IAN COCKBURN BSc (Biochem), FNZIPA, Patent Attorney   Senior Advisor, Generics & Pharmaceuticals Division WebEditor, Manager Marketing & Advertising

Ian joined PIPERS in 2001 and ran the Wellington Branch before moving to Geneva, Switzerland, where he established a satellite office which he managed for three years. Ian has since returned to Wellington.

Ian is a Senior member of PIPERS Generics, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Division and brings to the firm and his clients over 20 years experience in IP. His practice encompasses all areas of Patent & Designs law and includes due diligence, searching, drafting and legal opinion work. During his time in the profession Ian has become experienced in such diverse technologies as veterinary & pharmaceutical formulations, antibiotics, insecticides, pesticides, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and all manner of mechanical devices and sporting equipment. Ian is also actively involved, as Editor of www.piperpat.com and is a prolific writer of IP-related articles.

Before joining PIPERS, Ian cut his technical teeth at Abbott laboratories where he worked for 8 years. Abbott Laboratories closed its NZ manufacturing base in 1987, allowing him to pursue a brief professional cricketing career as a player/coach in Nottingham, England. On his return, Ian joined the New Zealand Patent Office where he worked for 12 years as a Senior Pharmaceutical/Biotech Examiner and Training Officer.

Ian has a number of contacts in Geneva and regularly returns there both in his role as WIPO's Head Tutor of its Patent Drafting and Patent Information Distance Learning programmes and to renew acquaintances with his many European Clients.

Ian is a member of the NZIPA, AIPPI, IPSANZ, PIUG, The New Zealand Biotech Association, NZ Crop & Tree Association and NZ Truffle Society. When not at work is happiest on the golf course, in the garden, or indulging in his love of conversation and watching marathons.

Ian can be contacted by email at icockburn@piperpat.com or by phone on (+64 4) 569-3578