Meet the legal, technical and business experts behind Pip.

Jane is a powerhouse with some seriously impressive credentials – and experience to match. She has (deep breath) a BSc Honours in biochemistry and molecular biology, a PhD in Medical Science and a Masters in Intellectual Property. She’s a registered Patent and Trade Mark Attorney here and in Australia and a fellow of the New Zealand Intellectual Property Attorneys.

Jane has been in the IP industry for over 20 years, working on everything from biotech and biofuels to motors and medical devices. She joined Pip in 2016 and — thanks to a decade of patent experience in Australia — quickly became our in–house patent expert.

After years in the corporate IP world, Jane has a deep understanding of IP issues in US and European markets and a knack for aligning IP protection with business goals. No wonder her clients — and the whole Pip team — love working with her.

When she’s not consulting with clients, Jane is out and about, mountain biking or exploring New Zealand in her motorhome.

Jullion is a rising star in the world of IP law (and you don’t have to take our word for it — check the WTR 1000, Legal 500 Asia Pacific or Asia IP Experts Guide). An admitted NZ barrister and solicitor with degrees in science and law, Jullion advises on a range of core IP and commercial IP issues.

His role at Pip involves advising individuals, listed companies — and everything in between. Jullion is privileged to act for a number of New Zealand’s most valuable brands.

After many years practising in some of New Zealand’s leading firms Jullion has a deep understanding of all aspects of IP protection, enforcement and commercialisation. He’s a trade mark and consumer protection pro with a particular interest in technology, privacy, start-ups and the food and beverage sector.

Jullion is an active member of the Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ), the International Trademark Association (INTA).

When he’s not in the office, Jullion spends time outdoors with his family and friends — or tends to his beehives.

Mel’s international experience gives her a firm grounding in global protection, which is handy in her role at Pip. She also ticks all the qualification boxes: she has degrees in law and physiology, is a registered NZ barrister and solicitor, a UK Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and a qualified NZ Patent Attorney.

Mel lived in the UK for many years, working for a top–ranked global law firm and in–house counsel for multinational telco and entertainment companies. Now, she puts that experience to good use at Pip.  She advises on brand strategy and protection on a global basis, drafting and negotiating IP agreements — including licensing, co–branding, collaboration, franchising and sponsorship — and advising on the IP elements of corporate acquisitions, disposals and other IP-focussed transactions.

Outside of work, you’ll find Mel hitting cycle trails with her family or enjoying the outdoors.

Claire loves the quirks and intricacies of IP law, and prides herself in making complex legal issues simple and understandable for clients. She is an admitted NZ barrister and solicitor, and has an LLB, a BSc in Biotechnology and a Masters of Law (specialising in Intellectual Property).   

Having worked as an IP and Regulatory in-house lawyer at a large agri-technology company for nine years, Claire joined the Pip team in 2023. Her job involves advising on core IP services and assisting with IP strategy, protection and enforcement.

Outside of work you will find Claire trying a new restaurant, working in her garden, or spending time at Whangamata with family and friends.

Angela — known as Ange — is a trans–Tasman qualified Patent and Trade Mark Attorney with a particular interest in protecting, maintaining, exploiting and enforcing trade marks in New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Before joining Pip in 2021, she worked at several other niche IP firms for almost 20 years, building a trove of experience and knowledge. 

Ange is a part-timer at Pip, working around 15 hours a week – and squeezing an amazing amount of work into that short time.  The rest of Ange’s week is busy with her daughters, her husband’s business, and managing her farm in Cambridge. On the weekends, you’ll find her walking her two dogs or out on the lake wake surfing (ok, mostly observing!)

Without Bhawisha — known as B — the Pip office would grind to a halt. A super-experienced, dedicated member of our team, B built her experience with international corporates and large NZ law firms. She’s worked as an exec assistant to a CEO and has held HR, marketing and legal systems roles (sometimes all at the same time).

B's Bachelor's in Communication has given her the skills to handle client relationships like a pro. Her focus now is trade mark portfolio management, where she expertly handles filing and registering local and international trade mark applications. Plus, she ensures that Pip's systems and back-office functions run smoothly.

When B's not hard at work, she's usually travelling the world or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

With a diploma in NZ Legal Executive Studies and a decade of experience as a trade mark executive and assistant, Ashlyn knows her stuff.

At Pip, she works alongside the legal team, helping with filing, prosecuting, registering, and maintaining trade marks here and overseas. She knows her way around a variety of IP and legal software and supports the team to ensure clients protect their valuable intellectual property assets.

When Ashlyn isn't hard at work, she's got her hands full with her adorable brood of four young children. Living in beautiful west Auckland, she enjoys the peacefulness of being out of the city.

We’re not afraid to say it: Millie is the cutest — and floofiest — member of the Pip team. She may not have much in the way of legal expertise, but she still has a crucial role in the office.

As the official mascot and security guard, Millie keeps an eye on the place, welcoming guests and bringing joy to the Pip team.

When she’s not in charge of office security, Millie loves belly rubs, cuddles, road trips and going on new walking adventures.