also an Adjunct Fellow and guest lecturer on the University of Canterbury MEM programme.  And, if that wasn’t enough, he is a member of the so-called ‘Assassins Club’, having represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998.

Robert has more energy than the rest of the team put together.  While he may have hung up his sabre, if he’s not running, he’s mountain biking.  If he’s not mountain biking, he’s surfing.  If he’s not surfing, he is running around as the proud father of two.

robert@createip.co.nz

+64 21 422 232

rach2

Rachel Colley

Partner – Barrister and Solicitor

Auckland

Having trained as a barrister in England, back in 1999 Rachel won a bet with a friend and moved to New Zealand, joining the litigation team of a top commercial law firm.

She brings 15 years of experience in brand development, management and risk strategies, anti-counterfeiting and border protection measures, compliance, commercialization, and enforcement, having worked with various sectors from publishing, fashion and entertainment to automotive, pharmaceutical and FMCG industries.

In 2017, Rachel was welcomed as a trade mark specialist to the World Intellectual Property Review’s WIPR Leaders club – where 1700 individuals worldwide are recognised by their peers as the best and the brightest in IP private practice.

Qualifications and Memberships

  • Certificat d’Etudes Politiques (1994), Institut d’Etudes Politiques, Strasbourg
  • LL.B (Hons): European Law and Languages (1995), University of the West Of England
  • LL.M: International and European Law (1996), University of Liverpool

Rachel is a member of the International Trademarks Association (INTA), is a member of, and sits on the New Zealand committee for, the Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ) and is also a member of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.

Rachel can often be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and having lived, studied and worked in France is rather too fond of cheese and chocolate.  To counter their effects, she can also be found twisting herself into pretzels doing yoga or jumping up and down at gigs.

rachel@createip.co.nz

+64 21 997 540

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Dr. Shayne Nam

Partner – Registered Patent Attorney

Auckland

Shayne is the composed, (very) clever one at CreateIP.

On leaving university with a PhD in Chemistry, Shayne started his IP career with a large and recognised IP firm in Auckland where he specialised in chemical, formulation and process technologies. While working in Auckland, and not content with a PhD, Shayne then completed his Post-Graduate Certificate in Law (Intellectual Property) from Auckland University.

Keen for new experiences, Shayne joined CreateIP in 2012, which gave him an opportunity to achieve a more personal connection with clients.  As a registered Patent Attorney in both New Zealand and Australia, Shayne helps clients protect their IP here and across the ditch. You will find Shayne skillfully using the tools of the trade such as drafting patents, prosecuting the same at an international level and/or providing an analysis of competitors’ patents to ensure his clients have freedom to operate in their markets of interest.

Qualifications and Memberships

  • B.Sc (Hons): Chemistry (1997), University of Otago
  • Ph.D: Physical Organic Chemistry (2005), University of Canterbury
  • Post-Graduate Certificate in Law (Intellectual Property) (2010), University of Auckland

Shayne is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Patent Attorneys, Fellow of the Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia, an affiliate member of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (NZIC) and New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST), formerly serving on the NZIFST Journal Editorial Committee.

When he’s not at the office, Shayne enjoys spending time with his young son and daughter. To escape his family you will find him either fishing in the Hauraki Gulf or attempting to propel a golf ball while recovering wayward golf carts from lake hazards on the course. He also likes to justify preserving his modified Subaru ‘TIFFY’ that he has owned for the last 17 years to family and friends.

shayne@createip.co.nz

+64 21 322 435

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Amy Sutherland

Legal Executive

Christchurch

Amy was the first scholarship recipient in what eventually became the ‘Launchpad’ programme, enabling her to both work in a legal office and begin studying towards her New Zealand Law Society Legal Executives Certificate at Christchurch Polytechnic.

Since qualifying in 2003, Amy has worked for several top Christchurch law firms in various areas of law.  However, since joining CreateIP in 2011, Amy has seen the light and realises that IP is ‘where it is at’.  Besides offering support to Robert with patents and registered design matters, Amy runs the practice and keeps the partners in line.

Qualifications and Memberships

  • New Zealand Legal Executive Course (2004), Christchurch Polytechnic

Amy is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Legal Executives (NZILE).

In her spare time, Amy enjoys swimming, four-wheel-drive adventures, pottering in the garden and spending time with family, friends and her beloved pooch.

amy@createip.co.nz

+64 21 492 223

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Amanda Parr

Legal Executive

Christchurch

Amanda is our all-singing, all-dancing team member, providing the soundtrack to the Christchurch office.

She joined CreateIP in 2012, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a legal executive and personal assistant at various Christchurch firms, including a stint working for a large IP firm.

Amanda provides assistance to both Shayne and Rachel’s practices with a growing focus on trade mark work.  Amanda is also responsible for renewals.

Qualifications and Memberships

  • New Zealand Legal Executive Diploma (2011), Open Polytechnic of New Zealand

Amanda loves singing and music.  She has recently begun teaching herself the tenor saxophone, with the aim of playing passable jazz and blues music, and when not in the office can often be found treading the boards with local theatre groups.

amanda@createip.co.nz

+64 21 461 220